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Opinion

PERSONAL COMMENTARIES OF PLACEMAKING EXPERTS

Relentless cost cutting and highly flexible supply chains, sensitive to every change in the whims of consumer taste, are the stock in trade of today’s successful value fashion retailer on the unforgiving battlefield of Europe’s High Streets. At the other end of the spectrum, luxury brands deliver experiences that are more akin to theatre and TV commercials than the stores of times past.

The retail real estate industry today is facing disruption from many sides. The digital revolution has been deep and widespread, generating ripples that include e-commerce, social media, and the rise of technology in every aspect of our lives.

We are living in probably the most interesting and exciting times for the retail industry as a whole. I believe that we are at a tipping point. You only have to look at the two most successful fashion brands today: H&M and Inditex Group.

Think of each of the new challenges you have had to confront over the past decade as a cloud appearing in an otherwise blue sky. From rapidly changing consumer behavior to e-commerce, each cloud cast a shadow on “business as usual.” On their own. none threatened to spoil the picnic. As gathering clouds darken the sky, however, it looks to some like a storm is coming.

Without a doubt, the Polish outlet market is the biggest in CEE, which makes it very attractive for investors. Outlet centers operating there are a great example of meeting current market needs—both from tenants’ and customers’ perspective.

Developing outstanding retail projects in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is a key challenge for developers.

What do European retail real estate leaders think about the future? ICSC Europe recently brought them together in Salzburg (Austria) for the annual CEO Forum to find out. Hosted by SES Spar CEO Marcus Wild, it was an insight into what’s on the minds of those at the forefront of the industry.

What do European retail real estate leaders think about the future? ICSC Europe recently brought them together in Salzburg (Austria) for the annual CEO Forum to find out. Hosted by SES Spar CEO Marcus Wild, it was an insight into what’s on the minds of those at the forefront of the industry.

Ukraine is the one of the biggest markets in Europe with 42.5 million consumers. After a steep fall in 2014/2015, the country’s economy has started a gradual recovery.

Infabode is positioning itself as an information hub for the global real estate market. In an interview with ACROSS, Founder and CEO Matt Partridge explains how the European shopping center industry benefits from the platform.

Il Centro in Milan, Bonarka City Center in Krakow, and Westfield in London stand out from the mass of European malls, says Árpád Török, CEO of TriGranit. The latter in particular because of its focus on virtual reality.

Many criteria must be fulfilled for a shopping center to function nowadays. The experts on ACROSS’s Advisory Board responded to a survey about criteria for success and named their favorite malls.