Trees, Not Fountains: How Shopping Streets Can Lure Shoppers During Extreme Heat

Belgian retailers are calling for shopping streets to be made more resilient to extreme heat, as recent heatwaves have significantly impacted sales and consumer behavior. Nico Volckerlynck of the Neutral Syndicate for Independent Retailers (NSZ) noted that shoppers not only buy less during heatwaves but also opt for cheaper clothing, avoiding items like summer coats or shoes.

To counteract these effects, shopkeepers are advocating for "climate-robust" shopping areas that incorporate elements like trees and water features to attract customers. Volckerlynck believes that providing cooling options will encourage people to spend more time in urban centers. "If there is cooling, people will linger longer in the city," he stated.

Climate scientist Hendrik Wouters from the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) supports the need for climate adaptation in urban environments, emphasizing that heatwaves are increasing due to climate change. He pointed out that current infrastructure is not adequately adapted, with a historical focus on winter heating now overshadowed by the urgent need for cooling.

Wouters identified shade as the primary solution, recommending the planting of trees. He noted that in Antwerp's Nationalestraat, which has about 120 trees, temperatures felt up to 10 degrees Celsius cooler during a heatwave compared to the paved Kammenstraat. For densely built areas where trees are not feasible, Wouters suggested alternatives like awnings or umbrella roofs, similar to those seen in southern European cities. He also cautioned that still water features, such as fountains and ponds, are ineffective for cooling and can actually absorb and re-emit heat, hindering nighttime cooling.

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