The Kalibrate retail round-up: October 2022

Retail real estate is enjoying its biggest revival in years 

News that retail real estate in the US is enjoying its biggest revival in years will be welcomed after a challenging period for many. The Wall Street Journal said the vacancies fell to 6.1% in the second quarter, the lowest level in at least 15 years. 

With so many brands plotting expansion, it’s essential that retailers refresh their customer profiles regularly. What was true a few years ago may well not be the reality today. Those that take data-led approaches to expansion, whether that’s selecting the right markets or locations, are likely to see the most success. 

Read more on the WSJ  

Netflix launches LA pop-up 

The latest brand to join the immersive shopping space is streaming giant Netflix. Launching a pop-up feature at a shopping center in Los Angeles, Netflix will sell limited edition merchandise from its most popular series including Stranger Things and Squid Game. It promises a ‘multi-title immersive shopping experience’ and as well as the retail offer, the space will include areas where customers can get snaps of themselves with life-sized characters from the biggest shows.

Read more on Marketing Dive 

Deliveroo opens brick-and-mortar grocery shop in London 

In its latest evolution after delivering food and then groceries, Deliveroo is now entering the brick-and-mortar game with its own store on New Oxford Steet., London UK. Partnering with supermarket Morrisons, the store will offer digital kiosks, click-and-collect via the Deliveroo app, or delivery. Given its traction in the UK, Deliveroo will have extensive customer insight to effectively serve its communities. Whether the model will see success outside of the capital remains to be seen. If it does, we could be looking at the future of convenience.  

Read more on London Eater 

McDonald’s to sell Krispy Kreme doughnuts at nine locations 

In the biggest crossover event since Alien met Predator or [insert latest SFX-laden Marvel superhero film]…, the golden arches will soon host the frosted rings of Krispy Kreme’s doughnuts. Ronald McD believes that diversifying his menu with treats at the affordable end of the pricing scale could entice a cash sensitive consumer to restaurants. The lucky McDonald’s diners first to test the offering are in Louisville, Kentucky… we’re already suggesting we relocate one of our US offices.  

Read more on CNBC

The Big Read: Crowds are back at malls, but are happy days here again for brick-and-mortar retailers? 

We caught this piece via Channel News Asia that explores how mall-based concepts in Singapore are reconnecting with their customers after Covid. The piece ventures ‘edu-retail’ and ‘retail-tainment’ as tactics employed by tenants. There’s also a fascinating section on an art gallery/bookstore and how an aquarium store is serving its ‘aquascaping community’, which sounds like the happiest community on land or sea.  

Read more here