Timothy Dixon and Andrew Marston
This paper aims to provide a brief re´sume´ of previous research which has analysed the impact of e‐commerce on retail real estate in the UK, and to examine the important…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a brief re´sume´ of previous research which has analysed the impact of e‐commerce on retail real estate in the UK, and to examine the important marketing role of the internet for shopping centre managers, and retail landlords.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the results from a wider study carried out in 2003, the paper uses case studies from two different shopping centres in the UK, and documents the innovative uses of both web‐based marketing and online retailing by organisations that historically have not directly been involved in the retailing process.
Findings
The paper highlights the importance of considering online sales within a multi‐channel approach to retailing. The two types of emerging shopping centre model which are identified are characterised by their ultimate relationship with the physical shopping centre on whose web site they reside. These can be summarised as: the “centre‐led” approach, and the “brand‐led” or “marketing‐led” approach.
Research limitations/implications
The research is based on a limited number of in‐depth case studies and secondary data. Further research is needed to monitor the continuing impact of e‐commerce on retail property and the marketing strategies of shopping centre managers and owners.
Practical implications
Internet‐based sales provide an important adjunct to conventional retail sales and an important source of potential risk for landlords and tenants in the real estate investment market. Regardless of whether retailers use the internet as a sales channel, as a product‐sourcing tool, or merely to provide information to the consumer, the internet has become a keystone within the greater retail marketing mix. The findings have ramifications for understanding the way in which landlords are structuring their retail property to defray potential risks.
Originality/value
The paper examines shopping centre online marketing models for the first time in detail, and will be of value to retail occupiers, owners and other stakeholders of shopping centres.
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Tim Dixon, Andrew Marston, Bob Thompson and Ben Elder
This paper is based on major survey of City of London occupiers conducted in the spring and summer of 2002 by The College of Estate Management, Reading. The aim of the research…
Abstract
This paper is based on major survey of City of London occupiers conducted in the spring and summer of 2002 by The College of Estate Management, Reading. The aim of the research was to examine how eBusiness was driving process change amongst City office occupiers, and how this might change locational and space requirements in the future. This research shows how important information and communications technology (ICT) is becoming in driving process change for City office occupiers. However, ICT must be considered alongside forces for dispersal (for example, transport problems) and agglomeration (for example, face‐to‐face contact), which are creating a potent mix of factors driving businesses in the City. Changes in office densities, created by ICT and other drivers, have important implications for future office space projections in the City. The research shows that caution should be attached to the current office projections in the City provided in the Lord Mayor’s London Plan, and the results also have implications for continued investment in City offices. It is dangerous to over‐simplify density changes caused by ICT and other factors.
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Elaine M. Worzala, Anne M. McCarthy, Tim Dixon and Andrew Marston
Presents findings from separate research projects conducted in the UK and the USA on the impact of e‐commerce on retailers and retail property. Examines differences between UK and…
Abstract
Presents findings from separate research projects conducted in the UK and the USA on the impact of e‐commerce on retailers and retail property. Examines differences between UK and US retailers along several dimensions: Internet strategies, perceptions of the Internet, barriers to e‐commerce growth, and future space requirements. Overall, findings indicate that UK and US retailers have similar attitudes about e‐commerce. Specifically, retailers in both samples perceive little threat or impact from e‐commerce. Second, barriers to e‐commerce growth are similar for UK and US retailers and include fulfillment and security issues. Third, UK and US retailers indicate that their retail space needs will remain the same or increase in the short term, despite the threat of e‐commerce. Finally, both sets of retailers believe that entertainment is an important strategy if shopping centers are to remain viable.
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Gaye Pottinger, Tim Dixon and Andrew Marston
Property ownership can tie up large amounts of capital and management energy that business could employ more productively elsewhere. Competitive pressures, accounting changes and…
Abstract
Property ownership can tie up large amounts of capital and management energy that business could employ more productively elsewhere. Competitive pressures, accounting changes and increasingly sophisticated occupier requirements are building demand for new and innovative ways to satisfy corporate occupation needs. The investment climate is also changing. Falling interest rates and falling inflation can be expected to undermine returns from the traditional FRI lease. In future, investment returns will be more dependent on active and innovative management geared to the needs of occupiers on whom income depends. Occupier and investor interests, therefore, look set to coincide, but unlocking the potential for both parties will depend on developing new finance and investment vehicles that align their respective needs. In the UK, examples include PFI in the public sector and off‐balance sheet financing in the private sector. In the USA, “synthetic lease” structures have also become popular. Growing investment market experience in assessing risks and returns suggests scope for further innovative arrangements in the corporate sector. But how can such arrangements be structured? What are the risks, drivers and barriers?
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Jean Louise Bossart, Sara Russell Gonzalez and Neelam Bharti
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the sustainability of an academic library 3D printing service. Originally intended to introduce students to an emerging technology, the 3D…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the sustainability of an academic library 3D printing service. Originally intended to introduce students to an emerging technology, the 3D printing service at the University of Florida (UF) libraries expanded to support teaching, learning and research, allowing faculty, staff and students to engage in the maker movement.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyzed usage data collected by the library’s 3D printing service from April 2014 through March 2018. These data include the number of prints produced, amount of filament consumed, user academic demographics and whether it is for academic assignments, research or personal projects.
Findings
The data show that the initial 3D printing service users were predominantly engineering students; however, over the four-year period, the service has built up a consistent and diverse user base and expanded the number and types of printers. With grants covering the purchase of the 3D printers and a modest charge for printing ($0.15 per gram of model weight), the 3D printing service has achieved a sustainable level.
Originality/value
UF was one of the first academic libraries to offer 3D printing services and has collected four years of data to evaluate the sustainability of the service. These data demonstrate that the service is a valuable and sustainable asset, allowing students and researchers to visualize and innovate in such diverse fields as anthropology, archaeology, art, biology, chemistry and mathematics.
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Claire Marston and Michelle Straker
Investor relations is the communication of information relating to the company to the financial community; analysts, investors and potential investors. It is regarded as a…
Abstract
Investor relations is the communication of information relating to the company to the financial community; analysts, investors and potential investors. It is regarded as a relatively new phenomenon, which has developed most rapidly in the USA followed by the UK. Traditionally continental European companies have been viewed as more reliant on loan rather than equity funding. However the development of increasingly important equity markets throughout Europe has led to a growth in importance of the Investor Relations function. This paper examines the importance of the investor relations function within the top 80 continental European companies by reporting on the result of a postal questionnaire. The results confirm that many continental European companies have well established investor relations practices and the function is growing in importance.
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Unlike the exhibition of two years ago, Farnborough '94 exuded an air of optimism and enthusiasm for the industry's future. Walking around the exhibition halls, one was struck by…
Abstract
Unlike the exhibition of two years ago, Farnborough '94 exuded an air of optimism and enthusiasm for the industry's future. Walking around the exhibition halls, one was struck by the volume of new technology and developments on display. A full review of the exhibition would fill this entire issue, so I have selected a few items of equipment and materials which I consider to be of special interest to aircraft engineers.