Signs of the times along Huaihai Road

Market insiders and analysts said developing a variety of commercial properties is key to boosting brick-and-mortar retailers.

West Nanjing Road in Shanghai is a good example of a place that offers a wide range of services, said Zhen Shiqi, director of retail services, DTZ China.

The street is divided into three sections. The east end offers high-end retailing, the middle part focuses on exhibition space and hospitality services, and the west end houses office buildings. The functions are clearly positioned and realized, said Zhen.

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High streets in other countries can also inspire commercial hub developers, said Zhen, citing Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris and Fifth Avenue in New York.

Xu Liyan, a 26-year-old office clerk who was visiting Life Hub @ Daning in north Shanghai's Zhabei district, said: "About half of my spending in the complex is related to food."

She said the idea of coming to the complex starts with dining with her boyfriend at a barbecue restaurant on a Saturday night.

"If we have to wait for a table, we may wander into Uniqlo or C&A or other fast fashion stores before we eat and watch a film in the theater," said Xu.

"Of course you can order food and dine or watch TV together at home, but meeting here certainly makes a more wonderful weekend night," said Xu.

Education and recreational services targeting youngsters and children are also occupying large spaces at commercial properties. These services also inspire parents to spend more time and money in the complex.

"When I put my boy into a 45-minute English course or a drawing program, I often spend the time wandering around in the building, having a haircut, sipping some coffee, browsing at a bookstore, or doing grocery shopping at the hypermarket," said Liu Zhi, father of a 7-year-old boy.

"This is much more interesting than just standing outside the classroom and waiting."