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The shopping habits of Europeans are undergoing significant changes, which in turn are reshaping the retail landscape. While some countries continue to focus on large-scale shopping centers, other regions are making substantial progress, reveals RegioData’s latest report. A look at the current shopping center density in Europe reveals a pronounced north-south and west-east divide. Even within individual regions, there are significant differences in retail space density per capita.

No other European country has more mega shopping centers than Spain. Of the total 640 shopping centers in Spain, 74 have a leasable area of 50,000 sq m or more. The total leasable area of Spanish mega centers amounts to approximately 4.1 million sq m. Germany, on the other hand, currently has “only” 48 such mega centers but boasts a larger number of mid-sized shopping centers between 30,000 and 50,000 sq m.

Most European consumers remain wary about the economy in the third quarter, but their sentiment is improving slightly, reports McKinsey as part of its latest ConsumerWise research.

According to Savills research „European Grocery Market 2024“ the European grocery sector has a positive growth outlook for the coming years. Improving consumer confidence, inflation slowly returning to target rates and a forecasted rise in retail sales bode well for consumers, retailers and investors alike. In Europe, the highest growth in retail sales in 2025 is expected in the Czech Republic and Belgium, with a 6% increase anticipated in both countries.

In recent years, leisure expenditures and household income in Austria have changed significantly. Leisure activities like dining out and entertainment have gained considerable importance in the retail and real estate sector as well.

The need for convenience and variety has become paramount. Food halls are increasingly diversifying their offerings and have emerged as a perfect fit for the modern consumer. They have evolved into social hubs, fostering an environment that encourages socialising and meaningful connections, reveals Cushman & Wakefield in its latest Food Halls of Europe Report.

During the second quarter of 2024, there were eight new retail completions with the development pipeline comprising approximately 400,000 sq m in the Polish retail market. This indicates healthy supply levels amid unwavering occupier demand and strong retail sales, shopping center footfall and turnover figures, shares Cushman & Wakefield in its latest analysis.

Between last quarter and now, consumer sentiment has turned in a more positive direction, even though most consumers continued to report having mixed feelings about the economy, reveals the latest study by McKinsey´s ConsumerWise branch.

The European luxury markets remain resilient, bolstered not only by high-wealth luxury shoppers but also the return of high-spending tourists to Europe, reveals the 2024 European Luxury Retail Report by Cushman & Wakefield.