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THE LATEST PLACEMAKING NEWS

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.

Designed by Medusa Group and developed by Echo Investment Group and Archicom, the mixed-use development Fuzja (Fusion) in Łódź, Poland, is an outstanding project that has most recently won the prestigious MIPIM Award for Best Urban Regeneration Project, as well as its Special Jury Award for the revitalization of a former factory area.

IKEA’s Oxford Street store is opening on May 1st, as the extensive renovation project across all seven floors of the iconic Grade II listed building has concluded.

US fashion retailer Forever 21’s operating company, F21 OpCo, has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in six years, citing weak footfall at physical locations and harsh online competition from fast fashion retailers.

Retail real estate is facing far-reaching changes. Which concepts will make locations future-proof? Which strategies prevent vacancies? And how can a smart tenant mix ensure long-term success? The exciting Retail PIN forum at this year’s Retail Real Estate Congress 2025 (HIK) in Berlin will provide answers to all these questions.

Expecting a sharp fall in profits in the current year, Puma is planning to close unprofitable retail stores, affecting 500 jobs worldwide, as part of its cost-reduction program, shared the company after the sportswear group gave bleak forecasts for 2025 and the first quarter.

Gift cards offer more than just convenience for customers—they are a treasure trove of data for retailers. By analyzing gift card purchases and redemptions, retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns, which can then be used to optimize sales strategies and drive business growth.

Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier continues to set standards in the retail sector by combining a differentiated selection of flagship stores from major international and national brands with more local, individual concepts. In combination with a wide range of food&beverage, entertainment and cultural offerings, this will create a new shopping and lifestyle destination that is unique in northern Germany and offers exceptional experiences for both the local community and all visitors.