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'Hypermarkets' gain ground in the U.K.'Hypermarkets' gain ground in the U.K.

World Views

David Coffer, Chairman

April 29, 2013

5 Min Read
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For years I have proclaimed the robust virtues of the leisure sector compared with its sister asset class, retail.

The surge in popularity of online shopping has swept through high streets and shopping malls like a tsunami, with only the most adaptable or flexible retailers able to cling to any buoyancy aids.

Yet restaurants and entertainment venues have proved to be far more capable swimmers.

Why? Put simply, there is hardly anything you can buy in a shop that cannot be found cheaper or more conveniently with the click of a mouse from your home or office. Yet, by contrast, it is impossible to replicate online that romantic night at the movies or drink-infused dinner with friends or even just a bite to eat on the run.

So unlike many U.K. com...

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About the Author

David Coffer

Chairman, The Coffer Group

David Coffer is an NRN contributor and chairman of London-based The Coffer Group, a 40-year-old consulting firm specializing in the leisure sector and comprising Davis Coffer Lyons, Coffer Corporate Leisure, Coffer Hotels and Coffer Leisure Investment Advisory.

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