Erlebniseinkauf und Urban Entertainment Centers

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • B. Hahn

There are different forms of entertainment retailing. First, the merchandise the retailer is providing can be entertaining. The consumer buys the goods to entertain himself after leaving the store. This can be true for toys, sporting goods or electronics. Second, the merchandise is based on the entertainment industry (Disney, Warner Brother Studio Stores). Third, the stores are designed in a way that it becomes a pleasure to be in the store (Eddie Bauer). Additionally, theme restaurants like the Rainforest Cafes provide retailing as well. Urban Entertainment Centers (UECs) are a prominent location for entertainment retailing. The UECs can be organized in the form of Business Improvement Districts and be located in downtown areas (Times Square), they can be integrated in superregional shopping centers (Mall of America) or built as UECs in suburban locations (Irvine Spectrum Center). The article takes a critical look at these three examples. It is found out that some UECs are not doing so well and that the same might be true for entertainment retailing in the long run. There is no guarantee for success.

Translated title of the contributionEntertainment retailing and Urban Entertainment Centers in the USA
Original languageGerman
JournalGeographische Rundschau
Volume53
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)19-25
Number of pages7
ISSN0016-7460
Publication statusPublished - 2001