Two thirds of disabled people in Europe say accessibility of Shopping Malls prevents them from visiting regularly.

New Global research* by Handiscover indicates that almost two thirds (62%) of disabled people in Europe say that Shopping Malls are either not accessible enough, or not giving enough accessibility information before they visit. Handiscover, a leading accessibility and disability data organisation, is now calling on the retail industry to consider improving Accessibility as a priority now that the high-street recovers post-Covid.

It’s thought that more than 135 Million people in Europe live with a long term illness or disability requiring specific accessibility needs, highlighting the importance of this research for the retail industry. Handiscover believes that if accessibility, accessibility information and greater training was in place across the high street and local retail industry, the EU economy could benefit by up to 25% against current level - that’s almost 196 Billion Euros.**

To help businesses, Handiscover has now developed and released an industry leading ‘Accessibility Standard’ for Shopping Centres and Malls which it provides free of charge to help the retail industry start working on improving their accessibility. Businesses needing help to improve accessibility can sign up for Handiscover’s Accessibility Management Program. The program includes accessibility data management and assessment, marketing tools to help communicate accessibility to consumers, and Accessibility & Disability Education for staff to help the industry recover in a post COVID world.

“Now that retail is starting to reopen across Europe, the industry has a huge opportunity to start catering for all customers by improving accessibility and how they communicate that level of accessibility before a consumer visits. With more and more retail spaces opening their doors once again post-COVID, even small changes to accessibility can radically increase customer satisfaction and growth.” says Magnus Berglund, Accessibility Director at Handiscover.

Sebastien Archambeaud CEO Handiscover said "With roughly 25% people in Europe suffering from some form of disability, be that visible or non-visible, and with disabled consumers accounting for a potential market value of £249 billion per annum***, it is easy to see why a renewed focus on accessibility for the retail sector is needed – both from an ethical and a commercial standpoint.”.

The research from Handiscover also revealed that over 90% of the disabled population said that they would be more likely to visit a shopping mall if they had more information on accessibility beforehand. Thus demonstrating the importance and potential available for the industry.

Interview opportunities:

Magnus Berglund (and Dixie), Accessibility Director, Handiscover.

Magnus has over 25 years of experience working with Accessibility in the Hotel industry and has consulted globally including in New York and House of Lords.

Fatmir Seremeti, Swedish Paralympian, Author and Inspirational Speaker.

Sebastien Archambeaud, CEO, Handiscover.

Media Enquiries and Interview requests:

Alex McNab, Handiscover Chief Communications Officer

Email: alex.m@handiscover.com

Telephone: +45 21 31 44 87