Retail designers emphasizing local connections, customer amenities

CoStar: Architect Tipton Housewright says today's retail designers are placing emphasis on having their environments blend in with local culture. They're also thinking more about customer comfort.

"We're continuing to see more emphasis and importance placed on customer amenities and comfort; things that add an experience to the shopping trip that gets the customer to stay longer," he said, noting elements increasingly requested include children's play areas, comfortable furniture, Wi-Fi spots and attractive common areas.

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