Exploring Retail Transformation in Istanbul

Few cities illustrate the complexity and dynamism of modern placemaking better than Istanbul.

Stretching across two continents and home to more than 15 million inhabitants, the Turkish metropolis has long served as a bridge between cultures, economies and ideas. Today, it is also one of Europe’s most fascinating retail real estate markets — a city where large-scale mixed-use developments, destination-led placemaking, gastronomy concepts and retail innovation are evolving at remarkable speed.

This is why the ACROSS ACADEMY has selected Istanbul as the destination of the ACROSS Placemaking Safari 2026, organized in cooperation with the Istanbul-based retail and real estate consultancy WeConsult. Over three days, a curated group of developers, landlords, retailers and industry leaders will explore some of the city’s most innovative retail destinations, meet the people behind them and discuss
the strategies shaping their success. The program combines project visits, management presentations, keynote sessions and executive networking opportunities.

Learning directly from experience

The ACROSS Placemaking Safari is built on a simple idea: some of the most valuable industry insights are gained not in conference rooms, but by visiting projects, speaking with the people responsible for them and understanding the decisions that shaped their development.

Participants will therefore not only tour destinations but also engage directly with developers, operators, retailers and local market experts. The objective is to move beyond observation and provide genuine insight into current opportunities, challenges and best practices within one of Europe’s most dynamic retail environments.

The program has been developed together with WeConsult, a leading Istanbul-based consultancy specializing in retail and commercial real estate. The company supports investors, shopping center owners as well as national and international brands in areas such as leasing, portfolio optimization, concept development and market expansion. Its deep understanding of the Turkish retail landscape provides participants with direct access to local expertise and market perspectives.

A market defined by reinvention

One of the defining characteristics of Istanbul’s retail landscape is its ability to continuously reinvent itself. 

The destinations included in the Safari reflect different approaches to placemaking, repositioning and destination development. Together, they provide a comprehensive picture of how retail environments are evolving in response to changing consumer expectations.

Terminal Kadıköy, for example, represents a new generation of urban retail destinations that combine mobility, food experiences and convenience. Located in one of Istanbul’s most vibrant districts, the project demonstrates how transport hubs evolve into highly attractive places to meet, shop and spend time. 

Another highlight is the Istanbul Shopping Center, one of the city’s most ambitious development projects. Designed as Turkey’s new financial hub, the district illustrates how retail, services and public space are integrated into large-scale mixed-use environments that aim to create activity far beyond traditional office hours.

City’s Istanbul, another project on the itinerary, offers insight into repositioning strategies and the ongoing evolution of established retail destinations. Participants will also gain direct exposure to Turkish retail concepts and brands that continue to shape the local market.

From waterfront regeneration to outlet innovation

The second part of the program focuses on projects that showcase the transformation of entire urban districts.

Among them is Tersane Istanbul, one of the most talked-about developments in the city. The project is converting a historic shipyard area into a large-scale mixed-use destination that combines hospitality, retail, culture and public space. The development illustrates how heritage, urban regeneration and commercial activity can be brought together to create entirely new city experiences.

The Safari will also explore innovative retail concepts located within the project, including unique flagship experiences developed by leading Turkish brands. A different perspective on destination development will be provided by Florentia Village Istanbul. The designer outlet project reflects the continued strength of the outlet sector and offers an opportunity to discuss changing consumer behavior, international brand strategies and the evolution of outlet formats within Europe.

The growing importance of food and experience

No discussion about contemporary placemaking would be complete without addressing gastronomy. Across Europe, food and beverage concepts have become central drivers of footfall, differentiation and customer loyalty. Istanbul offers a particularly interesting perspective on this development, combining international concepts with a dynamic local food culture.

The program therefore includes dedicated sessions focusing on food and beverage innovation, including visits to Eataly and discussions on emerging gastronomy trends. Participants will explore how dining, social interaction and experience-driven concepts increasingly influence the attractiveness and economic performance of retail destinations.

Additional project visits include Forum Istanbul and Galataport Istanbul, both of which demonstrate different approaches to destination development and repositioning. While Forum Istanbul remains one of the city’s landmark retail destinations, Galataport has become an internationally recognized example of waterfront regeneration that successfully combines tourism, retail, gastronomy and public space.

Originally published in ACROSS Magazine Issue 2/2026

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