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Search Results for: retail magazine – Page 24

CEO PERSPECTIVES 2025: WHEN THE TENANT THRIVERS, THE ASSET FLIES

“When the tenant thrives, the asset survives” is an old saying in retail real estate leasing management. But survival is only the baseline – the ambition must go further. Not just to “survive” – the asset should “fly.” But what will it take in 2025 for an asset to take off? For this cover story, we asked leading figures in the European retail real estate sector what they see as the most significant current challenges, as well as the solutions needed, for retail assets not just to survive but to prosper.

credit: smart gifty

The surprising history of shopping malls: From ancient Rome to today

In an age where creativity meets technology, fresh perspectives matter more than ever. This article, written by Smart Gifty, offers unique insights and a sharp take on the topic – blending originality with a modern voice that keeps readers engaged from the first line.

credit: metrocentre

URBAN OUTFITTERS LANDS AT METROCENTRE FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL SUMMER PERIOD

Urban Outfitters has opened a new 745 sq m store in Metrocentre’s Red Mall, joining Zara, Mango, and Stradivarius after a record-breaking summer for fashion sales. The latest addition reinforces the centre’s status as the North East’s go-to destination for global brands.

Giles Membrey, Managing Director of Rioja Estates (left), Grantham Designer Outlet Village (right) /// credit: Rioja Estates

Grantham Designer Outlet Village gains momentum ahead of planned opening in 2028

With a growing list of premium brands already in legal discussions, Grantham Designer Outlet Village continues to gather momentum ahead of its scheduled opening in 2028. The 164 million Euro project, led by outlet specialists Rioja Estates and its partner, Buckminster Estates, will be located on a new purpose-built junction directly off the A1, the third busiest road in the UK. With 750 m of frontage to the A1 it will be directly visible to more than 17 million passing vehicles every year making it one of the best outlet locations in the UK.

The Final Chapter of the European Shopping Places Trust: A Legacy of Education, Research, and Empowerment

In 2025, after more than a quarter of a century of dedicated service to Europe’s retail real estate community, the European Shopping Places Trust (ESPT) will close its books. For the professionals, students, researchers, and industry leaders touched by its work, this moment is less an ending than a milestone. This is a chance to reflect on what has been achieved and the legacy that will endure.

Will Odwarka is the Founder and CEO of Heartatwork Hospitality Consulting. /// credit: ACROSS, Will Odwarka

Will’s F&B Insights: Competitive Socializing – A New Catalyst for Malls and Mixed-Use Destinations

Retail is reinventing itself – one game at a time. As the mega-multiplex era fades and streaming dominates screens, malls and mixed-use destinations are turning to competitive socializing. Mini-golf with cocktails, high-tech darts, F1 simulators, and bowling-meets-karaoke mash-ups are the new anchors of experience. More than just entertainment, these hybrid venues are reshaping consumer journeys, driving footfall, and transforming retail spaces into cultural playgrounds as Will Odwarka explains in his latest column for ACROSS.

Redevco appoints Séverine Maumy as Head of Asset & Transaction Management

Redevco has named Séverine Maumy as its new Head of Asset & Transaction Management, bringing more than two decades of pan-European real estate expertise to the role. Joining the company’s Leadership Team and Investment Committee, Maumy’s appointment underscores Redevco’s focus on strengthening its capabilities and talent as it scales its business. She will report directly to CEO Neil Slater.

credit: Sonae Sierra

Sonae Sierra signs agreement to acquire Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield’s German third party real estate management business

Sonae Sierra, a vertically integrated real estate company and a leading player in the European Shopping Center space, has signed an agreement with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield to acquire its German business unit dedicated to the management of shopping centers for third parties – Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Real Estate Management (“URW REM”). The transaction is subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities.

NEPI ROCKCASTLE ACHIEVES 12.1% GROWTH IN H1 NET OPERATING INCOME – PORTFOLIO SURPASSES €8BN FOR FIRST TIME IN COMPANY’S HISTORY

NEPI Rockcastle N.V., Europe’s third largest listed retail real estate company by portfolio value, achieved a 12.1% growth in NOI (net operating income) year-on-year in the first half (H1) of 2025 to €307 million as a result of the large acquisitions completed in 2024 and a continued improvement in the existing portfolio through active asset management, despite a challenging macroeconomic background.

credit: Stratosferica

Urban Optimism in Action: The Utopian Hours Festival in Turin, October 17-19, 2025

ACROSS Magazine speaks with Giacomo Biraghi, co-founder of Stratosferica and one of the driving forces behind the Utopian Hours festival, a one-of-a-kind international gathering in Turin that reframes how cities are celebrated, studied, and shaped. In this interview, Biraghi discusses the ethos behind the event, its approach to urbanism, the evolving role of retail real estate, and how Turin is benefitting directly from this growing global platform.

