Sports Simulator, a provider of advanced leisure simulators, has revealed statistics that explore the current state of retail and the partial transition to leisure in physical commerce locations.
The retail landscape has changed considerably over the last few decades, with online sites accounting for as much as 40% of retail purchases last year. The figure contrasts with the mid-noughties, where online retail only accounted for 5% of all retail in 2005.
Shoppers, who were once hesitant internet consumers, now form part of the growing percentage of online shoppers enjoying the convenience of direct deliveries and “click and collect” alongside other benefits of internet shopping including more choice, exclusive savings and flexibility from household names.
Advancements in home electronics have had an impact on traditional leisure offerings such as theatres and cinemas, with families increasingly turning to online streaming services. Streaming platforms such as Disney+ and Netflix have seen their subscription numbers accelerated by the pandemic, as a more private and cost-effective alternative for consumers.
With some commentators announcing the death knell for traditional High Streets and shopping centres, the retail experience is finding it needs to evolve to provide products and services that complement retail stores, which cannot be recreated to the same standard at home.
Popular sports
Recent research with a randomly selected sample indicated that when asked which sport they follow, play or support, 3% will state golf. The figure from any sport combined increases the percentage to 63%, increasing the number of potential customers by a multiple of over twenty.
To cater for modern trends and encourage footfall, shopping malls and retail complexes are converting empty retail space into new leisure areas, generating additional revenue for investors and landlords.
According to Sports Simulator, some cinema chains are also converting underused screens into Sports Entertainment Centres (SECs) at minimal cost, maximising their existing amenities and infrastructure.
Simulators are also seeing their benefits utilised in other arenas, such as traditional sporting attractions.
By converting indoor golf centres into SECs, operators are able to turn what can be a five-month seasonal enterprise into a year-round alternative.
Sports Simulator offers products comprising over 50 popular sports, with more than 1,000 challenges to participate in at over 2,800 virtual sporting venues. Suited to all audiences, shoppers and destination visitors can enjoy shooting, racing, golf and flight simulators in more environments than before.
More information about Sports Simulators can be found on the company’s website.
Last month, Alhasan Kaabous Alzaabi, VP of operations at Farah Experiences, examined trends and technological advances in-depth that are set to shape the visitor attraction industry this year.
