A fast walking lane has been installed in the Liverpool One shopping complex to allow speedy shoppers to bypass slow-pokes. The lane is actually an advertising that leads directly to store called 'Argos.' The high-speed walking lane is a temporary installation and was created by the store that it's promoting. Despite of its temporary installment, the retail expert Alastair Moore believes that 30 million Brits want something like it to become a permanent fixture.
Similar types of lanes have been attempted in other parts of the world -- including a lane in China for distracted cell phone users and a text only lane in Antwerp.
With the rise of mixed retail developments, pedestrian areas will only continue to increase. Millennials however, continue to stay attached to their smartphones. Perhaps designated walking lanes will provide a safe and fair compromise between the two.
Fast Walking Lanes
This Mall in Liverpool Installed a Lane That Can Only Be Used by Fast Walkers
Trend Themes
1. Fast Walking Lanes - Creating designated walking lanes for different types of pedestrians.
2. Mixed Retail Developments - The increase of mixed retail developments and the need for accommodating pedestrian areas.
3. Smartphone Attachment - The challenge of addressing millennials' attachment to smartphones while in public spaces.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Opportunity for retailers to create unique shopping experiences by implementing fast walking lanes.
2. Urban Planning - The need for urban planners to incorporate pedestrian-friendly designs in mixed retail developments.
3. Technology - Opportunity for technology companies to develop innovative solutions for managing smartphone use in public spaces.