4 solutions to set you up for the future of shopping centre management

In a time of ‘everything as a service’, the sheer breadth of solutions out there make it hard to find the best one for your commercial property.

To help you sift through the noise, we outline 4 solutions that not only make your operations smoother, but also delight your tenants and boost retention.

Let’s take a closer look. 

Tracking performance through turnover reporting

Collecting revenue turnover data can benefit both tenants and landlords. A clear overview of turnover helps measure performance and identify areas of improvement.

Moreover, you might want to introduce a model whereby the rent tenants pay is relative to their turnover.

This may seem like a less profitable option, but helping tenants grapple with periods of downturns can do wonders for tenant retention and satisfaction.

To fully reap these benefits, you need a way to collect, observe and analyse tenant turnover data.

Right now, you’re probably using spreadsheets or email. These standard, ‘traditional’ methods are error prone and time-consuming. Moreover, many tenants may forget to report their turnover on time.

With a platform like Chainels, you can enable simple and timely turnover reporting. 

Chainels makes it easier to keep track of tenants who are behind schedule, send reminders, and request additional fiscal documents to ensure that turnover rents are accurate, as well as request extra KPIs like average basket size.

Understand visitor numbers with a footfall tracker 

Footfall sensors count the number of individuals who pass through a location within a given timeframe. This is usually done through video analytics, wi-fi tracking or thermal imaging.

Footfall helps to understand the impact of sales and promotions, determine optimal opening hours and allocate staff efficiently.

But to act upon the data you receive, you need a way to accurately track your footfall data and understand external factors that might influence it.

To reach that level of granularity, implement software to collect and analyse the data for you.

For example, footfall provider PFM uses 3D stereoscopic counters that can easily pick individuals out from a crowd, as well as thermal counters with an accuracy of more than 96% alongside object recognition that distinguishes shoppers from other objects like cyclists or cars.

PFM also integrates with a tenant experience platform so you can view footfall data in an easy and digestible format, and measure on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.

By sharing this information with tenants, you can help them make informed decisions which lead to greater business outcomes.

Strengthening community through digital communication channels

Communication can often pose challenges for large commercial properties. Operators lack a central source of information, resulting in scattered communication across various channels and a negative experience for property managers, end-users, and landlords.

This underscores the significance of establishing unified communication channels that consolidate all interactions into one place.

Establishing a direct line of communication between centre managers and tenants helps to promptly address concerns and inquiries, leading to a more responsive and efficient process.

Furthermore, leveraging communication to foster a sense of community among tenants is essential: engaged and connected tenants are easier to retain.

With Chat from Chainels, bringing tenants together is simple. You can use the feature to create groups and facilitate real-time communication, making it easy to engage tenants in the shared experience of the community.

Additionally, you can use the Chainels Timeline to make broader announcements, organise events like store openings, promotions, and team building activities, or to send out surveys to gauge tenant satisfaction.

Good communication is critical for maintaining a well-functioning community. Both Chat and Timeline can be used to keep tenants informed about important updates, discounts, and policies.

Solve problems quicker with ticketing software

No matter how much you plan, things can and will go wrong from time to time - that’s simply out of your control. What you can control is the speed and manner with which you respond when the unexpected happens.

From faulty electronics to structural issues and plumbing problems—there are a million and one things that may need repair and maintenance.

Doing so in a transparent and responsive manner will make more satisfied commercial tenants who trust their landlord can meet their needs.

This is why having comprehensive, user-friendly ticketing software is so important. Such software should empower both tenants and property managers to report, track and manage work orders in a clear and stress-free way. 

Luckily, all this is possible with the Issue Reporting module from Chainels. Tenants can report issues seamlessly, and even include photos for a quicker understanding of necessary repairs or services. The module also boasts a user-friendly ticketing dashboard that keeps open issues visible on the app, helping service providers keep track.

You can also monitor response and resolution rates to help identify areas for optimization, and set up automated workflows to assign and notify relevant service providers based on issue types. It provides insights into top reporters, and allows tenants to leave ratings, helping identify blind spots in service.

Additionally, the system facilitates consistent and efficient communication within the issue through internal comments.

Make tech work for you

In a world filled with endless options for improving your commercial property operations, it's crucial to identify the tools that truly stand out. The four digital solutions we've explored here not only streamline your operations but also enhance tenant satisfaction, ultimately leading to higher retention rates.

By embracing innovative tools you can transform your center management into a seamless, efficient, and enjoyable experience for both you and your tenants.

These technologies represent the future of centre management, enabling you to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your commercial properties thrive in the modern age. Embrace these solutions, and watch your property operations flourish in ways you never thought possible.