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By Randall Shearin With more food-and-beverage (F&B), outdoor spaces and entertainment uses prevailing, retail centers are being viewed by many consumers and communities more as a place to spend time than purchase goods. While goods and services may still be at the forefront of their function, many developers have taken their cues from resorts and parks to understand how to give consumers an experience worth paying for.  “Retail developers increasingly recognize that consumers are seeking experiences that encourage longer visits and repeat trips,” says Neil Feaser, president of RKAA Architects. “Our response is to design projects that support multiple reasons to visit. The goal is to create destinations where shopping is one component of a broader experience that includes dining, recreation, social engagement and community interaction.” Over the past decade, retail design has continued to evolve as dining, entertainment and public spaces become more prevalent features. Programming — in the form of arts events, farmer’s markets, concerts and live entertainment — has also become a big part of the community attraction factor at many centers. These components have become just as important as retail to the draw of a center for many developers and communities. And with retail space at …