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Retail

STRATEGIES AND EXPANSION PLANS OF RETAILERS

The disposable income gap between Central and Eastern Europe’s (CEE) economies, which are enjoying solid economic expansion, and stagnating Western European countries is narrowing fast. This is buoying consumer spending in markets like Poland and Romania and attracting international and regional retailers to large modern shopping centers that dominate the CEE’s shopping and experience landscapes, while also offering higher margins and lower costs, NEPI Rockcastle’s latest ‘White Paper for Growth’ research concludes.

Architecture, service, offerings, technology, and sustainability—these are the key elements of consumer needs-related projects. Fiba Commercial Properties explains how these aspects are properly implemented and integrated and, in the end, deliver a unique, captivating experience that goes beyond what traditional retail developments offer.

NEPI Rockcastle has delivered a robust performance in Q3 2024, achieving a 12.3% growth in net operating income (“NOI”) to €411 million in the first nine months (“9M”) of 2024 versus the same period of 2023. On a like-for-like (“LFL”) basis, NOI increased by 8.4%. The continuing momentum in the Company’s growth was driven by higher rents and short-term income as well as the disciplined management of operating costs.

Austria’s largest and most diverse shopping and entertainment destination expands its already impressive lineup of brands and tenants, bringing renowned global brands to Vösendorf. The center celebrates several brand debuts in Austria, including the country’s first adidas monobrand store, which, alongside New Balance, enhances the activewear offering as new partners. In premium fashion, Joop!, Scotch & Soda, Rinascimento, and Brax add variety and distinction.

ACREM is the mall management company behind TEG (Tirana East Gate). The shopping center in Albania set a completely new standard regarding professionalism and efficiency, resulting in the Albanians not having to hide behind the Western industry giants in terms of footfall and catchment areas. ACROSS Management Director Reinhard Winiwarter discussed with Elda Hysenbelli, CEO at ACREM, and Joana Korimi, Head of Marketing at ACREM, what mall management and marketing à la TEG looks like, what their customers demand, and why some customers feel so comfortable in the center that they even get married there.

“We need something that is consistent between retailer, operator, landlord and investor, and can be the key behind every decision, and shopping experience is the obvious answer.” Our latest Retail Talk, “Uncovering the REAL Issues, Problems and Challenges of Retail Real Estate”, revealed that many of the retail industry’s current issues can only be tackled if first we solve the problems that stem from within, as skills such as leadership, fast adaptability to the changing market environment, courage, as well as mutual understanding during the decision-making process are necessary yet barely present in the industry.

The challenges facing the retail real estate sector are more significant than ever. Future-oriented solutions for retail properties such as retail parks are urgently needed – this is precisely where the Retail PIN comes in. This newly founded think tank, an initiative of six leading companies in the retail real estate industry, pools strategic expertise and a shared vision: to actively and sustainably shape the future of retail locations.

In 2025, Nordic design and lifestyle brand ARKET continues its expansion with the opening of a flagship store in Oslo, the brand’s first physical location in Norway.

At the Global RLI Awards 2024, where leading projects from Asia, Europe and the Middle East compete, Fiba CP achieved another great success in London by being awarded the ‘Highly Commended’ award in the ‘International Shopping Center Renovation’ category with İnegöl Shopping Center. In addition to İnegöl Shopping Mall, Downtown Bursa Life and Entertainment Center also received an award in the ‘International Retail and Entertainment Destination’ category.

For the fifth time, SES Spar European Shopping Centers awarded the yip.at Business Promotion Prize, which covers EUR 10,000 and exclusive promotional space in the 15 SES shopping centers in Austria, to the best implemented business ideas in stationary retail via its yip.at digital initiative.

The MENA region’s retail landscape is undergoing a transformative phase, with the mall industry projected to grow from USD 808.51 billion in 2024 to USD 1,401.32 billion by 2032. Against this dynamic backdrop, the inaugural Mall Development MENA Forum 2024 is set to take place from November 11-12, at the Le Meridian Hotel Dubai. This landmark event will bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers to explore the future of mall development in the region.

SILLPARK, the largest inner-city shopping center in Innsbruck, Austria, in terms of area, and which attracts over 5 million visitors a year, is to remain fully operational while it undergoes modernization and is enhanced with a very special innovation: in a first for Austria’s shopping malls, a health park of more than 3,000 sq m in area is being built here.