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January 2026

Retail Real Estate & Placemaking Outlook 2026

Top Voices of the Industry

ACROSS gathered a collection of insights and predictions shared by top voices of the European industry in our Online Special Outlook 2026 edition.

As the market leader for large-scale shopping destinations in Austria and Slovenia, SES is looking ahead to the New Year with great optimism and is driving investments to further expand its footprint.

In a world where billions of dollars are being invested in AI capacity to increasingly digitally track and capture consumer trends, shopping centres remind consumers about the basic human need for social interaction and emotional experience that really drives a successful bricks and mortar retail business. Present COO – taking the role of CEO in April 2026 – of NEPI Rockcastle, Marek Noetzel discusses his perspective on placemaking 2026.

In her ACROSS Outlook 2026 contribution, Cristina Santos, Executive Director, Property Management & Leasing of Sonae Sierra, shares her perspective on how placemaking is evolving beyond retail, positioning centers as connected, sustainable hubs at the heart of urban life.

As the retail real estate industry enters a decisive year, Ian Sandford, President of Eurofund Group shares his outlook on how placemaking must transform in 2026 to meet expectations. With consumer demand outpacing traditional models, homogenous shopping centers are giving way to destinations built on purpose, partnership and community relevance.

As CEO of the Norwegian-based retail real estate proptech company, Susan Hagerty Bonsak shares valuable insights on her view of current placemaking trends and how a hyper-personalized experience will be key for any retail destination in 2026.

Customers, partners, and stakeholders of the retail real estate industry are seeking value, which is no longer defined by the size of leased space, but rather lies in the meaningful ways a retail space may contribute to people’s lives. Vasco Santos, Global Leasing Director of Ingka Centers, reflects on current trends and shares insights on the company’s direction for 2026.

As consumer priorities shift and brands reassess their physical retail strategies, London Designer Outlet (LDO) at Wembley shows, how location, experience and value-led retail can intersect. Matt Slade, Retail Director at Quintain, reflects on the year 2025.