Search Results for: leisure – Page 3

It’s cooler here than in the square and the square has been left quiet by August, as the beach has become the destination. I confess, it’s the shade that brought me in.

Innovation is a “buzzword”—and buzzes around theleisureway’s studio like a bee in a car.

intu has opened the new leisure destination at the heart of Derby city centre, introducing two new brands to the east midlands region for the first time.

I’m with my theleisureway colleagues, Pablo and Carlos, in a place in the old center of Zaragoza. It’s a tapas bar, I confess, but I might justify it by saying that it would tick a lot of boxes as one of Ray Oldenburg’s “Great Good Places.”

We know that as consumer habits in the UK and beyond evolve, our customers no longer see leisure, shopping and dining as completely distinct activities. And they’ll also not think twice about switching back and forth between online and offline channels to explore, share ideas or buy.

In an interview with ACROSS, Gastón Gaitán, Manager and Director of theleisureway, explains why leisure is a branding instrument—the identity of the whole shopping center is at stake.

Meeting point, family experience, lifestyle center, wow, more than shopping, dynamism, part of the community. Words, words, words… Believe it or not, all of them talk about leisure, but need to be organized and planned accordingly. How? Let’s discover together.

theleisureway is a Spanish company dedicated to the creation of leisure experiences that are unique, innovative, tailor-made for shopping centers, and have the sole mission of satisfying customers to make sure they come back.

In a market flooded with mega malls and flashy upgrades, Mercator Center Belgrade is quietly setting a new standard. With a focus on community relevance, practical offerings, and steady modernization, this urban retail hub proves that consistency, not spectacle, drives real success. Jovan Ćirić, Retail Leasing Director at MPC Properties, explains why this neighborhood favorite may be Belgrade’s most future-ready shopping center.

The demands placed on brick-and-mortar retailers have intensified significantly: Experiences, clear positioning, and top-quality levels are no longer optional, but mandatory. “Only those who provide a sense of clarity stand a chance of survival.” Christoph Andexlinger, CEO of SES Spar European Shopping Centers, speaks with ACROSS about the realignment of traditional shopping centers, the power of regional retailers, and why mid-range segment retailers will only have a future, if they are uncomprisingly clearly positioned.

Following a strategic repositioning by MEC and Nuveen Real Estate, Galerie Troisdorf is embracing a retail-driven future. With key tenants like C&A and Müller reaffirming their commitment and newcomers such as NEW YORKER and a modern fitness studio joining the lineup, the shopping center strengthens its role as a central retail hub in the Rhineland region.

The retail landscape is undergoing a dramatic shift, influenced by the increasing demand for health, well-being, and sustainability from both tenants and the wider community, alongside the growing polarization of the market. The most successful retail transformations are those that adapt to these dual forces by prioritizing the creation of healthy and sustainable environments, catering to a range of tenant and community needs. This necessitates a thorough understanding of their intricate interplay and a proactive approach to development and asset management.

A quiet but profound shift is transforming the retail industry across Europe: while luxury and discount segments thrive, many mid-tier retailers—once considered the backbone of the high street and shopping centers—are struggling to stay afloat. This growing polarization is not merely a passing trend; it is a structural shift that reflects changing consumer behaviors, economic realities, and the need for clear market positioning. But if you take a closer look, you will see that it is not the middle that is dying, but only mediocrity. What is emerging is a new middle ground between luxury and discount, determined by one thing alone: relevance.

The coronavirus pandemic, in particular, has shown retail real estate operators who is a reliable rental partner, says Oleg Krüger, Senior Director of Expansion at Takko Fashion. The discount fashion retailer is growing against the market trend and is pursuing ambitious growth targets. In an interview with ACROSS, Krüger explains the new role of discounters in European retail and how Takko is positioning itself strategically in a polarized retail landscape.

Let’s take a quick glance beyond the borders of Europe, as many markets hold much more promise than we might think. As businesses contemplate the next steps in their growth strategies, the question arises: when will we see new store openings in countries like Iraq, vibrant dining establishments in Pakistan, and ventures marked with flags in Tanzania or Kenya? Furthermore, why do Bangladesh, India or Saudi Arabia often remain absent from many brands’ master development plans? After years spent in international development, attending countless business meetings and conferences, Will Odwarka, Founder and CEO of Heartatwork Hospitality Consulting, and Member of the ACROSS Advisory Board, presents a candid perspective on this matter: Our collective bias and judgment often deter us from exploring these promising markets.

With over 120 international and Polish fashion and lifestyle brands, a vibrant F&B offering and a prime urban location, Designer Outlet Kraków launched with a celebratory ceremony hosted by KG Group and ROS Retail Outlet Shopping—marking a significant milestone for premium outlet shopping in southern Poland.