Resizing large areas: less space, more leisure

“Resizing”: a strategic shift for physical commerce

Resizing the re-sizing of retail spaces, is transforming the face of our supermarkets. Behind this technical term lies a profound movement: reducing the size of stores to better meet the expectations of today's consumers.

Once the kings of retail, hypermarkets and department stores must now adapt to a market disrupted by e -commerce, declining footfall and changing consumption patterns .

The numbers speak for themselves:

• Auchan plans to reduce the size of 71 hypermarkets in France by 2028, including around fifteen in Hauts-de-France, with up to 25% less floor space in some establishments.
• Carrefour has already carried out this transformation in China, where it closed 106 stores in a single year and drastically reduced the size of some outlets, now renting some of the space to other players.
• Decathlon is also adjusting the size of its stores around the world, sometimes integrating sports or leisure areas directly into their structures. 

The message is clear: the giant hypermarket model is no longer the driver of attractiveness that it once was .

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Why reduce? Because the immense no longer attracts

Twenty years ago, gigantism was the stuff of dreams: more shelves, more products, more square meters. But today, large, empty spaces are expensive to operate, while also struggling to retain customers.

The rise of e-commerce has shifted much of everyday shopping to platforms like Amazon , Tmall , or JD.com , which offer competitive prices and fast delivery. As a result, physical visits are declining , and empty spaces are increasing.

In China, Carrefour had to react quickly, transforming certain hypermarkets into multi-function centers , where half of the surface area is occupied by restaurants, partner stores or... leisure areas.

Physical commerce is reinventing itself through leisure

The emerging trend is clear: fewer square meters dedicated to sales, more space dedicated to experience .

This can be done through:

• Gyms or training areas (yoga, fitness, climbing, etc. )
• Indoor leisure parks ( trampolines , mini -golf , laser game , etc.)
• Family play areas ( arcade games , VR , bowling , etc.)
• Wellness concepts ( spa, cryotherapy, meditation, etc.)
• Cultural or event spaces ( concerts, exhibitions, workshops)

Decathlon has also taken the lead in this model, with some of its stores combining equipment sales with integrated sports grounds. This hybridization attracts families, occasional sports enthusiasts and the curious , while increasing the time spent on site and therefore consumption.

An asset for leisure professionals

For leisure players, this phenomenon represents an exceptional opportunity .

Large areas offer:

• Strategic locations : on the outskirts, close to major roads, easy to access 
• Large free
• Spaces already fitted out and secured
• An existing flow of customers accustomed to going there

By investing in some of these square meters, an indoor park or a leisure center benefits from natural traffic and optimal logistical conditions . It is also a way to attract a mixed clientele: those who come to do their shopping... and leave after a gaming or sports session.

A bet on the future of commerce

The future of big box retail seems to be moving towards less space, but more experience.

The advantages are multiple:

• Increase attendance by providing an additional reason to come to the site
• Create an emotional connection with customers through memorable activities
• Strengthen digital visibility : playful and visually attractive spaces are naturally shared on social networks
• Maximize profitability by renting or exploiting otherwise unused space

As consumption becomes digital, the physical experience becomes the real added value . A hypermarket with an indoor leisure park or an immersive sports space has a better chance of standing out than a simple sales area.

Resizing isn't just about downsizing: it's about strategic transformation . Major retailers have realized that to remain attractive, they need to think beyond pure commerce .

For leisure professionals, this trend opens up a new field of opportunities . With existing infrastructure, easy access, and a captive clientele, these resized spaces are veritable playgrounds... both literally and figuratively.