North Hills is Shaping the Future of Retail through Bricks & Clicks
The “de-malling” of America.
John Kane of Kane Realty refers to a trend he sees happening across the country today as the de-malling of America. In this uncertain time for retail—and particularly the enclosed mall—stores are shuttering locations, pausing from expansion, and taking time to read the market. Kane adds, “That’s not to say there aren’t many enclosed malls that are doing well; there are. But the enclosed mall is not the future.”What IS the future, you ask? Developments like North Hills that provide a vibrant online presence married with a sprawling destination that offers unique retail, entertainment, office, dining, and living spaces. These developments are much more likely to be successful because they are not a shopping-only destination. Instead, they provide a chance for patrons to socialize, get fit, work, be entertained, dine, and, yes, even shop.
Shop local and receive stellar service.
An even bigger contributor to the success of North Hills is the opportunity for the small, local retailer or boutique owner to thrive. “At North Hills, we value the local retailer,” Kane explains. “Local stores know what their customers want, they have a relationship with you, and they think about you when they buy their merchandise. Those stores can differentiate themselves from chain stores because they know and serve their market so well.” Store owners who call their shoppers personally when a sale is starting, or shoot over an email when an item has arrived that they previously showed interest in can make all the difference in a patron’s brand or store loyalty. And it is exactly what drives people to the “bricks” of North Hills.
Love where you live AND shop!
If shopping local with retailers who truly care about giving you a special experience wasn’t enough of a draw, a quick visit to North Hills’ home page immediately connects you to their calendar of events. How can you not love a shopping destination that also offers an ongoing outdoor concert series, a farmers’ market, and Wellness Wednesdays suitable for all ages and levels of fitness? Didn’t get enough from the Calendar of Events? Click on News or Offers to see which establishments are hosting events, fashion shows, or special dining offers. There truly is such a diverse selection to choose from throughout the year that patrons can keep coming back in person and online and find something new each time, providing them the perfect combination of Bricks & Clicks!We hope you’ve enjoyed this in-depth conversation with John Kane in this Bricks & Clicks series, where we covered the future of retail, shopping local, and the impact North Hills has had on both. For the rest of the series, read Bringing Bricks and Clicks to Life and Blending Bricks and Clicks for Stores and Patrons.