Heatwave drives 30% more shoppers to Wijnegem Shopping Center

The Wijnegem Shopping Center is drawing crowds seeking relief from a persistent heatwave, with visitor numbers surging by up to 30%. The mall's air-conditioned interior, maintained at a comfortable 24 degrees Celsius, offers a stark contrast to the sweltering outdoor temperatures, making it a popular destination.

“

Customers find the cooling they are looking for here.

Shoppers are flocking to the center not only for traditional retail therapy but also for the cooling ambiance. Sales of ice cream, smoothies, and summer clothing like bikinis and sandals have seen a significant boost. Fans and air conditioners are also flying off the shelves as people look to escape the heat both inside and outside the mall.

“

It's much cooler here, so we're shopping here today instead of in the city center of Antwerp.

Some visitors are using the shopping center as a temporary escape from the heat, with temperatures in their own homes reaching as high as 29 degrees Celsius. Many are opting for the mall over traditional shopping streets, appreciating the cooler environment. A number of people are visiting the center simply to relax on the benches or in cafes, reading or enjoying a cool drink, rather than for shopping purposes.

“

My apartment is 29 degrees right now, so I think it's a bit more pleasant here.

"Customers find the cooling they are looking for here," a spokesperson for Wijnegem Shopping Center stated. "It's much cooler here, so we're shopping here today instead of in the city center of Antwerp," added visitor Lotte Hermans. Another visitor, Elisa Bogaerts, noted, "My apartment is 29 degrees right now, so I think it's a bit more pleasant here." The center is effectively serving as a large, shaded zone, providing much-needed respite during the unusually warm June.

“

I would really recommend coming to Wijnegem Shopping Center because it's wonderfully cooling during these super hot days.