by Vasco Santos, Global Leasing Director of Ingka Centers
Without a doubt, user-centricity and experience-based retail are reigning among the most palpable trends on the retail real estate scene, to which the industry players are bound to react.
Value is no longer defined by how much space is leased, but by how meaningfully places contribute to people’s lives. This evolution is clearly visible in the rise of mixed-use destinations that bring together retail, food, services, workplaces, and social experiences.
People increasingly seek convenient, vibrant places where multiple activities can be combined in a single visit – a trend strongly reflected in our ‘Ingka Centres Life in Communities’ report, which highlights enjoyment, togetherness and accessibility as key drivers for spending time outside the home.
Vasco Santos
Global Leasing Director of Ingka Centres
Success stories from around the world
Our most recent mixed-use development, Livat Shanghai, which opened one year ago, clearly illustrates this shift in practice. Retail, food, entertainment, work and health coexist within a single ecosystem that delivers value to partners while earning people’s attention, loyalty and repeat visitation.
Similarly, the introduction of Hej!Workshop (Ingka Centres’ flexible working space concept) at Italie 2 in Paris, and the new Food Hall at Livli Kungens Kurva in Stockholm, are compelling examples of our strategic direction.
The growth drivers
Successful assets curate relevance rather than simply driving footfall. Technology and AI will increasingly support decisions – from leasing strategies to personalised communication – but their real value lies in enabling better places. What cannot be replicated digitally remains decisive: human connection, inspiration, creativity and shared experiences.
Placemaking has become the industry’s strongest growth lever.
As flexibility becomes a core asset feature rather than an exception, vitality and identity, well beyond the retail mix alone, are redefining asset value. While architecture, design and art create differentiation, it is programming that builds relevance. Social activation – including events, exhibitions, food festivals, and cultural initiatives – strengthens emotional bonds, supports cross-category spending, and turns assets into platforms for community life.
At the same time, sustainability is reshaping value creation. At Ingka Centres we look at energy performance, circularity and climate resilience as strategic differentiators that influence leasing and long-term relevance.
Future approach
Looking toward 2026, consumers will expect strong social purpose alongside affordability and value for money. For owners and retailers alike, the future belongs to those who think beyond retail—and design places people genuinely want to be part of.
