Feature Archives

SPECIAL ISSUE “SHAPING SPACES: TOP PLACEMAKING PROJECTS OF 2025”

We present our Online Special “Shaping Spaces: Top Placemaking Projects of 2025”.

Embark on the Transformative Journey of Retail – ACROSS Study Tour to Dubai & Abu Dhabi 2025 /// November 26th to 28th

The Global Hub of Innovation: exciting shopping-places with unique store concepts and forward-looking ideas. The 4th ACROSS Study Tour takes us to the United Arab Emirates.

New Member: Sonae Sierra’s Executive Director Cristina Santos joins the ACROSS Advisory Board

The ACROSS Advisory Board is happy to welcome its newest member, Cristina Santos, Executive Director, Property Management & Leasing at Sonae Sierra.

Europe’s Grocery Retail Market Remains Hopeful In The Face Of Low Volume Growth

In 2025, the recovery of Europe’s grocery retail market is expected to gain momentum. CEOs in Europe are slightly more optimistic than they were last year despite the next few years remaining challenging, with low volume growth and sustained pressure on profitability, points out a new study by McKinsey & Company.

A new meeting place for the people of Hamburg: Grand Opening of Westfield Hamburg

The time has finally come: the new giant shopping mall Westfield Hamburg Überseequartier has opened. The Mayor of Hamburg Peter Tschentscher, URW CEO Jean-Marie Tritant and Theda Juliane Mustroph, General Manager of Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, symbolically cut the ribbon. With the 100,000 sq m mall and a promising gastronomy and entertainment concept, URW wants to set new standards in Hamburg.

THOUGHTFUL VISUAL MERCHANDISING TRANSFORMS OUTLET EXPERIENCES

Retail spaces must go beyond static displays and generic signage. Montse Ortega states that a well-executed VM strategy orchestrates movement, builds anticipation, and influences purchasing decisions. NEINVER’s Visual Merchandising & Experience expert explains how thoughtful Visual Merchandising enhances engagement, drives sales, and creates a shopping experience that customers want to return to.

“PERFORMANCE IS THE DECIDING FACTOR FOR OUR LEASING STRATEGY”

The focus is always on the success that can be achieved together: Johan Caspar Bergenthal spoke with ACROSS Magazine about the success factors driving VIA Outlets and the industry in general. In addition to the consistent growth generated by VIA Outlets’ 3R strategy, the former shopping center industry executive cites the close collaboration with brands, something he hadn’t experienced before during his time in the full-price retail world.

REVITALIZING RETAIL: NEINVER’S COMMITMENT TO MODERNIZING OUTLET CENTERS

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.

Special Issue “European Outlet Update March 2025”

We present our Online Special “European Outlet Update March 2025”.

Frey Accelerates Growth In And Through The Outlet Segment – also with the signing of Designer Outlet Center in Berlin

2024 was another year of solid growth for FREY with a profit from recurring operations going up by 28,1 percent and a sales growth of almost 29 percent to 191.3 million Euros. The growth of the specialist in open-air shopping centers has made this impressive growth step especially since entering the outlet market with the acquisition of ROS Retail Outlet Shopping. An important part of the expansion strategy is the signing of Designer Outlet Center in Berlin for 230 million Euros.

F&B-concept @ Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier: Is there a light at the end of the tunnel – and is it in Hamburg?

“Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier could emerge as a refreshing beacon of culinary innovation and diversity”, states Will Odwarka, F&B-expert, founder and CEO of Heartatwork Hospitality Consulting and member of the ACROSS Advisory Board. He takes a close look at the recently announced differentiation of the F&B offering at Hamburg’s new shopping destination. With this diverse concept he is positive that Hamburg will be able to show the power of food to cultivate community spirit.

New Members: Antoine Frey and Lars Jähnichen join the ACROSS Advisory Board

The ACROSS Advisory Board is happy to welcome its newest members, Antoine Frey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FREY Group, and Lars Jähnichen, Managing Director of the IPH Group.

TOP RULE OF KAUFLAND EXPANSION: THE QUALITY OF THE LOCATION IS DECISIVE

Kaufland’s success story is characterized by the balance between the advantages of standardization within a large group and regional integration. In an interview with ACROSS, Michael Hiese, Chief Real Estate Officer at Kaufland International, discusses the company’s growth strategy, his optimistic outlook, why location is more important than asset class, and what makes a Kaufland store truly distinctive.

SHAPING THE FUTURE: HOW KAUFLAND IS DRIVING THE PROPERTY MARKET FORWARD WITH FLEXIBILITY AND PARTNERSHIP

Inflation, geopolitical crises, and a weakening economy have dominated the European markets for the past two years. While EU economic growth slightly increased in 2024, Germany, the largest economy, recorded a marginal decline. Despite persistent economic challenges, there are signs of cautious optimism: Slightly higher growth is expected in the EU in 2025, with strong momentum from the CEE and SEE regions, where countries such as Poland and Croatia are expected to achieve strong growth.

OUT NOW: NEW ISSUE “TOP TASKS FOR 2025”

OUT NOW – LATEST ISSUE! +++ TOP TASKS FOR 2025

Ingka Centres: Retail Is and Will Be the Core of What We Do!

“We are a growth-minded company,” states Vasco Santos, Global Sales & Leasing Director at Ingka Centres. The Scandinavian-rooted, globally active company operates in Europe, China, the US, and is establishing its presence in India. Its main goal is to create meeting places that go beyond shopping and provide real, meaningful value to the community. Despite the company’s success, especially in China, Santos expresses its continuous commitment and appetite for the European market but also stresses that the local market can learn a lot from international examples.

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.

ACROSS Discuss Ep. 11: Competitive Socializing Requires Top-Notch F&B To Make It Truly Memorable

According to the motto “from insiders for insiders,” we examine the top topics in the industry in exciting, entertaining discussion settings.

EuroCIS 2025: The Most Important Trends And Innovations For The Retail Sector

EuroCIS 2025 in Düsseldorf promises pioneering innovations for the retail sector under the motto “Go Beyond Today”. The focus will be on topics such as artificial intelligence, smart stores and cybersecurity in order to make the retail sector safer and more efficient. Visitors can look forward to the latest technologies, exciting presentations and international exhibitors. In an interview, Elke Moebius, Director EuroCis at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, provides exciting insights into the focal points of this year’s event.

ECE To Develop Gesundbrunnen Shopping Center Into A Mixed-Use Location

ECE is investing in the further development and value enhancement of the shopping center Gesundbrunnen Center Berlin and is expanding the property into a mixed-use location.

HyperIn: Asia Leads the Way in AR Wayfinding

Across Asia, Visual Positioning System (VPS) technology utilizing augmented reality (AR) wayfinding is transforming how people navigate complex commercial spaces. From shopping malls and airports to mixed-use developments, digital navigation is evolving beyond static maps—offering real-time, interactive experiences through mobile devices.

Special Issue “Industry Outlook 2025”

We present our Online Special “Industry Outlook 2025”.

GFK: CONSUMER FEARS AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES — EUROPEANS ARE ADAPTING THEIR PURCHASING BEHAVIOR

The COVID-19 pandemic and the wars in Ukraine, Israel and Gaza have had a lasting impact on people’s lives. Worries and hardships have changed, and consumers have adjusted their spending behavior accordingly. A global consumer survey by NielsenIQ shows that European consumers are very critical of their economic situation compared to the previous year.

ACROSS Discuss Ep. 10: Consumer Demand Is In Constant Change — Don’t Look Back