“Chainels was launched six years ago as a start-up originating from Delft Technical University,” reports CEO and Founder Willem Buijs. He continues: “Our objective was to develop a platform for local businesses. As a result, we found ourselves working for the city center of Delft and for the high streets of Amsterdam. That was how we learned that innovative ways of communicating with tenants were being sought.”
As of 2019, the Rotterdam-based company has accumulated sufficient expertise regarding how stakeholders of retail destinations in general, and particularly how those who have shares in shopping centers, best communicate with each other. This information is indispensable as effective collaboration between tenants, property managers, security guards, marketing professionals, and owners can sometimes prove difficult to arrange. As a result of incorrect contact details, staff changes, and outdated communication methods, a number of stakeholders are often unaware of what the other stakeholders are doing. In order to achieve common goals, everyone needs to be aware of what is happening, when, and why.
Wereldhave, Redevco, and Other Clients
In order to solve a simple problem, such as a broken light in a mall bathroom, between 15 and 20 contacts may be required, according to CBRE. This detail is particularly important in light of the fact that approximately 3,000 issues arise at a retail property per year. Following Center Management’s receipt of an e-mail sent by a tenant stating that a light fixture is broken, an acknowledgment message is sent, which is followed by a request for a photo of the case to be submitted. Subsequently, Property Management is contacted; however, the fact that the main contact person is on holiday is soon discovered. The search for his deputy then begins. … and so the situation continues. The tenant is never in the loop regarding the current status of solving the problem. If the repaired light flashes after a while instead of glowing, the tenant may not report this anymore and may be disgruntled.
This is where Chainels comes into the picture – naturally, for more complex matters as well. The platform provides the tools that are necessary to reach and engage every mall stakeholder. It enables simultaneous announcements to be made to all tenants and creates dialog through the use of news, alerts, promotions, and events. Platform set-up inside a shopping center can be quickly carried out within one month. In addition to Holland, Chainels is also currently active in Belgium, Sweden, Germany, and the UK. Among its clients are ECE, Redevco, Wereldhave, Colliers, and Cushman & Wakefield.
Buijs is optimistic about the future of his business field: “I think that there are numerous market opportunities, especially in light of the fact that building communities are steadily becoming more relevant. Shopping center operators no longer regard their tenants as mere tenants, but as customers. They have come to realize that they have to provide them with certain services. This UK-based approach has begun to make its way across Europe. Our efficiency in this regard is greatly appreciated.”
