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Design of Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet's extension in Portugal (left), and Johan Caspar Bergenthal, COO and member of the Executive Board at VIA Outlets (right). /// credit: VIA Outlets

“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.

BIG CEE has signed a financing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) worth 100 million euros. /// credit: Sale Jančević

BIG CEE And EBRD Sign A New Financing Package For Five Centers

BIG CEE has signed a financing agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) worth 100 million euros. BIG CEE will use the funds for its development in the Balkans to build three new retail parks in Serbia, further expanding its network. In addition, part of the funds will be allocated to refinancing two existing retail parks.

EUROPARK shopping center in Salzburg, Austria. /// credit: SES Spar European Shopping Centers

SES Records Sales Growth And Increased Visitor Numbers For 2024

The shopping malls managed by SES Spar European Shopping Centers (SES) once again exceeded the excellent performance of the previous year in 2024: The retailers, restaurants and service providers in the SES malls generated gross sales revenue of 3.54 billion euros in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of 6.5% compared to 2023, meaning that the SES centers in Austria and Slovenia outperformed the market as a whole.

Opening of Bata's first store in Germany at Isenburg Zentrum, with Annett Gurczinski, Center Manager of the Isenburg-Zentrum, Stefan Schußmann, Director Retail Real Estate Consulting & Development at IPH, and Manan Aslam, Expansion Germany BATA (left-to-right). /// credit: IPH Group

Shoe Brand Bata Opens First Store In Germany

Bata Group, the renowned shoe brand, is expanding its global presence and has now opened its doors for the first time in Germany at the Isenburg-Zentrum in Neu-Isenburg.

Exterior of Thalia's flasgship store in Cologne, Germany. /// credit: ACROSS, Thalia

Thalia Mayersche — A Real Figurehead In The City Center Of Cologne

Right in the heart of Cologne, Thalia offers a special kind of bookshop: Visitors can look forward to an extensive range of books, games, stationery and gift ideas in an exceptionally designed sales area. The mix of modern and vintage atmosphere invites everyone to browse and linger with the help of many of its leisure-oriented features, and programs, such as its cozy café or the exciting events, readings and workshops that regularly take place at the store.

Left-to-right: Castel Guelfo The Style Outlets in Bologna, Italy, and José María Escobar the Technical Director at NEINVER. /// credit: NEINVER

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.

Gift Card Solution: “Faster Processes, Less Administration and Greater Value”

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.

Pier 14 "Strandterrasse" in Ahlbeck, Germany. /// credit: ACROSS, Pier 14

Place Of The Week: Pier 14, Ahlbeck, Germany

PIER 14 stands for fashion, lifestyle and culinary delights on the Baltic coast. The concept store brand offers guests an experience that goes far beyond ordinary shopping and dining. Previously, their concept store in Zinnowitz was named Store of the Year in 2015 and 2018 (Fashion category) by the German Retail Association. Now, the brand has won its Store of the Year Award for the third time, awarding the “Strandterasse” (beach terrace) in Ahlbeck, Germany in the concept store category.

credit: Rioja Estate

GRANTHAM DESIGNER OUTLET VILLAGE: HIGH POTENTIAL DESPITE A SATURATED MARKET

With approximately 38 outlets, the UK is already one of the most saturated markets. So why do we think there is a need for a 39th? Giles Membrey, Managing Director of Rioja Estates Ltd, explains why his next project, Grantham Designer Outlet Village, will follow his company’s very successful blueprint for Malmö Designer Village.

Credit: IMAGE: CHRIS IGWE INTERNATIONAL

“OUTLETS ARE A CRUCIAL PART OF THE BRAND’S DISTRIBUTION STRATEGIES”

Few sectors of retail real estate offer such interesting and exciting opportunities for a retailer or brand, coupled with year on year growth as the outlet sector does. It continues to evolve, across the globe, at differing speeds depending on region or country, but with consumers keen to enjoy the benefits it offers. While outlets remain crucial to brand distribution strategies, operators and retailers face opportunities and challenges as consumer behaviors shift.

credit: MAGDUS

THE HYBRIDIZATION OF OUTLET SCHEMES IS IN FULL SWING

«The goal is to offer facilities to transform outlet centers as “living centers” or “places of life” and to drive footfall, especially during all the week, » states Caroline Lamy, CEO of Magdus. In this interview, she gives an overview of the European Outlet market. This means that pure retail offers in outlets should also be combined with F&B and leisure offers, residential or health services offers – if it makes sense.

ALEXA at Alexanderplatz in Berlin. /// credit: 21Media

ALEXA In Berlin Benefits From Rising International Visitor Numbers

The 2025 travel season is picking up speed and the ALEXA at Berlin’s Alexanderplatz is already seeing a significant increase in international visitors. The shopping center, which is owned by Union Investment and managed by Sonae Sierra is benefiting greatly from the ongoing recovery in Berlin tourism after the pandemic. With targeted concepts for national and international guests, ALEXA is consolidating its position as a premium destination at Alexanderplatz.

Discussion panel “How PropTech is Powering Sustainability“ at NREF 2025. /// credit: NREF

Nordic Real Estate Forum 2025 Explores Technology-Driven Sustainability Solutions

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.

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