(MENAFN- Gulf Times) The threat of oversupply and selecting the right location was highlighted by Mall of Qatar general manager Rony Mourani at the Retail Intelligence Panel Discussion held as part of the recent 2015 Cityscape Real Estate Summit in Doha.
Creating a 'super-regional mall' like Mall of Qatar, due to open in the first quarter of 2016, presented both challenges and opportunities for today and the future, Mourani said.
"There is no such thing as shopping for the majority of shoppers, it's the excitement of going somewhere on the weekend or evenings where everything is under one roof, including a 'fun factor'.
"To provide this, live entertainment is going to be our main attraction and makes us different from all other malls. We're planning major entertainment concepts, including a Cirque-style resident performing troupe interspersed with well-known international acts and shows from all over the world on a daily basis on the Oasis rotating stage lift - the first professional stage of its kind in a mall in the world."
Another "first" for Qatar would include the "world's largest IMAX 3D laser projection system" in the mall's 19-screen cinema complex complete with six VIP screens offering in-theatre dining.
Mourani went on to explain Mall of Qatar's approach: "We wanted to create a full day's experience - from the actual journey and access to the mall with a new highway and interchange being built as well as a Metro station - to persuade shoppers to come to our mall. We wanted to cater to clientele from every sector so there is something to appeal to everyone. It became very important that we had at least 25% of first-time brands for Qatar and that 30% of the mall would offer F&B and family entertainment."
He said it was all about the visitor's entire experience - from easy access to ample parking, mall-wide entertainment to a wide range of dining options as well as high-quality new international brands presenting new designs not seen before - for the mall to create an "exciting, fresh destination".
Phil McArthur, managing director of McArthur + Company, shopping centre leasing specialists for the mall, said: "Featuring daily professional entertainment troupes is a unique and innovative idea that is bound to make the mall visit lively and stimulating. This is something that's missing in Qatar. Mall of Qatar has identified this key element that will distinguish it from other malls."
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.