Poles prefer shopping centres but streets have potential

The vast majority – as many as 80 pct – prefer shopping in malls. High streets are chosen by only 9 pct. This is only 1 pct more than the internet, which is preferred by 8 pct of Polish citizens. This is according to a survey by Colliers International, which asked the inhabitants of the main Polish cities about their shopping experiences, preferences and general impressions of high street retail. The cities covered by the survey were Warsaw, Kraków, Poznań, Wrocław and the TriCity, the results of which are to be published in its ‘High Streets in Poland – What Do They Say?’ report at the MAPIC fair in the first half of November.

What makes people shop in high streets? According to the survey, as many as 63 pct people opt for this form of shopping just because they happen to be walking along the street. Only one third of the respondents declare that they intentionally choose a high street as a place for shopping. The respondents most often go to shopping centres in order to buy clothes (72 pct) and shoes (12 pct). In the case of high streets there was more variation. There consumers choose fashion shops (43 pct) and multimedia stores (16 pct), as well as footwear, health and beauty outlets (15 pct each). Interestingly, the vast majority (82 pct) believe that shopping centres have had a negative impact on the situation of the retail on high streets.

In its report Colliers analysed the mix of tenants operating on high streets. It confirmed the long-held view in the sector that Polish high streets are dominated by food outlets. In Warsaw the share of such outlets is 25 pct, in Kraków 31 pct, in Poznań 29 pct, in Gdańsk 36 pct, and in Wrocław as many as 37 pct.

The return of shoppers to the high streets is now being observed across the world. This has been facilitated by changes taking place in cities and the shopping preferences of modern consumers. People are increasingly coming to the opinion that shopping centres are passé for young people, but this trend seems to have evaded Polish cities – at least until now. Why? The report states that consumers are discouraged by problems with access and parking spaces on high streets, as well as badly developed areas. In addition, the authors of the report point out that Polish high streets still struggle with a number of problems that make the commercialisation process difficult. These include the unclear ownership status of properties, the appearance of the façades, the low standard of the facilities and problems with adapting them. In their opinion there is also lack of a coherent lease and management structure for outlets located along the main transport routes. “However, a positive trend can be observed. Based on the statements made by residents, it can be concluded that high streets in Poland have some potential. The respondents said that shopping on high streets would be their preferred form if their character and offer were improved,” concludes the report. High streets attract tenants due to the large flow of pedestrians and, above all, the prestige of the locations. This is what is leading luxury brands to increasingly opt for such locations.