Published by: D. P.
Leasing activity in 2025 primarily focused on filling the existing tenant mix. The few vacant units remaining were let during the year, bringing in tenants such as Mumuso (192 sq m), San Sebastian Cafe (64 sq m), Fruitisimo (36 sq m), and Nikpoint (52 sq m). These additions have further diversified the tenant mix of Gropius Passagen with two lifestyle retailers and two F&B operators.
Events & activations to drive footfall
Similar to previous years, events and temporary formats have played a crucial role alongside the core retail offering. As in many established shopping centers, these activities are used to give visitors reasons to stay longer and return more frequently.
“Expectations of shopping centers have changed noticeably,” says Christian Danne, Center Manager of Gropius Passagen. “Visitors are no longer looking exclusively for retail offers. The challenge for operators today is to meaningfully combine shopping, gastronomy, events and social interaction. Our long-term objective is to gradually develop Gropius Passagen into a genuine community hub for southern Berlin.”
In 2025, Gropius Passagen hosted a mix of family-oriented formats, youth-focused events and live programming. Regular formats such as Gropi Kids Day and Gropi Teen Day attracted consistent interest, underlining the relevance of interactive and locally anchored activities. While such formats provide short-term footfall impulses, their longer-term value lies in maintaining regular visitation.
Outlook for 2026
As shared by Gropius Passagen, the retail destination’s main focus will remain gradual but continuous development – rather than a fundamental repositioning. Plans include organizing events, developing digital service capabilities, enhancing leasing activity, and, ultimately, creating a truly functional urban destination.
