NLC-城市的未来：重塑零售业的复苏与弹性（英）-2021.6-52页_14mb

Summary: The Future of Cities

Core Content

This document explores the evolving retail landscape and its implications for the future of cities, emphasizing the need for local governments to adapt policies and strategies to support resilient and inclusive urban economies. It highlights the impact of the pandemic on retail and urban planning, and outlines key recommendations for city leaders to prepare for future challenges.

Main Points

1. The Role of Retail in Urban Development

• Retail is a cornerstone of local economies, contributing to community character, employment, and economic growth.
• The pandemic accelerated changes in how consumers access and engage with retail, pushing the sector toward a hybrid model of online and in-person shopping.
• Cities must rethink their role in supporting retail as a vital component of economic and social well-being.

2. Changes in the Retail Environment

• Revenue and Sales Trends:

  • The retail sector has seen a recovery in spending post-pandemic, but not all sectors have rebounded equally.
  • Electronics and appliances stores, clothing and accessories stores, and some other sectors still lag behind pre-pandemic levels.
  • Non-store retailers, driven by e-commerce, have experienced the strongest growth.

• E-commerce Growth:

  • E-commerce sales surged during the pandemic, reaching levels expected in 2022 by 2020.
  • The shift to online shopping has reshaped consumer behavior, with a growing preference for convenience and experience-based shopping.
  • While large retailers like Amazon and Walmart benefited, small businesses struggled to adapt and maintain profitability.

• Consumer Preferences:

  • There is a growing demand for experience-based retail, particularly in sectors like food and beverage, where in-person interactions remain strong.
  • Consumers are increasingly valuing "buy online, pick up in-store" (BOPIS) and other hybrid shopping models.

3. Challenges and Vulnerabilities

• Certain retail sectors, such as clothing and electronics, are more vulnerable to the shift to e-commerce.
• The rise of automation and digital technologies threatens traditional retail jobs, especially those held by women and people of color.
• The pandemic exacerbated existing economic disparities, with low-wage workers disproportionately affected.

4. Policy and Planning Adjustments

• Flexible Land Use Codes:

  • Cities need to adopt more flexible land use policies to adapt to changing retail needs.
  • These codes should allow for adaptive use of public and private spaces, enabling new forms of retail and community engagement.

• Adaptive Use of Public Space:

  • The pandemic prompted cities to experiment with street closures, curbside pickup zones, and expanded outdoor retail spaces.
  • These changes have helped support small businesses, particularly in the restaurant and retail sectors, and may become permanent.

• Mixed-Use Development:

  • Mixed-use developments are becoming more common as communities seek more convenient and walkable environments.
  • Cities should integrate retail with residential and commercial spaces to create vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods.

5. Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development

• Ensuring wage and workplace fairness is crucial for supporting retail workers, especially those in low-wage positions.
• Workforce development initiatives are needed to align skills with emerging job opportunities in the retail sector.
• Training programs should focus on both hard and soft skills, and help match labor supply with demand.

6. Supporting a Diverse Local Business Economy

• Cities should promote inclusive entrepreneurship to build a more resilient and equitable local business landscape.
• Community wealth building and business scaling support can help local businesses thrive in a competitive market.

7. Emerging Technology and Digital Equity

• Technology and data are essential for the future of retail and urban planning.
• Cities must ensure digital equity to prevent the exclusion of lower-income residents from accessing online services and retail opportunities.
• Innovations like personal delivery devices, self-service kiosks, and semi-autonomous vehicles are already being integrated into urban retail environments.

Key Recommendations

• Adopt flexible land use codes to allow for adaptive and innovative retail practices.
• Encourage a blend of retail operations that integrate online and in-person experiences.
• Create community hubs that support both local businesses and residents.
• Promote wage and workplace fairness to protect vulnerable workers.
• Invest in workforce development to prepare for the evolving retail job market.
• Support a diverse local business economy through inclusive policies and resources.
• Accelerate digital access and ensure equitable technology adoption across all communities.

Conclusion

The pandemic has reshaped the retail environment and forced cities to reevaluate their role in urban development. By embracing flexible land use, supporting economic opportunity, and leveraging technology, city leaders can create resilient, inclusive, and future-ready urban spaces that benefit all residents.