RETROFITTING YOUR MALL? PERSPECTIVES OF TENANTS AND SHOPPERS

Abstract

With the target of greening 80 percent of all buildings in Singapore by 2030, the focus had been placed on retrofitting existing buildings to fulfil the target. This study particularly focused on the retail industry, which is shopping malls, as the sector had been identified to be non-environmental friendly in many areas. In recent years, observations showed that there had been an increasing number of existing shopping malls being retrofitted to be green. Yet the challenge of retrofitting existing shopping mall lies in the varying expectations and needs of the stakeholders of a shopping mall. Thus, this study investigates the perspectives of tenants and shoppers towards a shopping mall that is undergoing retrofitting works. Specifically, it highlights the position of the two stakeholders during the retrofitting period and their perceptions of green shopping malls in terms of the level of importance, relevance and demand. This study adopts both qualitative and quantitative approach in analyzing the results of two different sets of survey questionnaire. The findings revealed that while both tenants and shoppers were affected by the ongoing retrofitting works, the repercussions were minimal. In addition, both groups of stakeholder were found not to have a strong demand for green shopping malls. Nevertheless, tenants were observed to be attracted to green features which would improve their net income while shoppers valued green features which would enhance their shopping experience. Marketing strategies, legislation, rewarding systems and education were recommended to help promote a truly successful sustainable retail industry.