A dose of nature and shopping: The restorative potential of biophilic lifestyle center designs

This study contributes to the biophilia design paradigm in marketing by empirically demonstrating the restorative potential of lifestyle centers. Lifestyle centers, such as manicured gardens, plants, fountains, and walkways typified by trendy retail, dining, and entertainment spots, represent an expanding global retail design concept. By drawing from attention restoration theory, this research links biophilia design to human health; namely, restoration from mental fatigue and suggests a transformative benefit to lifestyle visitors. Furthermore, a series of experiments demonstrate the steadfastness of biophilia design by exploring consumers' responses to natural elements depending on the purpose of their shopping trip (browsing vs. purposeful consumption) and whether they are paying full or discounted prices. Given the restorative potential of lifestyle centers, this study shows not only the importance of their expansion but also their transformative role in enhancing both individual and societal well-being.