The debuting conference, held in Innsbruck, Austria, focused on the realization that brick-and-mortar retail formats can only be successful if they offer more than just retail space. Locations that generate emotional loyalty, are socially anchored, sustainably designed and economically viable are increasingly seen as a model for success in competition with e-commerce.
With a focus on sustainability, energy challenges, and evolving shopping destinations, the summit brought together top voices, including Anette Persson (European Commission, DG Energy), Joanna Fisher (ECE Marketplaces), and Christoph Andexlinger (SES). At the summit, experts discussed, among others, ESG strategies, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), and the transformation of retail spaces.
Anette Persson (European Commission) talked about the EPBD and the EU’s energy agenda, Maria Hill (ECE Group) focused on implementing sustainability at scale, Erik Engstrand (SAFE Asset Group) raised attention to energy challenges and connected risks in retail, while Christoph M. Achammer (ATP) talked about shaping entire districts and shopping places. Lastly, retail trend researcher Jack Stratten (Insider Trends) focused on how to turn retail into unforgettable experiences.
Commenting on the take-aways of the summit, Christoph Andexlinger, Chairman of the summit-organizer Austrian Council of Shopping Places (ACSP), and CEO of SES Spar European Shopping Centers, highlights: “In the commercial real estate business, retailers have to be both perfect and imperfect, as shoppers want to see and experience the unexpected.”
This point was further elaborated by architect Christoph M. Achammer, who underscored the necessary planning that comes with placemaking and retail architecture in particular: Consumers all want to be able to shop conveniently, and as a result, we go where we feel comfortable. Good retail architecture gives us surprise, emotion and community building – aspects that online retail cannot offer.”
ECSP is at the heart of every issue affecting the sector, discussing key topics of greatest relevance and importance to the industry, sharing knowledge and expertise with colleagues at a European level. At the summit, Joanna Fisher ECSP Chairwoman and CEO of ECE Marketplaces, emphasized the importance of the council’s work, saying “ECSP is the only council that represents the commercial real estate industry in Brussels. As such, it plays a very crucial role in communicating to political decision-makers the challenges, as well as opportunities that the sector holds, while focusing on representing retailers’ interests at its core.”
In other words, the council’s importance lies in its purpose of explaining the workings of the industry in order to reach a common ground with decision-makers. With this goal in mind, the summit provided a necessary podium to discuss the current direction the industry’s headed towards, and point out current issues as well as their potential solutions.
The summit, which was brought to Austria for the first time on the initiative of ACSP, SES and MK Illumination, laid the foundation for a new platform in Europe. In order to take account of country-specific characteristics and further enhance interdisciplinary exchange, the European Shopping Places Summit aims to regularly take place in different European countries.
