A Third of People Visiting EMEA Retail Malls Go to Solely Eat and Drink, Not Shop

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Shopping centres across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) are now the preferred destination for eating and drinking, says a new report by CBRE.
 
The views of 22,000 consumers in 22 countries across EMEA showed that 41% preferred to eat in shopping centres compared to 10% in restaurants and café's on the high street, and 7% in retail parks.
 
A third of those interviewed visited shopping centres with the sole intention of eating or drinking. Four out of ten then went on to shop even if their reason for visiting the centre was just to eat or drink.
 
90% of those surveyed in UAE and 86% in South Africa rated the availability of food and beverage important with over half (57% in UAE and 65% in South Africa)  almost always ending up visiting shops even when food and beverage is the reason for being there. Slightly behind the UAE and South Africa were the views of those in the UK - 65% rated the availability of food and beverage important, while just under half (47%) would end up visiting the shops afterwards.
 
Andrew Phipps, Head of Retail Research and Consulting, CBRE, EMEA reports, "It is clear that the presence of a compelling food and beverage offer is key to driving footfall and revenue to a shopping centre.  The days have gone when a limited fast food offer or a drab food court was sufficient reason to visit. Now they are a draw themselves and the lure of a well-conceived and excellently delivered eating and drinking experience is what really gets consumers excited."