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Proptech

RETAIL TECHNOLOGY

In 2026, loyalty is no longer simply a mechanism for repeat visits, it’s becoming a strategic framework for building long-term relationships between visitors, tenants, and retail destinations. And while personalization has been discussed for years, we are now entering a moment where it can finally move from “nice idea” to measurable reality. Ben Chesser, CEO of Coniq shares his outlook on 2026 placemaking.

Imre-Gustav Vellamaa, Co-founder of R8 Technologies, discusses the matter of launching a new technology into a business practices and lists bottlenecks that should be considered even before the implementation phase begins.

Data is reshaping retail real estate: When landlords, tenants, and tech providers share insights, collaboration replaces caution. From predictive analytics to AI-driven platforms, smarter partnerships are turning fragmented spaces into connected experiences and transforming relationships into resilient growth. Gareth Jordan, Director of Retail Advantage at ART Software Group, delves into data through client insights, demonstrating how shared innovation and intelligence are essential partners for growth.

As Europe’s retailers and landlords head into the most decisive quarter of the year, success hinges not only on footfall, but on clarity. With up to 40% of annual revenue at stake, real-time sales collection and automated reporting have become critical tools to track performance, manage risk, and capture opportunities. From tenant health to turnover rent, automation is transforming holiday trading from a logistical scramble into a data-driven advantage.

Commercial advantage belongs to those who move with insight, not instinct: As much of Europe’s real estate market cools, the Nordics are bucking the trend, driving growth not through location alone, but by redefining value around experience, insight, and resilience. A new framework, the “Modern CRE Algorithm”, shows how smartly designed tenant experiences and data-driven intelligence are turning properties into thriving ecosystems.

Long-term leases and predictable returns are no longer the bedrock of retail real estate. In a post-pandemic world shaped by volatile consumer habits, economic uncertainty, and omnichannel disruption, landlords face a new reality: Tenants demand agility, landlords need security, and the lease itself has become a delicate balancing act. David Fuller-Watts, CEO of Kinexio, explains: From short-term pop-ups to turnover-based rents, the rules are being rewritten, and technology may be the key to turning risk into resilience.

Retail and tourism are merging, as malls transform into destinations where visitors seek experiences, not just products. From Dubai Mall to Mall of America, the world’s shopping centers are reinventing themselves with entertainment, digital services, and personalized journeys. With innovations like SmartGifty, even regional players such as BTC City Ljubljana are proving how digital gift cards, loyalty programs, and smart platforms can turn retail hubs into tourist magnets. The future of shopping is experiential, digital, and sustainable. And it’s already here.

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.

Market analysts show that retail is becoming increasingly polarized: Consumers are shifting toward either high-end experiences or low-cost purchases, leaving mid-market retailers struggling. This divide affects both retailers and locations — with vibrant city hubs thriving while smaller towns face challenges.

In today’s evolving retail landscape, marketing automation is no longer optional, it is essential. Shopping centers, once purely transactional spaces, are now transforming into dynamic destinations for experience, entertainment, and community connection. However, in a world in which consumers expect relevance, immediacy, and personalization, how can centers deliver consistent, high-quality engagement without overwhelming their marketing teams?

As Asia stands at a pivotal moment for sustainable development, Nordic Innovation was in the spotlight at EXPO 2025 Osaka, as well as SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, with leaders and companies sharing ideas on how technology can make cities more livable, resilient, and sustainable. The events emphasized the importance of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles in shaping the future of urban development, from green infrastructure to inclusive economic growth.

SmartGifty is a web-based gift card management solution for shopping centers and retailers. Through the solution companies can analyze a number of statistics to plan effective marketing activities and have control over the gift card stock. MASS is a prominent Slovenian client of SmartGifty. By implementing the solution the shoe retailer gained growth especially in its online channel.

The Nordic Real Estate Forum 2025, held March 20 in Tallinn under the theme “New Normal in Real Estate,” examined the critical intersection of technology and sustainability in commercial real estate. Key discussions revolved around geopolitical uncertainties, infl ation, and shifting investment strategies, but one theme stood out across panels: technology’s role in enabling ESG compliance and operational efficiency.

Gift cards offer more than just convenience for customers—they are a treasure trove of data for retailers. By analyzing gift card purchases and redemptions, retailers can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, preferences, and purchasing patterns, which can then be used to optimize sales strategies and drive business growth.