Sustainability

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.

Westfield Shopping City Süd and Westfield Donau Zentrum have signed a cooperation agreement with Wien Energie to develop and operate a total of 300 electric vehicle (EV) charging points across both shopping centers. The collaboration marks a major step toward advancing sustainable mobility goals set by parent company Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW).

The winners of the 2025 Solal Marketing Awards were announced at an outstanding gala event at fashionable leisure venue Fabryka Norblina in Warsaw. The live event was the first celebration of the most effective and innovative marketing campaigns in the shopping center industry since the pandemic. A record-number of entries in eleven distinct categories were received, with finalists joining the event from countries right across Europe, Canada and South Africa.

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.

Consumer behavior is changing: Price awareness meets experience, and higher quality is in demand. Between premium concepts that offer high levels of experience and the successful formats found in the discount sector, there is less and less room for what has long been known as the “mid-range segment”. ACROSS spoke to Lars Jähnichen, Managing Director of the IPH Gruppe, and Dr. Johannes Berentzen, Managing Director of BBE Handelsberatung, about the causes, effects, and opportunities associated with this development – with a focus on consumer behavior, space requirements, and the impact on locations and the real estate industry.

SILLPARK in Innsbruck, Austria, is undergoing an extensive modernization and redesign process. Owner and operator SES Spar European Shopping Centers is investing more than 30 million euros in the major “SILLPARK 3.0” project, which, along with a comprehensive architectural upgrade, will focus on the construction of an innovative health park in cooperation with Vinzenz Gruppe Service.

As Asia stands at a pivotal moment for sustainable development, Nordic Innovation was in the spotlight at EXPO 2025 Osaka, as well as SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025, with leaders and companies sharing ideas on how technology can make cities more livable, resilient, and sustainable. The events emphasized the importance of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles in shaping the future of urban development, from green infrastructure to inclusive economic growth.

With the book Modern Retail Management, Dr. Johannes B. Berentzen and Dr. Philipp Hoog present an outstanding collection that takes an in-depth look at the pressing issues of today’s – and tomorrow’s – retail landscape. Featuring 24 thought-provoking chapters by 36 leading experts, the book offers a rare blend of academic insight and practical guidance. From digital transformation and omnichannel strategy to sustainability and AI, this forward-looking volume equips readers with the tools and ideas needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving sector. Essential reading for anyone looking to shape the future of retail.

Stureplan is an extraordinary quarter, currently undergoing a major redevelopment. The work on revitalizing the neighbourhood is now in full swing, which, once finished, will house Stockholm’s most exclusive offices and international top-tier shopping locations, along with 20 new restaurants and expanded services. Sture’s new refurbishment project is set to finish in 2026.

In 2025, the recovery of Europe’s grocery retail market is expected to gain momentum. CEOs in Europe are slightly more optimistic than they were last year despite the next few years remaining challenging, with low volume growth and sustained pressure on profitability, points out a new study by McKinsey & Company.

The purchase and subsequent return of clothing articles due to their potentially wrong right size or fit is an everyday headache for consumers as well as fashion e-retailers. To reduce returns and make the purchases more accurate, Munich-based startup Sizekick uses artificial intelligence and exact body measurements, while also boosting retailers’ conversion.

Westfield Shopping City Süd is taking the next big step in its sustainability efforts: Austria’s largest and most diverse shopping center has been awarded “Better Places Certification”, the first comprehensive sustainability standard for shopping centers that also covers environmental and social aspects.

The recently opened Wonderwoods in Utrecht, the Netherlands, stands out for its unique combination of living, working and leisure in a unique urban green oasis, setting a new standard for urban development. This mixed-use project in Utrecht’s Beurskwartier district brings nature and urban dynamics together in two iconic towers with 75,000 plants and shrubs and 300 trees forming a one-hectare vertical forest.

As several tons of fruit and vegetables never find their way to the supermarket shelf due to their shape and color, the Austrian startup Afreshed is putting them to good use by specializing in the rescue and delivery of organic fruit and vegetables.

NEINVER has begun the refurbishment of Las Rozas The Style Outlets, a landmark retail outlet center to the northwest of Madrid, owned by Neptune, a joint venture between NEINVER and TIAA, Nuveen’s parent company. The 3-million-euro renovation project will update the center inside and out, transforming it into a more modern and inviting space while remaining true to its trailblazing spirit as Spain’s first outlet center, established 29 years ago.

The time has finally come: the new giant shopping mall Westfield Hamburg Überseequartier has opened. The Mayor of Hamburg Peter Tschentscher, URW CEO Jean-Marie Tritant and Theda Juliane Mustroph, General Manager of Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, symbolically cut the ribbon. With the 100,000 sq m mall and a promising gastronomy and entertainment concept, URW wants to set new standards in Hamburg.

The Nordic Real Estate Forum 2025, held March 20 in Tallinn under the theme “New Normal in Real Estate,” examined the critical intersection of technology and sustainability in commercial real estate. Key discussions revolved around geopolitical uncertainties, infl ation, and shifting investment strategies, but one theme stood out across panels: technology’s role in enabling ESG compliance and operational efficiency.