PROJECTS, TRENDS AND STRATEGIES

NEINVER has begun the refurbishment of Las Rozas The Style Outlets, a landmark retail outlet center to the northwest of Madrid, owned by Neptune, a joint venture between NEINVER and TIAA, Nuveen’s parent company. The 3-million-euro renovation project will update the center inside and out, transforming it into a more modern and inviting space while remaining true to its trailblazing spirit as Spain’s first outlet center, established 29 years ago.

The time has finally come: the new giant shopping mall Westfield Hamburg Überseequartier has opened. The Mayor of Hamburg Peter Tschentscher, URW CEO Jean-Marie Tritant and Theda Juliane Mustroph, General Manager of Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, symbolically cut the ribbon. With the 100,000 sq m mall and a promising gastronomy and entertainment concept, URW wants to set new standards in Hamburg.

Designer Outlet Kraków is set to open its doors in May 2025, bringing an elevated outlet shopping experience to one of Poland’s most vibrant and fast-growing regions. Strategically located to serve both the city of Kraków and the entire Lesser Poland area, this new destination promises exceptional style, value and convenience—all under one roof.

Outlet centers are evolving to enhance customer experience, with renovations playing a key role in transforming shopping into a social experience. NEINVER, a leading outlet developer, investor, and operator, is actively advancing its plan to modernize the portfolio with refurbishments completed or underway across its Spanish and Italian portfolio. ACROSS spoke with José María Escobar, NEINVER’s Technical Director, to learn more about the latest and upcoming renovation projects.

LATEST TRENDS IN ASSET AND CENTER MANAGEMENT

After a successful and dedicated period as Chief Investment Officer, Martin Brühl resigned from his position at Union Investment Real Estate GmbH on April 4, 2025.

DEVELOPMENTS AND TRENDS IN THE OUTLET INDUSTRY

NEINVER has begun the refurbishment of Las Rozas The Style Outlets, a landmark retail outlet center to the northwest of Madrid, owned by Neptune, a joint venture between NEINVER and TIAA, Nuveen’s parent company. The 3-million-euro renovation project will update the center inside and out, transforming it into a more modern and inviting space while remaining true to its trailblazing spirit as Spain’s first outlet center, established 29 years ago.

Designer Outlet Kraków is set to open its doors in May 2025, bringing an elevated outlet shopping experience to one of Poland’s most vibrant and fast-growing regions. Strategically located to serve both the city of Kraków and the entire Lesser Poland area, this new destination promises exceptional style, value and convenience—all under one roof.

Retail spaces must go beyond static displays and generic signage. Montse Ortega states that a well-executed VM strategy orchestrates movement, builds anticipation, and influences purchasing decisions. NEINVER’s Visual Merchandising & Experience expert explains how thoughtful Visual Merchandising enhances engagement, drives sales, and creates a shopping experience that customers want to return to.

The focus is always on the success that can be achieved together: Johan Caspar Bergenthal spoke with ACROSS Magazine about the success factors driving VIA Outlets and the industry in general. In addition to the consistent growth generated by VIA Outlets’ 3R strategy, the former shopping center industry executive cites the close collaboration with brands, something he hadn’t experienced before during his time in the full-price retail world.

STRATEGIES OF RETAILERS

The Main-Taunus-Zentrum welcomes another attraction: a new “Food Garden” opened in the shopping center in Sulzbach near Frankfurt am Main, planned and fully let after a construction period of around 15 months.

Westfield Überseequartier in Hamburg’s HafenCity officially opened its doors on April 8. By combining retail and experience concepts, Überseequartier could become a tourism magnet and economic driver that will further strengthen Hamburg as a metropolis. However, this success is not guaranteed for Hamburg, as there is also the danger of a weakening of the city center.

LATEST TRENDS

The Main-Taunus-Zentrum welcomes another attraction: a new “Food Garden” opened in the shopping center in Sulzbach near Frankfurt am Main, planned and fully let after a construction period of around 15 months.

RETAIL TECHNOLOGY

SmartGifty is a web-based gift card management solution for shopping centers and retailers. Through the solution companies can analyze a number of statistics to plan effective marketing activities and have control over the gift card stock. MASS is a prominent Slovenian client of SmartGifty. By implementing the solution the shoe retailer gained growth especially in its online channel.

The Nordic Real Estate Forum 2025, held March 20 in Tallinn under the theme “New Normal in Real Estate,” examined the critical intersection of technology and sustainability in commercial real estate. Key discussions revolved around geopolitical uncertainties, infl ation, and shifting investment strategies, but one theme stood out across panels: technology’s role in enabling ESG compliance and operational efficiency.

Gift cards offer more than just convenience for customers—they are a treasure trove of data for retailers. By analyzing gift card purchases and redemptions, retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns, which can then be used to optimize sales strategies and drive business growth.

Mallcomm, has announced its completed rebrand to Kinexio, including a new name, logo and brand identity. The rebrand is a mark of the transformation that Mallcomm has undergone over the last 12 years, as the business has grown from a leading retail communications tool, to become a global enterprise software solution for commercial property management.

PLANS OF INVESTORS AND OWNERS

BIG CEE has signed a financing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) worth 100 million euros. BIG CEE will use the funds for its development in the Balkans to build three new retail parks in Serbia, further expanding its network. In addition, part of the funds will be allocated to refinancing two existing retail parks.