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credit: FREY

FREY Group accelerates in Europe: Five Italian premium outlet villages join ROS Retail Outlet Shopping’s portfolio

French retail real estate group FREY has cemented its position among Europe’s top three outlet operators with a €410 million acquisition of three flagship shopping villages in Italy. Backed by a €650 million strategic partnership with Cale Street, the deal brings Franciacorta (Lombardy), Valdichiana (Tuscany), and Palmanova (near Trieste) under FREY’s umbrella, adding 90,000 sq m of retail space and 11 million annual visitors to its portfolio.

credit: MK ILLUMINATION

BETWEEN DISCOUNT AND LUXURY: WHY RETAIL DESTINATIONS NOW DEPEND ON EMOTION – AND HOW LIGHT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

The retail world is undergoing radical realignment. Discounters thrive through efficiency. Luxury brands shine with immersive storytelling. In between, the middle market is eroding. Locations that don’t tell a compelling story are losing relevance. MK Illumination sees this polarization not as a crisis, but as a creative opportunity. Where emotion enters the equation, value returns – and light is the most powerful medium for creating that emotional connection.

credit: HyperIn

PEOPLE POWER: THE UNTAPPED ESG VALUE IN RETAIL REAL ESTATE

ESG is everywhere in commercial real estate – on investor slides, in procurement tenders, in board-level commitments. However, while the environmental and governance pillars are well-institutionalized, the social side often remains vague, difficult to quantify, and harder to activate. That gap caught my attention, states Jean Carlos Delgado, Brand and Marketing Director, HyperIn Inc.

credit: Fiba

BEYOND THE MID-MARKET SEGMENT: HOW FIBA CP NAVIGATES THE GLOBAL RETAIL DIVIDE

Retail is no longer defined by the mid-market segment. Across the globe, a growing divide is reshaping the sector: Luxury brands are thriving on exclusivity and immersive experiences, while discount retailers are rapidly expanding through pricing power and operational scale. Mid-market players – the dependable heart of shopping centers – are being squeezed out, explains Yurdaer Kahraman, CEO and Board Member of Fiba Commercial Properties.

credit: Eurofund

GRADUAL CHANGE: THE NEW MID-RANGE BETWEEN LUXURY AND DISCOUNT CONCEPTS

From the rummage table to the feel-good factor: Discount concepts are no longer stigmatized, and luxury concepts are booming. That’s not to say that mid-range concepts are disappearing, but if you want to survive somewhere between the two poles, you’d better deliver. In an interview with ACROSS, Olaf Ley, CEO of Germany Retail at Eurofund, describes the most important changes in consumer behavior in recent years and provides insight into the developments concerning the Rhein-Ruhr Zentrum (RRZ) in Mülheim, Germany, as well as Eurofund’s expansion plans.

Credit: MIOMIR MILIĆ

MERCATOR CENTER BELGRADE: STEADY GROWTH, LOCAL  RELEVANCE, AND A PROVEN URBAN LIFESTYLE MODEL

In a market flooded with mega malls and flashy upgrades, Mercator Center Belgrade is quietly setting a new standard. With a focus on community relevance, practical offerings, and steady modernization, this urban retail hub proves that consistency, not spectacle, drives real success. Jovan Ćirić, Retail Leasing Director at MPC Properties, explains why this neighborhood favorite may be Belgrade’s most future-ready shopping center.

credit: SES

“RETAIL’S CORE FUNCTION IS CURATION”

The demands placed on brick-and-mortar retailers have intensified significantly: Experiences, clear positioning, and top-quality levels are no longer optional, but mandatory. “Only those who provide a sense of clarity stand a chance of survival.” Christoph Andexlinger, CEO of SES Spar European Shopping Centers, speaks with ACROSS about the realignment of traditional shopping centers, the power of regional retailers, and why mid-range segment retailers will only have a future, if they are uncomprisingly clearly positioned.

credit: Kaufland

SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN: HOW KAUFLAND IS FUTUREPROOFING ITS STORES WITH EDGE CERTIFICATION

EDGE certification is a key part of Kaufland’s bold plan to slash CO₂ emissions across its vast real estate portfolio. From triple glazing to heat recovery systems, Dominik Uhe, Head of Investor Relationship Management at Kaufland International describes how a data-driven approach is transforming Kaufland’s properties into models of green retail – and why Kaufland believes sustainability starts with the building itself.

credit: Redevco

THE EVOLVING RETAIL LANDSCAPE: NAVIGATING POLARIZATION THROUGH WELLBEING, SUSTAINABILITY, AND COMMUNITY

The retail landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift, influenced by the increasing demand for health, well-being, and sustainability from both tenants and the wider community, alongside the growing polarization of the market. The most successful retail transformations are those that adapt to these dual forces by prioritizing the creation of healthy and sustainable environments, catering to a range of tenant and community needs. This necessitates a thorough understanding of their intricate interplay and a proactive approach to development and asset management.