Will Odwarka is the Founder and CEO of Heartatwork Hospitality Consulting. /// credit: ACROSS, Will Odwarka

Will’s F&B Insights: The Mirage of Fast-Franchising – How Underdeveloped Restaurant Concepts Damage the Industry

An increasing number of underdeveloped restaurant concepts are rushing into franchising—putting not only investors at risk but also eroding trust in the industry as a whole. In his incisive article, Will Odwarka, Founder and CEO of Dubai-based Heartatwork Hospitality Consulting, warns in his latest F&B column against the “myth of easy money” and explains how lack of concept maturity, insufficient support, and short-term thinking can backfire in the long run.

credit: Bernhard Claßen for GCSP

Christine Hager Joins Management Board of Sonae Sierra Germany

Christine Hager has been appointed to the management board of Sierra Germany GmbH with immediate effect, succeeding Jorge Morgadinho. A seasoned executive and real estate expert, Hager has been part of the leadership team since Sonae Sierra took over the property management division in 2022, and she reports directly to the executive board of Sonae Sierra in Portugal.

credit: Robert Fritz/SES

Strong Partnerships, Thriving Centers: SES Shoppartner Satisfaction Survey 2025

Austria’s largest shopping center operator, SES Spar European Shopping Centers, has taken a close look at the satisfaction of its retail, gastronomy, and service partners. The results of a new survey show high marks across the board, especially for local center management and the company’s strong image.

credit: Balfin

BALFIN Group: Shaping the Future of Real Estate in the Western Balkans and Beyond

With a dynamic mix of shopping malls, retail parks, hotels, and residential developments, BALFIN Group is setting new benchmarks for real estate in Southeast Europe. In this exclusive interview, the company’s Vice President of Real Estate Asset Management, Csaba Toth, outlines BALFIN’s growth strategy, from expanding its footprint across the Balkans to entering mature Western markets. He explains how the group is redefining retail, embracing digital innovation, and why its integrated approach makes BALFIN a one-stop gateway for international investors and retail brands eyeing this fast-growing region.

credit: umdasch

A new dimension for travel, enjoyment and shopping: umdasch realises Smartseller store at Nuremberg Airport

Opened at the beginning of April, the new 1,100 sq m Smartseller store offers travellers an innovative duty-free shopping experience combined with high-quality food and beverage offerings and a sense of regional identity. The Store Makers at umdasch took on the entire project management for the store construction and ensured a smooth and high-quality implementation with the delivery and installation of furniture, light sculptures and catering elements.

credit: Eurofund

GRADUAL CHANGE: THE NEW MID-RANGE BETWEEN LUXURY AND DISCOUNT CONCEPTS

From the rummage table to the feel-good factor: Discount concepts are no longer stigmatized, and luxury concepts are booming. That’s not to say that mid-range concepts are disappearing, but if you want to survive somewhere between the two poles, you’d better deliver. In an interview with ACROSS, Olaf Ley, CEO of Germany Retail at Eurofund, describes the most important changes in consumer behavior in recent years and provides insight into the developments concerning the Rhein-Ruhr Zentrum (RRZ) in Mülheim, Germany, as well as Eurofund’s expansion plans.

From Fashion to Leisure: Transforming Shopping Spaces for Tomorrow’s Cities

A radical transformation: As traditional retail declines and department stores shutter, cities are reimagining these spaces as vibrant hubs of leisure, culture, and community. From immersive entertainment in London to rooftop farms in Antwerp, this shift reflects more than just changing consumer habits – it’s reshaping urban life itself, explains Herman Kok, Associate Partner at DISCvision. Discover how tomorrow’s cities are turning shopping into experience, and malls into modern agoras.

Credit: MIOMIR MILIĆ

MERCATOR CENTER BELGRADE: STEADY GROWTH, LOCAL  RELEVANCE, AND A PROVEN URBAN LIFESTYLE MODEL

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.

credit: Kaufland

SUSTAINABLE BY DESIGN: HOW KAUFLAND IS FUTUREPROOFING ITS STORES WITH EDGE CERTIFICATION

EDGE certification is a key part of Kaufland’s bold plan to slash CO₂ emissions across its vast real estate portfolio. From triple glazing to heat recovery systems, Dominik Uhe, Head of Investor Relationship Management at Kaufland International describes how a data-driven approach is transforming Kaufland’s properties into models of green retail – and why Kaufland believes sustainability starts with the building itself.

Credit: European Real Estate Brand Institute

HBB Wins European Real Estate Brand Award for Third Consecutive Year

Hamburg-based real estate developer HBB has once again been recognized as Germany’s top retail developer, receiving the prestigious European Real Estate Brand Award for the third year in a row. The accolade highlights HBB’s strength in innovation, sustainability, and brand resilience in a rapidly evolving market.