Back in May, LM Managing Director Neil Hockin took to the stage at Retail Destination LIVE 2025 alongside Alex McCulloch from CACI, to present and discuss the findings of the newly published Revo Future Insight 2034 report.

The session offered a deep dive into the future of retail and leisure, sparking thought-provoking discussion around the challenges and opportunities facing the sector over the next decade. Audience members took part in live voting throughout, helping to shape a lively and engaging debate on the forces set to influence Placemaking and consumer behaviour.

One of the standout moments came when exploring how different economic scenarios could impact AI growth in retail and placemaking. A clear majority – 70% of attendees – believed AI would be a stabilising force for the industry in the years ahead.

When it came to shifts in consumer behaviour, the audience was more divided. 45% were optimistic, agreeing that a focus on “Good, Green, Smart Places” would positively influence consumer sentiment. Meanwhile, 16% expressed concern that an increasingly polarised Britain could risk triggering a downward cycle for the UK’s town and city centres.

We’d like to thank Revo – Retail. Property. Community. – for commissioning this important research, and everyone who contributed to the session. These insights are critical in helping the industry prepare for the future and respond to change with clarity and purpose.

At LM, we believe that resilience, innovation, and long-term thinking are central to shaping the next generation of retail and leisure places. If you’d like to hear more about the findings or how we’re applying them to our work, we’d love to continue the conversation.