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Opinion

PERSONAL COMMENTARIES OF PLACEMAKING EXPERTS

A lot has changed in modern mainstream cinema over the last years. Digital technology replaced the old 35mm film projection. This was not just a big leap in terms of quality, it also revolutionized the content spectrum that can be shown in cinema auditoriums.

In these uncertain times, it is no surprise that consumers are being more savvy with their money. Nowhere is this better evinced than in the growing popularity of outlet retail, which is now more attractive than ever to the UK’s bargain hunting consumers.

Jonathan Doughty, Global Head of Foodservice at ECE, was chosen by the editorial team of ACROSS and its Advisory Board as the most outstanding person of the industry in the past year. His selection also reflects the increasing relevance of gastronomy areas in European retail properties.

The editorial team of “ACROSS – The European Retail Real Estate Magazine” and its Advisory Board, which consists of 18 top experts of the shopping center industry, has chosen the most outstanding person of the industry in the past year – the “Man of the Year 2017.”

Relentless cost cutting and highly flexible supply chains, sensitive to every change in the whims of consumer taste, are the stock in trade of today’s successful value fashion retailer on the unforgiving battlefield of Europe’s High Streets. At the other end of the spectrum, luxury brands deliver experiences that are more akin to theatre and TV commercials than the stores of times past.

The retail real estate industry today is facing disruption from many sides. The digital revolution has been deep and widespread, generating ripples that include e-commerce, social media, and the rise of technology in every aspect of our lives.

We are living in probably the most interesting and exciting times for the retail industry as a whole. I believe that we are at a tipping point. You only have to look at the two most successful fashion brands today: H&M and Inditex Group.

Think of each of the new challenges you have had to confront over the past decade as a cloud appearing in an otherwise blue sky. From rapidly changing consumer behavior to e-commerce, each cloud cast a shadow on “business as usual.” On their own. none threatened to spoil the picnic. As gathering clouds darken the sky, however, it looks to some like a storm is coming.

Without a doubt, the Polish outlet market is the biggest in CEE, which makes it very attractive for investors. Outlet centers operating there are a great example of meeting current market needs—both from tenants’ and customers’ perspective.

Developing outstanding retail projects in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is a key challenge for developers.