Znaczenie turystyczne centrów handlowych nowej generacji w Warszawie

Abstract

The development of retail establishments led to creation of its more complex forms such as shopping centres. Nowadays, these establishments are multi-functional. Their users can take advantage of retail opportunities and different services provided, as well as make use of their recreational functions. Shopping centres not only contain retail and service facilities, but also gyms, restaurants, cinemas, medical centres and post offices. More and more different events, such as concerts, shows, fairs and conferences, are organised in the shopping centres. The development of these multifunctional establishments in Warsaw began after the year 2000. Currently, there are eight of them located in the entire city – Złote Tarasy, Wola Park, Blue City, Sadyba Best Mall, Galeria Mokotów, Promenada, Arkadia and Centrum Targówek. These establishments are characterised by their different locations within the city – some of them are located in the city centre and in direct vicinity of the train station (Złote Tarasy), while others are situated in post-industrial areas (Galeria Mokotów) and near residential districts (Sadyba Best Mall or Wola Park). The analysis of shopping centres’ offers leads to the conclusion, that apart from the aforementioned functions, the shopping centres are also becoming a kind of a tourist product. These establishments are currently becoming tourist destinations and spending time in the shopping centres is one of the most frequent activities performed by the tourists. Capital’s shopping centres can also serve as facilities for shopping tourism or congress tourism. Establishments, such as Promenada, Sadyba Best Mall or Złote Tarasy offer venues, which are unique nationwide, for example world- -famous designer boutiques, Hard Rock Cafe or IMAX 3D cinema. On the other hand, Blue City shopping centre has become one of Warsaw’s three exhibition and fair centres, which host not only regional- and national-level events, but also events of international renown.