NO ROOM FOR MEDIOCRITY: HOW RETAIL POLARIZATION IS RESHAPING THE SHOPPING LANDSCAPE

A quiet but profound shift is transforming the retail industry across Europe: while luxury and discount segments thrive, many mid-tier retailers—once considered the backbone of the high street and shopping centers—are struggling to stay afloat. This growing polarization is not merely a passing trend; it is a structural shift that reflects changing consumer behaviors, economic realities, and the need for clear market positioning. But if you take a closer look, you will see that it is not the middle that is dying, but only mediocrity. What is emerging is a new middle ground between luxury and discount, determined by one thing alone: relevance.

credit: Takko Fashion

TAKKO FASHION: “WE DELIVER RELIABILITY FOR CUSTOMERS AND LANDLORDS”

The coronavirus pandemic, in particular, has shown retail real estate operators who is a reliable rental partner, says Oleg Krüger, Senior Director of Expansion at Takko Fashion. The discount fashion retailer is growing against the market trend and is pursuing ambitious growth targets. In an interview with ACROSS, Krüger explains the new role of discounters in European retail and how Takko is positioning itself strategically in a polarized retail landscape.

credit: IPH/BBE

THE “MID-RANGE SEGMENT” AS SUCH IS NOT DYING – BUT “MEDIOCRITY” IS

Consumer behavior is changing: Price awareness meets experience, and higher quality is in demand. Between premium concepts that offer high levels of experience and the successful formats found in the discount sector, there is less and less room for what has long been known as the “mid-range segment”. ACROSS spoke to Lars Jähnichen, Managing Director of the IPH Gruppe, and Dr. Johannes Berentzen, Managing Director of BBE Handelsberatung, about the causes, effects, and opportunities associated with this development – with a focus on consumer behavior, space requirements, and the impact on locations and the real estate industry.

Marcus Wild is a Member of the Executive Board of SPAR Group Austria /// credit: IMAGE: PETER OSWALD

ACTIVE PARTNERSHIPS WITHIN THE SHOPPING CENTER BUSINESS: WE HAVE TO BE OPEN TO ADDRESSING THE CORE AREAS OF SOCIETAL CONCERN

SPAR subsidiary SES – Spar European Shopping Centers and, more specifically, its responsible SPAR Executive Board Member Marcus Wild, the Founder and long-standing CEO of the company, are the pioneers of numerous innovations within the industry. While it is rooted in retail, that’s not the only reason why the company has always relied on partnerships – with retailers at its shopping centers and, more increasingly, with new players outside the traditional retail scene. As a result of a joint venture concluded in the summer, health parks will be operated by SES at selected shopping centers in the future. ACROSS Managing Director Reinhard Winiwarter spoke with Marcus Wild about the long-term benefits of such partnerships, their impact on the future of shopping centers, and why thinking outside the box is always worthwhile.

“THERE IS A VIABLE SOLUTION FOR EVERY PROPERTY”

In an interview with ACROSS, Joachim Stumpf, Managing Director of BBE Holding and IPH Handelsimmobilien, analyzes the role of retail real estate in light of the current economic and social situation. His conclusion: “Advancing polarization is a key issue when it comes to discussing what options we have to counter the transformation in retail. Against that backdrop, we also need to rethink retail and locations. Despite all of the challenges, good and individual types of use can be found for all properties – but getting there can be painful.”

“RETAIL REAL ESTATE WILL REMAIN A SIGNIFICANT PORTFOLIO COMPONENT OF FINANCIAL INVESTORS”

Retail real estate is back on the menu and continues to qualify as a significant portfolio component in the portfolios of institutional real estate investors, says Steffen Hofmann, Managing Partner at ambas. Even very large assets have proven eligible for transactions in the challenging investment market environment. Therefore, he is rather optimistic about the upcoming months. In this interview, he takes a look at the 2025 investment market.

