Shopping areas, which owe their appeal, in part, to the vibrant atmospheres that are generated by larger crowds, are currently constrained by the safety measures that have been put into place as a result of Covid-19. Well-curated music can be used to fill the vacuum. Arndt-Helge Grap, Managing Director of Radiopark, understands this, and much more, all too well.

Anticipatory planning of natural lighting not only reduces energy consumption, but it also increases the quality of stay for people at shopping centers.

As a Member of the Management Board of the Spar Group, Marcus Wild has been responsible for real estate, the sports retail chain Hervis, and business process management since January 1, 2021. He is also responsible for SES, a shopping center subsidiary, which he steered to market leadership in Austria and Slovenia in his role as CEO. In this interview, we speak with an industry player who has “switched sides”.

The primary focus remains on preventing further vacancies, reports Christine Hager, Managing Director of the redos Group. For the most part, the goal is being met by means of interim leases, for example, for pop-up stores, service concepts, and coronavirus quick-test centers.

Most experts in the European placemaking industry have adopted a consciously positive stance with regard to the recently commenced business year.

Although empty shop windows have always been part of running a shopping center, there are more around than most center managers might like. The good news is that they are opportunities to create bite-sized experiences that support the trend towards “shoppertainment”.