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THE LATEST PLACEMAKING NEWS

credit: Dan Dalton / Getty Images - Caiaimage

Discounters Remain Top Choice across All Generations

A recent pan-European study shows that hard discounters like Aldi and Lidl continue to dominate grocery shopping preferences, and that their appeal reigns across different age groups, from Gen Z to retirees.

credit: NEINVER

A SHARED PATH FORWARD: WHY TENANT SUCCESS IS THE REAL ASSET ADVANTAGE

In a retail landscape shaped by converging pressures – shifting consumer habits, selective brands, ESG demands, and digital integration – outlet centers are evolving from simple points of sale to strategic brand platforms. NEINVER CEO Daniel Losantos explains why tenant success is now the ultimate asset advantage and how a data-led, experience-driven approach can turn complexity into lasting performance.

credit: Lidl

Lidl reports struggles with Expansion in Belgium

The international discounter is facing challenges in the region, as Lidl Belgium did not generate profit the previous year. To correct and enhance their financial results, the company plans on addressing the issue, investigating the main cause for failure.

credit: Carrefour Group

Carrefour celebrates first Spanish Airport Store opening

Carrefour City outlet is now welcoming customers with fresh and ready-to-eat foods, drinks, snacks, milk, coffee as well as pantry staples at its location in Terminal 2, Barcelona-El Prat Airport. What is more, the outlet offers local Catalan products as part of the selection too.

credit: umdasch The Store Makers

umdasch The Store Makers wins RLI Award for “Interior Excellence” with Harrods project “The Georgian”

The Global RLI Awards are among the most prestigious international recognitions in the field of retail and leisure – which makes the joy even greater for umdasch The Store Makers at winning this year’s award in the category Interior Excellence. The award went to The Georgian, the iconic restaurant in the world-renowned London luxury department store Harrods. It honors outstanding achievements in interior design and execution quality – underlining umdasch The Store Makers’ special expertise in high-end retail.

NIQ Geomarketing study: European retail in 2024 and 2025

The share of private consumption allocated to retail – rather than savings, services, or leisure – continues to decline across the European Union. In 2024, this trend persisted for the third consecutive year, with EU citizens spending just 32.6 percent of their disposable income in retail. Croatia recorded the highest share, with nearly every second euro spent in retail. These insights come from a new, free study published today by NIQ Geomarketing, offering a comprehensive overview of retail trends across Europe.

credit: SES

Strong Partnerships require a Paradigm Shift in Thinking

The world of retail real estate is revolving faster than ever before: Consumer behavior is changing rapidly, brands are disappearing overnight, and digitalization and shifting values are forcing us to rethink the way we do things. In order to survive, you need more than just square footage; you need a deep understanding of retailers, customers, and social developments. That is why Spar and SES are committed to building genuine partnerships – on an equal footing, with flexibility, innovative strength, and shared responsibility for success.

credit: Ingka Centres

The Power of Collaboration

In a world that’s becoming increasingly digital Ingka Centres believes the future lies in real-world connection. Through a bold mix of play, purpose, and partnership, Ingka Centres is transforming retail destinations into inclusive, experience-driven Meeting Places.

credit: SmartGifty

When Shopping Becomes an Experience: Smart Retail Destinations

Retail and tourism are merging, as malls transform into destinations where visitors seek experiences, not just products. From Dubai Mall to Mall of America, the world’s shopping centers are reinventing themselves with entertainment, digital services, and personalized journeys. With innovations like SmartGifty, even regional players such as BTC City Ljubljana are proving how digital gift cards, loyalty programs, and smart platforms can turn retail hubs into tourist magnets. The future of shopping is experiential, digital, and sustainable. And it’s already here.

credit: Foot Locker

DICK’S finalizes $2.4 billion Foot Locker takeover

DICK’S Sporting Goods has completed its $2.4 billion acquisition of Foot Locker, emerging as a new global sports retail leader. The deal is set to strengthen DICK’S presence across North American, European, Asian and Australian regions, as well as retaining Foot Locker and its family of brands, including Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS and atmos.

