The Austrian ShoppingCity Seiersberg concluded 2025 with its strongest performance to date. More than 7.8 million visitors were recorded at the country’s third-largest shopping center, marking a year-on-year increase of 1.3 percent. Compared with the pre-pandemic year 2019, visitor numbers have grown by around 25 percent, equating to approximately 1.5 million additional annual visits. Despite a high level of leasing activity and several new store openings during the year, gross annual turnover rose to EUR 385 million.
“The figures speak for themselves: ShoppingCity Seiersberg has proven that it is not only a shopping destination, but also a vital economic hub for the region,” said Christian Guzy, owner of ShoppingCity Seiersberg.
For 2026, the center has set clear targets. Visitor numbers are expected to rise further, with the aim of surpassing eight million guests for the first time. At the same time, turnover is projected to exceed EUR 400 million.
Growth and expansion plans
With more than 180 shops and over 30 food and beverage units, ShoppingCity Seiersberg remains the largest retail locations in southern Austria. The center, located in the northern part of the urban region of the Styrian capital Graz, is employing around 2,500 people and serving a wide regional catchment area.
Investment in the site remains a key priority. Over the past two years, around EUR 6 million has been invested in shop refurbishments as well as infrastructure and safety measures, including photovoltaic systems and e-charging stations. An additional EUR 3 million is planned for 2026, focusing on façade adaptations, new mall flooring and measures to enhance overall visitor comfort and dwell time. Plans for a new entertainment area also are already well advanced.
As Anton Cech, CEO of ShoppingCity Seiersberg says to ACROSS: “We still lack an entertainment area and, as a result, evening business opportunities. There is a project in the pipeline that is set to be implemented later this year and will strengthen Seiersberg as a destination. It will also pave the way for the next evolution in the gastronomy sector.”
For Martin Klein, co-owner of the center, this is also a long-term strategic decision: “Investments not only demonstrate our confidence in the future, they also strengthen our partnership with tenants. Together, we are shaping the long-term development of ShoppingCity Seiersberg.”
Leasing activity and new tenants
Leasing activity in 2025 was characterised by both new openings and modernisations. Across the 74,000 sq m retail area, 32 lease agreements were completed, covering around 5,000 sq m. New tenants included Mass Shoes, BioTechUSA, Comma, Skechers, Mr. Mobile, Spa Ceylon, Pearle Optik and BYD, which introduced an in-center test-drive area for electric and hybrid vehicles. Established brands such as McDonald’s, Palmers and Douglas also refurbished their stores.
Looking ahead, further additions are confirmed for 2026. Danish home and lifestyle retailer Søstrene Grene will open its first Austrian store in March, followed by bookseller Thalia in May. Additional concepts are expected to join during the year, including the mentioned first steps of the new entertainment offering, supporting the center’s continued development as a regional retail location and local hub beyond retail and shop opening hours.
