Sunday 18 June 2017

Is It Time We Curated Our Market?


Curating is defined as – “to select, organize, and present (online content, merchandise, information, etc.), typically using professional or expert knowledge.” It is the opposite to ad-hoc organising which, with no disrespect to our organisers, has been the experience during no vacancy times at QVM.

But times have changed as our photo shows (taken in KL during normal trading hours last Friday) and as recent experience, particularly with A Shed has indicated. The look is extremely damaging, but it can, and must be managed if we are to ride out the current retail downturn. And we know what can be done by looking at our night market. The Night Market is a carefully curated operation with walls, and artificial boundaries. Shopping centres are full of elaborate hoardings with “Exciting retailer coming soon” signs. Things can be done.

A number of experienced traders have expressed the view that we must correct our rambling presentation to consumers. Many are talking about doing whatever it takes to create a unified offer enhanced by “buzz” factors (food, drink, entertainment) even if it means moving all top end traders over into J,K,L,M sheds or the reverse, moving all into C,D,E, and F sheds. Neither option is without complications and difficulties, but it would appear the sentiment, and the time, is right for change. What do you think?