Redesigning large retail spaces: less space, more leisure

Resizing: a strategic shift for physical retail

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

The numbers speak for themselves:

• Auchan plans to reduce the size of 71 hypermarkets in France by 2028, including about fifteen in the Hauts-de-France region, 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 leasing some of the space to other players.
• Decathlon is also adjusting the size of its stores worldwide, sometimes integrating sports or leisure areas directly into their structures. 

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

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Why reduce? Because the immense no longer attracts

Twenty years ago, sheer size was the stuff of dreams: more aisles, more products, more square footage. But today, vast, deserted spaces are expensive to operate, while struggling to retain customers.

The rise of online shopping has shifted a large portion of everyday purchases to platforms like Amazon , Tmall , and JD.com , which offer competitive prices and fast delivery. As a result, physical store visits are declining , and empty spaces are increasing.

In China, Carrefour had to react quickly, transforming some hypermarkets into multifunctional centers , where half the surface area is occupied by restaurants, partner shops or… leisure spaces.

Physical retail is reinventing itself thanks to leisure

The emerging trend is clear: less square footage dedicated to sales, more space devoted to experience .

This can involve:

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

Decathlon has actually taken the lead with this model, with some of its stores combining equipment sales and integrated sports fields. This hybrid approach attracts families, casual athletes , and curious onlookers , while also increasing the time spent in the store and therefore consumer spending.

An asset for leisure professionals

For those involved in the leisure industry, this phenomenon represents an exceptional opportunity .

Large retailers offer:

• Strategic locations : on the outskirts, close to major roads, easily accessible 
• Large free
• Spaces that have already been developed and secured
• An existing flow of customers who are used to going there

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

A bet on the future of trade

The future of large stores seems to be moving towards less space, but more experience.

The advantages are numerous:

• Increase visitor numbers by giving them an additional reason to come to the site
• Create an emotional connection with customers through memorable activities
• Boosting digital visibility : playful and visually appealing spaces are naturally shared on social media
• Optimize profitability by leasing or utilizing otherwise unused space

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

Resizing is not just a reduction: it's a strategic transformation . Major retailers have understood this: to remain attractive, they must 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… in every sense of the word.