Twitter Facebook Linkedin Rss
ACROSS

Sustainability

credit: SES Spar European Shopping Centers, ACROSS

Place Of The Week — SILLPARK, Innsbruck, Austria

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.

Markus Porvari, Founder and CEO of HyperIn, at EXPO 2025 Osaka. /// credit: HyperIn

Bridging Europe and Asia in Tech and Urban Sustainability

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.

Recommended reading: A look at ‘Modern Retail Management’

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.

Aerial view of Stureplan in Stockholm, Sweden. /// credit: nya Sture

Place Of The Week — Stureplan, Stockholm, Sweden

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.

credit: McKinsey&Company

Europe’s Grocery Retail Market Remains Hopeful In The Face Of Low Volume Growth

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.

credit: Sizekick, ACROSS

Sizekick — The Sizing Solution For Fashion E‑commerce

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.

Left-to-right: Paul Douay, Managing Director Asset Management Central Europe at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield; Elisabeth Zehetner, Secretary of State; Johanna Mikl-Leitner, Governor of Lower Austria; Zsolt Juhasz, General Manager Westfield Shopping City Süd. /// credit: rizar.photo

Westfield Shopping City Süd Receives Sustainability Certificate

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.

credit: ACROSS, Wonderwoods, Milan Hofmans

Place Of The Week: Wonderwoods, Utrecht, The Netherlands

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.

credit: Afreshed, ACROSS

Afreshed — Healthier Cuisine, More Organic, More Sustainable

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.

Las Rozas The Style Outlets facade design. /// credit: NEINVER

NEINVER Begins Refurbishment Of Las Rozas The Style Outlets

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.

Opening Westfield Hamburg Überseequartier / credit: URW

A new meeting place for the people of Hamburg: Grand Opening of Westfield Hamburg

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.

Discussion panel “How PropTech is Powering Sustainability“ at NREF 2025. /// credit: NREF

Nordic Real Estate Forum 2025 Explores Technology-Driven Sustainability Solutions

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.

Development of environmental certifications in the shopping center sector from 2024 to 2025, /// credit: RegioData Research

Shopping Centers In Europe – Rapid Steps Towards Sustainability

Over the past twelve months, there has been significant progress toward sustainability in the European shopping center landscape. According to the latest RegioData analysis, a clear trend has emerged: an increase in environmental certifications and a decline in non-certified buildings. This not only highlights the transformation in the construction industry but also underscores the growing importance of ecological standards.

credit: McArthurGlen

Frey Accelerates Growth In And Through The Outlet Segment – also with the signing of Designer Outlet Center in Berlin

2024 was another year of solid growth for FREY with a profit from recurring operations going up by 28,1 percent and a sales growth of almost 29 percent to 191.3 million Euros. The growth of the specialist in open-air shopping centers has made this impressive growth step especially since entering the outlet market with the acquisition of ROS Retail Outlet Shopping. An important part of the expansion strategy is the signing of Designer Outlet Center in Berlin for 230 million Euros.

Credit: Messe Düsseldorf / C. Tillmann

Review of EuroCIS 2025: the most exciting innovations

This year’s EuroCIS focused on artificial intelligence, seamless check-out, and smart technologies. The presented solutions impressively showed how the retail industry will be positioned in the future. Generative AI enables more efficient processes, while automated checkout systems and digital shopping carts transform the shopping experience. Here, we present the most exciting approaches.

credit: Kaufland

TOP RULE OF KAUFLAND EXPANSION: THE QUALITY OF THE LOCATION IS DECISIVE

Kaufland’s success story is characterized by the balance between the advantages of standardization within a large group and regional integration. In an interview with ACROSS, Michael Hiese, Chief Real Estate Officer at Kaufland International, discusses the company’s growth strategy, his optimistic outlook, why location is more important than asset class, and what makes a Kaufland store truly distinctive.

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay informed about the latest news and deals within the placemaking industry in Europe.

By entering my e-mail address and clicking the “Subscribe” button, I declare my consent to ACROSS Medien – und Verlags GmbH to send me information on a regular basis about expert opinions, current trends, latest news, and industry events by e-mail. Being aware that I can revoke my consent to ACROSS Medien- und Verlags GmbH at any time. Privacy Policy

Contact

ACROSS Medien und Verlags GmbH
1010 Vienna, Austria
Ebendorferstraße 3|10
Phone:+43 1 533 32 60-0
E-Mail: office@across-magazine.com

Media Data

For detailed information about ACROSS, the international and independent trade medium for placemaking in Europe please visit:
Media Presentation and Rates

Follow us

If you want to keep up with what’s going on in the international placemaking community, give us a follow!

Twitter Facebook Linkedin Rss

Legal

© ACROSS Medien und Verlags GmbH, All rights reserved

Shaping Spaces: Top Placemaking Projects of 2025
Across the globe, developers and architects are reimagining what it means to create “retail space.” The projects featured in this special edition, selected by leading industry experts, represent more than just successful developments; they are blueprints for the future of how we live, shop, and connect.
Go to Special