MEC was the operator of RemsPark from 2011 to the end of 2022. In these years, the order included the entire center and location management, technical property management and the leasing of around 17,000 sq m of retail space.
MEC as a reliable partner of Kaufland
For Kaufland, the choice of operator is crucial for a reliable investment in the Waiblingen location: “With MEC as center manager, we have a retail expert on board who already knows the location very well and can therefore fully exploit the location’s potential can. In addition, we are already working together successfully and trustingly on other retail real estate commitments within our company, such as the Gutenberg Center Mainz,” says Nadine Sülflohn, head of real estate projects at Kaufland.
“We are very pleased about Kaufland’s trust and the contract to manage the operational business of the newly positioned property,” says Christian Schröder, COO of MEC. “Since we were involved in the development processes at RemsPark at an early stage with our interdisciplinary retail real estate expertise, this is a clear advantage for the subsequent successful operation of the retail location. This in turn secures the investment decision of our partners and tenants. In short: We will then have a well-functioning retail property.” Just in time for the start of the mandate, a new colleague with a lot of retail real estate experience will take over the Rems Park Waiblingen location as the responsible location manager in November. Together with a center assistant and the local facility management, they form the new MEC site team.
“For a few weeks now, various technical and infrastructural measures have been underway for future operational site management. On behalf of the owner Kaufland, all the necessary prerequisites are created until the opening in order to guarantee optimal operation. We are also developing a tailor-made marketing and positioning campaign,” explains Stephan Köhler, Head of Center Management – South Region at MEC.
Revitalization of the center in final phase
The restructuring measures and associated major conversion activities are in the final phase. The last rental areas and the associated construction work are currently being carried out as planned. Kaufland has set itself the goal of further developing the retail property into an attractive and sustainable shopping center. As part of a parallel revitalization, well-known retailers such as Decathlon, Smyths Toys, dm-drogerie markt and Action have already secured space. All new to the location, they will enrich the tenant and industry mix on site in the foreseeable future. In addition, established chain stores such as Deich-mann and Ernsting’s family will continue to stay in the center for the long term. Kaufland itself also operates a 6,500 sq m branch at the location, which offers an extensive range of groceries in a modern store design. The grand reopening of RemsPark Waiblingen is planned for the end of 2023.
