ICSC Speakers Look to the Industry's Future

SAN DIEGO-Retailers and shopping-center owners need to do more than put products on shelves and hope that consumers will shop. Retail of the future needs to provide more of an overall experience to keep up with other channels of commerce like the Internet, agreed panelists at the International Council of Shopping Centers’ western division conference here.

The job of the retail landlord is to bridge the gap between the consumer and the creative departments of manufacturers, says Kenneth Wong, president of US operations for Westfield Corp. “What are the new forms of relationships between consumers and retailers?,” he asks. “We help bring these customers and creative folks together.”

One particular retailer that does a good job of this is Apple, says Sophie Bundalo, head of retail for sunglasses manufacturer Oakley Inc. The company’s main strength is it ability to reach shoppers through a variety of channels, including its stores and Website.