data

Data exchange in the shopping center industry is still in its infancy, states David Blumenfeld, Co-founder of NextRivet. While the benefits of data sharing between landlords and tenants are obvious, retailers are not enthusiastic about giving their landlords more insight into their business. For efficient data sharing, an honest and good lease relationship is essential. In this interview, Blumenfeld explains why data sharing is so important, but it requires a change in collaboration. Landlords are in the driving seat when it comes to data sharing. They have to prove the value of the data before demanding anything in return. The value of data is always the driving force.

“First, ask why!” That is the most important piece of advice that Mark Bruce, Data & Insights Director at Kinexio — formerly Mallcomm — can give. As data begins to redefine the retail experience, a key question that we must ask ourselves is: “Why should we share data?”. To many the idea of sharing data is clouded with questions around how it will be used, and what the implications will be. However, as businesses shape and implement their data strategies, there is a real opportunity to use data for good, especially in the landlord-tenant relationship and in order to maximize ROI.

In today’s digital age, with AI advancing at an unstoppable pace, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of both the incredible power and the significant risks of sharing their data with businesses. As a global leader in CRM and loyalty solutions, Ben Chesser has seen, firsthand, the profound impact data sharing can have – not only on businesses but on customers as well.

In today’s fast-paced retail landscape, data is no longer just a luxury – it’s the foundation for staying competitive and future-ready. At ROS Retail Outlet Shopping, we understand that success isn’t just about collecting data; it’s about how we use that data to address challenges, boost performance, and spark growth.

Opportunities for mutual growth and improvement are made possible by data sharing with tenants at shopping centers or multi-retailer locations, states Uroš Blagojević, Property Management Director at MPC Properties. Retailers and their tenants can synchronize strategies and develop complementary offers by sharing insights, such as aggregate customer demographics, peak shopping times, and purchase trends.

Shopping centers have evolved beyond physical spaces into dynamic digital ecosystems where every interaction generates valuable insights. The challenge isn’t just collecting data—it’s about using it responsibly to drive tenant success, states Jean Carlos Delgado, the Brand and Marketing Director of HyperIn. In this guest article, he explains the benefits and conditions of data sharing on the B2B and B2C levels and why trust is most important in all aspects.

Over the past couple of years, it has become evident that retail is seeing a significant resurgence. This is across shopping centers, large destination indoor malls, and retail parks and outlets, explains Mark Bruce, Data & Insights Director at Mallcomm. While some may have dismissed the retail sector, others have recognized that despite some challenges, there is a great opportunity.

Frasers Group has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to acquire struggling British luxury department store Harvey Nichols, as the retailer seeks a deal to secure its future.

Aareal Bank has arranged a €128 million top-up facility for Lighthouse Properties to refinance and expand the financing of its Spanish retail portfolio.

Kaufland has reportedly acquired the Galeria property adjoining the Rhein-Neckar-Zentrum in Viernheim. The reported transaction could change the plans for the site, where sister company Lidl had previously announced a new store.

Greek retail real estate investor Trade Estates has agreed to acquire a 50% stake in Sofia South Ring Mall in Bulgaria for €49.35 million.

NEPI Rockcastle has secured a €250 million green term loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, providing long-term financing for green investments across its Central and Eastern European portfolio.

Bath and Body Works is also set to open its first South West store after signing at Cribbs

BWP Group has been appointed to deliver the integrated marketing remit for Frasers Plus Designer Outlet East Midlands.

This year, the ACSP Congress 2026 installed by the Austrian Council of Shopping Places (ACSP) is returning to Vienna in October, with a special focus on experiential and entertainment offerings.

Time Out Market will open its first London location in 2028, transforming a landmark building at Piccadilly Circus into the global flagship of its growing food hall portfolio. The project underlines the increasing role of food, culture and entertainment in shaping successful urban destinations.

In his new book Culture Stores, Ibrahim Ibrahim and Koral Ibrahim argue that the future of physical retail lies not in transactions, but in creating places where people connect, participate and belong.

F&B concepts that redefine placemaking — and why developers cannot ignore them anymore.

Rather than opening new locations, Cuisyn and Haus der Bäcker are preserving restaurants and bakeries without succession plans. Their acquisition model safeguards jobs, local identity, and vibrant city centers.

Homeira Amiri, co-founder of the think tank Future of the Guest Economy explores, how F&B is reshaping the value logic of shopping centers.

CC Real has taken over the management of Avenue Mall Zagreb, further expanding its shopping center management platform in Croatia and highlighting the growing importance of specialized asset and property management across Central and Southeastern Europe.

BIG Poland adds the 11,000 sqm Grodzisk Sfera Park retail park to its portfolio, marking its second asset in the Mazovia region and bringing total GLA to nearly 258,000 sqm.

Umdasch Group appoints Dr. Christian Herbinger as CEO of its store construction division, succeeding Silvio Kirchmair effective January 2027.

Transaction represents largest acquisition in Couche-Tard history and establishes controlling position in one of Europe’s leading convenience and digital retail platforms.

Lindt will open a 330-square-meter flagship boutique at Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier in Q4 2026.

With her international expertise in procurement, private label and assortment strategy, she brings valuable input for BBE’s clients and for the company’s strategic development.

Norges Bank Investment Management and Sonae Sierra have formed a joint venture, which has signed an agreement to acquire eight shopping centers in Spain, comprising more than 250,000 sqm of gross leasable area and a gross value of approximately EUR 1.5 billion.

CACI found through its spend data that consumers are increasingly trading down from traditional restaurants in favor of coffee shops and food-to-go concepts, as ongoing cost pressures continue to shape spending habits.

CECONOMY grew nine-month sales to €18.4 billion and adjusted EBIT to €342 million, driven by online growth and a summer AC boom.

Following store projects across Germany, Roermond, and London, Schwitzke & Partner is supporting Kapten & Son’s European expansion with a new store on Amsterdam’s Kalverstraat.

Gránit Pólus Group has closed a €290 million green loan agreement to refinance the Westend complex, marking Hungary’s largest real estate refinancing transaction in five years.