CREJ - Retail Properties Quarterly - September 2015
Encouraging shoppers to visit retail stores, shopping districts and restaurants, and keep them in that area for extended periods of time,- usually involves creating a unique or appealing destination. It is known that many new trends start on either the East Coast or the West Coast and then backfill into the remainder of the country. But looking at some recent publications, landlocked Colorado isn’t far behind – Forbes Magazine ranked Denver the No. 1 best place for business and careers, and Sperling’s ranked the city No. 3 in best places as a city on the edge of greatness and one of the most playful cities. The question is, what else can our state take away from what the coastal states are doing when it comes to public space trends? Cities along the coasts have embraced parklets in a major way. Parklets are curbside areas designed to extend the public space in front of coffee shops, restaurants and unused public right of ways. They provide additional seating areas and gathering places and can energize neighborhood retail districts. They also are good for business. According to a study published by the University District in Philadelphia, there is a 20 to 30 percent increase in sales to businesses that are located near parklets. Right now Colorado boasts only a handful of parklets. Another factor is the type of shopper moving to the state. Millennials are flocking to Denver and they are interested in teamwork, community and gathering places. So it goes without saying that communal space indoors and outdoors is important. East and West Coast cities have embraced portable tables and seating in public spaces, while here we have fallen in love with connected picnic tables. Not only are these types of seating arrangements hard to get into and out of, they also are awkward to use with the exception of one purpose, eating. Portable chairs and tables are the rage up and down the coasts because it makes it easy for people to hang out, collaborate and gather in public spaces. My thought is, in a retail and restaurant environment, you are either sitting, waiting, watching or on the move. Colorado has embraced art in public spaces, but could take a cue from our coastal neighbors and embrace public space as art. Funky public furniture, unique objects and cool visuals that lend themselves to photo ops and selfies makes sitting, waiting and watching much more interesting – not to mention increasing the linger value, which increases traffic and the opportunity for sales. One area that Colorado, and especially Denver, has focused on is transportation outside of cars. Like the East and West Coasts, we are starting to view walking and cycling as important modes of transportation. But moving between neighborhoods, retail districts and restaurants can be a challenge when sidewalks are narrow, damaged or missing. The same can be said if the space adjoining the sidewalk is threatening, unsafe and unappealing. Perhaps we can turn the tables here on our East and West Coast friends and lead them by creating pedestrian-friendly environments and restaurant bike parking that serves its intended purpose.