BUDAPEST: Nearly 20% of customers visiting shopping centers are going there to visit food vendors, a survey by global real estate advisor CBRE conducted with Median Research Institute in the Pólus Shopping Center in district 15 of Budapest reveals, according to a press release issued today.
“It is clear that the presence of a compelling food and beverage offer is key to driving footfall and revenue to a shopping center. The days have gone when a limited fast food offer or a drab food court was sufficient reason to visit. Now they are a draw themselves and the lure of a well-conceived and excellently delivered eating and drinking experience is what really gets consumers excited,” Andrew Phipps, Head of Retail Research and Consulting, CBRE, EMEA said.
Researches proved that food courts’ supply, comfort and cleanliness have significant importance for visitors, the press release noted. Therefore, Pólus paid special attention to refurbishing the environment of its food court and the ice rink, located in the central area of the mall, according to the press release.
“We refurbished the facade of the restaurants and cafés, changed the tiles and modernized the furniture, providing a brand new atmosphere to this part of the mall. During the refurbishment works we rebuilt the entrance of Pólus Cinema and moved it to the neighborhood of the restaurants. As a result, the food court became much more transparent and comfortable, with increased seating capacity. Following the refurbishment, we welcomed new tenants such as Salad Box to the food court that chose Pólus Center for its first location in Hungary.
