Trends in Retail Flooring: Competition for consumers drives business

CHICAGO - July 16, 2024 - PRLog -- For decades, consumers primarily shopped in malls and retail centers. Recently, developers have shifted to offering comprehensive consumer experiences, creating destinations where people can live, work, play, and shop. Successful developments now feature high-end retail options and luxurious building materials, with individual retailers demanding high-end flooring to differentiate their brands.

Shifts in Shopping

In the 1950s, expanded car ownership led workers to suburban areas, and shopping centers followed. By the late 20th century, shoppers frequented large enclosed malls with department stores and numerous smaller shops, limited to food courts, arcades, and movie theaters for dining and entertainment. The advent of the Internet and mobile devices changed consumer habits, enabling shopping anytime and causing mall traffic to decline.

To attract consumers back, developers began creating more comprehensive consumer experiences, transforming shopping centers into mixed-use developments or lifestyle centers that include dining, entertainment, hotels, offices, and residential spaces. Open-air centers emerged, consisting of shops, restaurants, and venues opening onto sidewalks or courtyards, which are cheaper to operate than enclosed malls. Modern enclosed malls now incorporate non-retail amenities like full-service restaurants, entertainment venues, children's play areas, seating areas, and charging stations for mobile devices.

Mall Design and Flooring

Flooring is a significant expense in mall renovations. Historically, common areas in malls used terrazzo, but its high cost and limited design options have led to the rise of porcelain tile. Porcelain tile is durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean. Mixed materials are also popular, with designers using a variety of materials to create interest and delineate areas. Lighter tiles in common areas reflect light, making spaces feel larger and brighter, while neutral flooring colors are complemented by bolder furniture colors.

Matching Tiles No Longer Available

For older malls, finding matching tiles for replacements can be challenging since many are no longer available. Companies like One Stone World Inc. reproduce and match existing tiles, providing a cost-effective solution to replace broken or worn-out tiles while preserving the mall's original look. www.one-stone-world.com