New system evaluates international commercial districts

An evaluation system for international commercial districts were released during the 2019 Forbes China Jing’an Nanjing Road Forum, held on Wednesday.

A top commercial district should offer high-quality shopping, gather various businesses, introduce new brands and hold events combining culture and commerce.

It should be encoded with local DNA, feature local characteristics, and have people-friendly designs. Also, it is important to use Internet of Things for the convenience of shoppers, according to the system led by Lu Xiongwen, head of School of Management at Fudan University.

“A top commercial district is actually a commercial ecosystem and a place to demonstrate lifestyles, instead of relying on low prices to attract people,” he said. “It should combine retailing, eating, art and culture.”

Jing’an features more than 2,000 brands from home and abroad, and many luxury brands have chosen Jing’an to set up their flagship stores. Meanwhile, it seeks cooperation with the world’s renowned commercial streets.

“We went to Milan in September and signed a strategic cooperation in fashion, art and culture,” said Yu Yong, director of Jing’an.