Outlet Village Sofia design (left), Stoyan Kolev, CEO of Trinity Capital (right). /// credit: Trinity Capital, Atelier Serafimov Architects

TRINITY CAPITAL BULGARIA: “WE ARE DEVELOPING NOT ONLY AN OUTLET, BUT A POWER-SHOPPING DESTINATION”

Trinity Capital is one of Bulgaria’s most prominent developers and owners of retail real estate. After developing retail parks and acquiring shopping centers, the company is now entering the market for designer outlets and planning Bulgaria’s first outlet village in Sofia, which will be in the direct vicinity of the largest retail park in the Balkans, which belongs to Trinity as well. Stoyan Kolev, CEO of Trinity Capital, explains why Bulgaria is ready for an outlet, his plans for the location, why the combination of outlet and retail park makes sense, and why entertainment and gastronomy are essential keys to more footfall.

Jurij Triller, CEO of Smart Octopus Solutions.

Shopping Center Gift Cards: Personalization Meets Profitability

Jurij Triller is the CEO of Smart Octopus Solutions. Together with a co-founder, he has developed a smart gift card solution that offers a closed loop to customers and partners, unlike comparable products. He talks to ACROSS about the advantages of being independent from a major player like Visa or Mastercard, what data insights he can ensure as a result, and why personalization and customization are key.

credit: IPH Handelsimmobilien GmbH///Heuer Dialog

“There is a viable solution for every property”

In an interview with ACROSS, Joachim Stumpf, Managing Director of BBE Holding and IPH Handelsimmobilien, analyzes the role of retail real estate in light of the current economic and social situation. His conclusion: “The advancing polarization is a key issue when we discuss what options we have to counter the transformation in retail. Against this backdrop, we also need to rethink retail and locations. Despite all the challenges, good and individual types of use can be found for all properties – but getting there can be painful.”

credit: Kinexio

The retail renaissance: A new approach

Over the past couple of years, it has become evident that retail is seeing a significant resurgence. This is across shopping centers, large destination indoor malls, and retail parks and outlets, explains Mark Bruce, Data & Insights Director at Mallcomm. While some may have dismissed the retail sector, others have recognized that despite some challenges, there is a great opportunity.

Steffen Eric Friedlein is Managing Director Leasing at ECE Marketplaces /// credit: ECE Marketplaces

THE FUNDAMENTAL CONDITION FOR SUCCESS IN RETAIL:  NO STANDSTILL.

Steffen Eric Friedlein is Managing Director Leasing Services at ECE Market places and, as such, is a member of the prestigious MAPIC Awards jury. In an interview with ACROSS, the manager talks about why positive examples are more important than ever, especially in economically challenging times, what constitutes outstanding performance in the retail real estate industry, and how he and his team implement the principle of excellence across the ECE portfolio.

Norbert Scheele /// credit: C&A

RETAIL OFFERS AN ATTRACTIVE WORK ENVIRONMENT – THAT REALITY NEEDS TO BE BETTER COMMUNICATED!

Norbert W. Scheele has worked for C&A in various functions and countries for more than 40 years. Not only does he have four decades of first-hand experience dealing with change in the retail sector, he has also overseen the expansion into Eastern Europe. At a time when the mood in the world of retail is more divergent than ever between the East and the West, when the middle segment is shrinking in favor of luxury and discount stores and consumers as well as employees seem to have become more and more demanding, it is all the more worthwhile to take a look at the situation and the development of retail in Austria and Europe with an experienced retail expert like Norbert W. Scheele. For 6 years he is as well vice president of the Austrian retail association.

Filip Vojtech, Retail Expert, GfK. /// credit: GfK

LUXEMBOURGERS HAVE THE MOST MONEY TO SPEND ON RETAIL

The average retail purchasing power in Europe is 6,517 euros per capita. However, there are significant differences among the 25 analyzed European countries: At 12,067 euros per capita, Luxembourgers have the most money to spend in the retail sector. Romania, on the other hand, has the lowest retail spending potential. There are also strong regional differences within the respective countries. These are some of the results of the newly released GfK study on retail purchasing power in Europe.

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