Retail

STRATEGIES AND EXPANSION PLANS OF RETAILERS

The shopping malls managed by SES Spar European Shopping Centers (SES) once again exceeded the excellent performance of the previous year in 2024: The retailers, restaurants and service providers in the SES malls generated gross sales revenue of 3.54 billion euros in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of 6.5% compared to 2023, meaning that the SES centers in Austria and Slovenia outperformed the market as a whole.

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.

PIER 14 stands for fashion, lifestyle and culinary delights on the Baltic coast. The concept store brand offers guests an experience that goes far beyond ordinary shopping and dining. Previously, their concept store in Zinnowitz was named Store of the Year in 2015 and 2018 (Fashion category) by the German Retail Association. Now, the brand has won its Store of the Year Award for the third time, awarding the “Strandterasse” (beach terrace) in Ahlbeck, Germany in the concept store category.

The 2025 travel season is picking up speed and the ALEXA at Berlin’s Alexanderplatz is already seeing a significant increase in international visitors. The shopping center, which is owned by Union Investment and managed by Sonae Sierra is benefiting greatly from the ongoing recovery in Berlin tourism after the pandemic. With targeted concepts for national and international guests, ALEXA is consolidating its position as a premium destination at Alexanderplatz.

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.

The multisports specialist Decathlon and the department store chain GALERIA announced a strategic cooperation that aims to change the retail sector in Germany in the long term. As part of this cooperation, Decathlon is opening new stores at several GALERIA locations throughout Germany.

Austria’s largest shopping center kicked off the spring season with two special events. For the first time, Westfield Shopping City Süd teamed up with STYLE UP YOUR LIFE! for the Westfield Club Shopping Night, where selected stores offered extended opening hours exclusively for Westfield Club members. Immediately afterwards, all fashion enthusiasts had the opportunity to discover the latest trends of the season at the Colorful Spring Days.

Following non-food discounter Action’s positive results in net sales growth and successful expansion strategy last year, the retailer is aiming for further market entries in 2025.

Over the past twelve months, there has been significant progress toward sustainability in the European shopping center landscape. According to the latest RegioData analysis, a clear trend has emerged: an increase in environmental certifications and a decline in non-certified buildings. This not only highlights the transformation in the construction industry but also underscores the growing importance of ecological standards.

Hamburg is preparing for its new shopping highlight with the opening date of the Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier on April 8 being just around the corner. In combination with a wide range of gastronomy, entertainment and cultural offerings, the official opening of the center will establish a new shopping and lifestyle destination that is unique in northern Germany and offers exceptional experiences for both the local community and all visitors.

Retail outlet centres have seen a significant leap in retail and leisure brand growth in the past years with general sector growth set to continue, according to the Ken Gunn European Outlet Industry Review which ranks Europe’s top performing outlet centres and brands as well as the most improved.