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Search Results for: retail opinion – Page 2

How would one summarize the last 15 years in retail real estate? Gregory Fonseca, Director of Architecture BDP, expresses it in one word: disruptive. He takes us on an instructive journey through 15 years of retail and retail architecture.

“In terms of energy management, technological applications will become a critical success factor when it comes to using lighting, cooling, and air conditioning efficiently and in a customer-oriented way,” states Silvio W. Kirchmair, CEO of umdasch The Store Makers and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.

“While fear and worry try to constrict us, it should be courage that allows us to open up to new possibilities, that drives us and enables us to come up with new ideas and approaches”, states Thomas Mark, President of MK Illumination and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.

“We believe in making the most of unused and underutilized spaces, ensuring that they can benefit and strengthen the entire fabric of the estate”, states Otto Ambagtsheer, CEO of VIA Outlets and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.

“My recommendation is to seize any opportunity to take the next steps in digital evolution. For the placemaking industry, it is a transformation and not a situation where digital is outcompeting physical as many other industries have experienced”, states Peter Tonstad, CEO of Placewise Group and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.

“The opportunities lie in the direct and sensual engagement of the customers, guests, and visitors via multifunctional spaces which do not just serve one particular purpose, but moreover offer a colorful range of themes, topics, and experiences related to the brand itself or beyond,” states Jonathan A. Calverley, Head of Retail Leasing at Art-Invest Real Estate Management.

“The revitalization of shopping centers, retail parks, and our city centers will become increasingly important. For many locations and properties, new retail and mixed-use concepts offer significant potential for enhancement”, states Angelus Bernreuther, Head of Investor Relationship Management at Kaufland.

“The forecast calls, such as a crystal ball reading, for bold personas that are willing to set a clear strategy and implement it even through stormy waters”, states Denis Cupic, Managing Partner at Redserve and F.O./Group.

“In physical placemaking, an attractive, active, well-functioning public or privately owned space can stimulate economic development in a community, from a small rural town to a city”, states Gregory Fonseca, Director of Architecture at BDP and member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.

“The greatest opportunities we should focus on are those that provide an Educational, as well as an Experiential component to them. Both these “E’s” are the foundational pieces on which to build real value”, states Chris Igwe, Global Retail Expert and President of Chris Igwe International and member of the ACROSS Advisory Board.

„Cost efficiency and transparency“ – according to Markus Schmut, these are the two big “drivers”, especially for the retail real estate industry in the coming year. We have spoken with Markus Schmut, the managing director of Fairmoney. Using a shopping center as an example of a case study, he shows us what is possible with efficient fixed cost management.

Retail real estate is facing tough times as we close in on the prospect of a long, cold winter. Amidst the impending energy and economic crisis and an escalating threat resulting from a war in Europe, for many, the fear is here. Investor insecurity is high, and property owners are wary of fuel and finances running into scarce supply. However, as we have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, where there is a challenge, there is also an opportunity.

In terms of marketing, they are by far the most powerful generation that has ever existed and could be the most useful when it comes to bringing people back to physical stores.

While Western Europe is struggling with the aftermath of the coronavirus and is plagued by inflation concerns, Nepi Rockcastle has delivered 2019-level numbers and boasts a full development pipeline. In an interview with ACROSS editor Reinhard Winiwarter, CEO Rüdiger Dany explains the peculiarities of Eastern European markets, why he is neither concerned about inflation nor in the position of having to actively seek tenants for his sites, and why he sees ESG investments as real earnings opportunities.

Especially in unpredictable times people need guidance. The International Mentoring Community of Real Estate was created to provide this guidance and to build a most valuable community of experts who can share their knowledge and experience with those who need it and also between themselves. ACROSS spoke with Anna Zachara-Widła and Michał Miazek, founder of IMCR, about their way of mentoring and program.