by Joanna Fisher, CEO of ECE Marketplaces
For 2026, I am convinced and in a positive spirit that we will build on these successes. There are three key aspects that make me strongly believe in this positive development and that will be of high importance in the coming year:
Joanna Fisher
CEO of ECE Marketplaces
Firstly, the recent development has proved that retail real estate continues to be a very attractive and interesting asset class for investors since it has, in a challenging environment and despite all crises, proven to be very resilient and stable, and, in particular, there has been a very high demand from retailers for space in 2025 that will very likely to be continued in 2026.
Secondly, Europe is a very interesting market for many international and globally active retailers. There is already an upward trend in cross-border activities and investments by retailers, both within Europe and globally, which will continue in 2026. This is good for the retail market as well as for investors and operators of retail properties. As operators, we can optimally support international retailers in their cross-border expansion with our expertise and understanding of the European markets.
Thirdly, the need for the further development of (retail) real estate is becoming ever greater, both in terms of energy efficiency and climate friendliness as well as with regard to complementary uses around the core retail offer. Here, the type of industry is facing another major process of change and transformation, which we are supporting as operators and consultants for owners with suitable action plans and investment strategies. This is because the complex asset class of retail real estate requires the comprehensive expertise and decades of know-how that we have as operators.
On top of that, it needs to be clear that the retail and retail real estate industry, just as the entire economy, needs positive economic impetus and momentum to flourish and further grow in the future.
This requires the right framework and impetus from politics, business and society – and the right understanding of the concerns and special needs of our type of industry. This is why it is so important that we get involved with legislation and the decisive committees, especially at the European level, in order to represent our interests together and with a common voice, and work together on the goals for our industry: a mission that we have successfully driven forward in 2025 and will continue to do so in 2026.