credit: Mitja Kobal/CC Real

CC REAL: FROM A CONSTRUCTION SITE CONTAINER IN ZAGREB TO AN INTERNATIONAL PLAYER IN RETAIL REAL ESTATE

The Vienna-based company CC Real is today among the most significant, albeit so far relatively low-profile, players in the European retail real estate market. In an interview with ACROSS, founders Fabian Kaufmann and Sven Vorih, describe the journey from their beginnings in Croatia to their current expansion strategies in Europe and Australia. The discussion covers experiences in times of crisis, strategic partnerships, refurbishment successes, and the question of why CC Real still firmly believes in the future of retail.

credit: ECE

„CHANGE IS IN OUR DNA”

Innovation and the safeguarding of future success require conviction and values – ECE celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2025. This is more than just an anniversary: It is a commitment to continuous change and responsible business practices. ECE Marketplaces CEO Joanna Fisher, who has been with the company for nearly three decades, discusses the power of putting values into practice, her own journey from a working student to a top manager, and how true innovation can only be achieved through integrity and clarity.

CEO PERSPECTIVES 2025: WHEN THE TENANT THRIVERS, THE ASSET FLIES

“When the tenant thrives, the asset survives” is an old saying in retail real estate leasing management. But survival is only the baseline – the ambition must go further. Not just to “survive” – the asset should “fly.” But what will it take in 2025 for an asset to take off? For this cover story, we asked leading figures in the European retail real estate sector what they see as the most significant current challenges, as well as the solutions needed, for retail assets not just to survive but to prosper.

credit:KiK

KiK may close One-Sixth of its location across Germany

KiK is set to close up to 400 of almost 2,400 locations in Germany, following reviews that mapped out the economically underperforming areas. However, existing markets abroad and domestically will continue receiving investments.

Or Ackerman, CEO of G City Europe

Or Ackerman appointed as new CEO of G City Europe

Having worked with the company for 6 years, Or Ackerman will now as CEO of G City Europe. With his experience and esteemed qualifications such as CPA and MBA with specialization in financial management, Ackerman will oversee G City Europe’s next chapter on the Polish Market.

credit: Catrin-Anja Eichinger, CBRE

Closure of Le Big TamTam Marks Setback for Hanseviertel’s Culinary Revival

After just 15 months, the optimistic venture of Le Big TamTam in the Hanseviertel Hamburg, Germany, has come to an abrupt halt. The food court, launched in July 2024 with the promise of transforming a neglected basement rotunda into a vibrant gastronomic destination, is now closed, at least temporarily, as the management reassesses the concept.

credit: smart gifty

The surprising history of shopping malls: From ancient Rome to today

In an age where creativity meets technology, fresh perspectives matter more than ever. This article, written by Smart Gifty, offers unique insights and a sharp take on the topic – blending originality with a modern voice that keeps readers engaged from the first line.

credit: metrocentre

URBAN OUTFITTERS LANDS AT METROCENTRE FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL SUMMER PERIOD

Urban Outfitters has opened a new 745 sq m store in Metrocentre’s Red Mall, joining Zara, Mango, and Stradivarius after a record-breaking summer for fashion sales. The latest addition reinforces the centre’s status as the North East’s go-to destination for global brands.

Giles Membrey, Managing Director of Rioja Estates (left), Grantham Designer Outlet Village (right) /// credit: Rioja Estates

Grantham Designer Outlet Village gains momentum ahead of planned opening in 2028

With a growing list of premium brands already in legal discussions, Grantham Designer Outlet Village continues to gather momentum ahead of its scheduled opening in 2028. The 164 million Euro project, led by outlet specialists Rioja Estates and its partner, Buckminster Estates, will be located on a new purpose-built junction directly off the A1, the third busiest road in the UK. With 750 m of frontage to the A1 it will be directly visible to more than 17 million passing vehicles every year making it one of the best outlet locations in the UK.

credit: BIG CEE

BIG CEE to Open Serbia’s First Lifestyle Retail Park – BIG Čačak

BIG CEE will officially open Serbia’s first lifestyle retail park – BIG Čačak – on September 18. Covering 16,500 sq m and representing an investment of €25 million, the project introduces a diverse mix of well-known domestic and international brands, along with leisure and entertainment facilities designed for all generations.

CEO PERSPECTIVES 2025 – When the Tenant Thrives, the Asset Flies
What will it take in 2025 for an asset to take off? For this special, we asked leading figures in the European retail real estate sector what they see as the most significant current challenges, as well as the solutions needed, for retail assets not just to survive but to prosper.
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