The sheer size of the International Council of Shopping Centers’ Spring Convention, held 21-23 May, became one of its enduring images.
Spread over three massive convention halls totalling 2.5m sq ft, the biggest stand at the Las Vegas Hilton Convention Centre was that of General Growth Property.
At 2,500 sq ft, it came complete with its own reception area.
This year, the show recognised the green movement that is making waves all over Europe.
American retail developers are keen to show the world that the US, often criticised for its gas-guzzling ways, is changing.
There was also a spotlight on how Las Vegas as a city is changing.
The famous Forum shops at Caesars is still considered the most profitable shopping mall in the country, but new developments such as CityCenter are set to add to its appeal.
While the week was considered an overall success by organisers, some exhibitors did not find the show as useful as they had hoped.
This was particularly the case with the Russian exhibitors, who were new to the Las Vegas convention.
St Petersburg-based Macromir had decided it was time to show the American retail industry that Russia is the next place in which to invest.
But few visitors came to the stand, for which they paid $300,000, and the exhibiting US retailers, whom the Russians are keen to get into their schemes, showed little interest.
On being approached by a Macromir representative, one giant sports retailer asked, in all seriousness: “Russia where’s that?”
Maybe next year, as the number of foreign exhibitors grows, recognition will be better?
One lasting impression, however, is the sight of businessmen in their suits queuing up at lunchtime to get their slices of Sbarro pizza for $4.50, or their Nathan’s Hot Dogs for $4.
Not something you would see in Cannes at MIPIM or MAPIC – only in America.
The following seven pages are a round-up of the main themes and issues arising from the convention.
