As e-commerce continues to grow, traditional shopping centers must adapt in order to remain relevant and attractive to consumers. One strategy for revitalizing these spaces and transforming them into vibrant community hubs that attract consistent foot traffic is to diversify offerings beyond just retail. The addition of attractions such as an obstacle course or a kids’ climbing wall provides customers with physical activity and adventure that online shopping cannot offer.

Entertainment Attractions – The New Anchor Point of the Shopping Malls

The trend of the growing number of mall visitors can be attributed to the installation of attractions and leisure entertainment options. According to the Global Association for the Attractions Industry (IAAPA), the United States has seen a resurgence in mall activity. Coresight Research reported in June 2023 that, for the first time since 2016, more stores opened than closed in U.S. shopping malls in 2022. Sales grew by more than 11%, reaching almost $819 billion, and consumer traffic increased by 10% to 12% compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

How Active Entertainment transforms shopping centers into community hubs

Increasing Foot Traffic and Boosting Repeat Visits

The addition of shopping malls attractions boosts consumer spending by drawing more visitors, especially families with children, and increasing dwell times. In particular, the introduction of children’s attractions effectively allows parents more shopping time. The time spent together in a meaningful and joyful manner builds a real connection between guests and the shopping mall, which in turn encourages them to return repeatedly.

Enhancing the Mall’s Image

Unique and engaging shopping malls attractions significantly boost a mall’s image, positioning it as a modern and vibrant destination. Creative installations with special themes attract more visitors and potential tenants, enhancing the mall’s social media presence organically and attributing to the cross-marketing with retailers

Promoting Health and Wellness

The growing focus on health and wellness presents an excellent chance for shopping malls to add fitness-oriented attractions. By introducing features like kids’ climbing walls or ropes courses, malls can promote a healthy lifestyle while offering fun and engaging activities for visitors. These attractions not only encourage physical activity but also create a unique and enjoyable experience that draws more foot traffic to the mall.

Capturing the Family Market

Family-friendly and inclusive entertainment options are essential for attracting a broad demographic. Attractions that cater to all ages and abilities make the shopping center a preferred destination for families. Millennials, in particular, value health-conscious activities with their families. Integrating active entertainment like a Rollglider or a kids’ indoor playground can attract this demographic, encouraging regular visits.

Cost-Effective Utilization of Spaces

Utilizing existing spaces to include entertainment options is often more cost-effective than building new structures. Installing a Rollglider, artificial cave, or climbing wall can repurpose underutilized spaces within the mall. The Rollglider utilizes previously unused space by being suspended from the ceiling, adding excitement without sacrificing valuable floor space. This maximizes the mall’s footprint and turns wasted space into a revenue generator.

Strategic Clustering of Attractions

Clustering entertainment options within a shopping center enhances its appeal. By grouping shopping malls attractions together into an Adventure Hub or an amusement center, malls create a vibrant environment that encourages visitors to spend more time and money. This strategy increases foot traffic, overall sales, and visitor satisfaction. It offers multiple business opportunities, streamlines operations, and maximizes the capacity by utilizing the vertical heights of your site.

Walltopia Adventure Retail Concepts

Since 2012, Walltopia has offered a variety of attractions that transform shopping centers into buzzing destinations. Our extensive portfolio of active entertainment attractions combines great design, functionality, and capacity. Our solutions efficiently utilize unused or oddly shaped spaces in retail venues, making the most of your mall’s layout.

THE TREE COURSE

Imagine an attraction that’s not just an obstacle course but a visually captivating work of art. The 27m high Tree Course is a unique attraction with multiple functions that enhance public areas and utilize vertical space. With three levels and 96 obstacles of varying difficulty, the Tree Course guarantees thrills and fun for all. The multidirectional layout increases capacity and freedom, while the attractive design turns it into a social media star. The top-level viewing platform, accessible to everybody through a lift, is a great place for gatherings and events.

FUN WALLS

Fun Walls are interactive climbing walls that engage children and adults in climbing and play. They offer an exciting activity that boosts repeat visits, enhances cognitive development in children, and provides a challenge for beginner climbers. Over 70 models of unique designs are available, and the new Fit-in DIY range requires less space and allows for customer installation, reducing costs by up to 35%.

ROLLGLIDER

The Electric Rollglider is a battery-powered roller coaster-zipline that delivers the feeling of free flying in a safe environment. It can be installed under ceilings and around other attractions, utilizing free space above shops and alleys. With speeds up to 40 km/h and a capacity of up to 180 people per hour, it brings a thrilling experience to your visitors and superior value to your location.

Success Stories

El Eden Shopping Mall, Bogota, Colombia

El Eden Shopping Mall in Bogota, Colombia, has successfully integrated diverse offerings to become a community hub. Walltopia’s 3-level obstacle course and an electric Rollglider with a 221-meter track have created an exciting area for active entertainment that sets the venue apart from the competition.

Tortuga Island in Nevada Shopping Center, Armilla, Granada, Spain

Nevada Shopping Center in Spain is a popular destination for an all-inclusive retail and entertainment experience. The center boasts a pirate ship-themed obstacle course and a Rollglider by Walltopia, ensuring a vibrant and exciting atmosphere for all visitors.

Recap

Despite economic uncertainties, entertainment concepts that create engaging and innovative environments attract investors. By integrating distinctive and memorable experiences, shopping centers can secure their place as vibrant hubs of activity and commerce, ensuring future success.
Ready to transform your shopping center? Contact Walltopia to discover how our attractions can create a new anchor point for your visitors.