Poland's retail market is seeing a slowdown in the pace of shopping centre construction, the growing popularity of the convenience segment and mixed-use projects, as well as further synergy of traditional shopping and technology, according to JLL’s market summary for 2019.

The area of Budapest’s Arena Mall could grow from its current 42,000 sqm to 60,000 sqm, following the property manager’s application for an extension last December, local daily HVG reports. If the plans are realised, Arena Mall will become the largest shopping centre in Hungary.

Cushman & Wakefield contributed to the leasing of over 6,600 sqm prime retail warehouse area, and to the sales of 7,000 sqm countryside retail area in Q4 2019. 

Romanian retailer Profi’s network is expanding rapidly, inaugurating new stores while also taking over already-existing networks. The most recent development involves acquiring 18 supermarkets in Prahova and Dambovita counties from local peer Pram Maya. This transaction was already approved by the Competition Council. CBRE assisted Maya in the transaction process.

The redevelopment of the Eden Park retail park in Zgorzelec (Poland) has been completed, commissioning documents have been received and the rental campaign of the updated retail park is in full swing.

Two retail parks in the Czech portfolio of the Focus Estate Fund end their year with zero vacancy: Most Retail Park (GLA – 6,471 sqm) in the city of Most and Centro Ostrava Retail Park (GLA – 7,699 sqm) in the city of Ostrava.

CBRE represented Adventum International in the acquisition of the KöKi Terminal shopping centre in South Pest. CBRE also provides property management and exclusive retail leasing and advisory services for the €18 million (6 billion HUF) renewal project of the 66,000 sqm GLA shopping centre

Mitiska REIM, in association with its Romanian country partner Square 7 Properties, has accelerated its investment in Romania during 2019 and announced the opening of its latest retail park development in the city of Braila in the east of the country.

Irish clothing chain Primark‘s long-anticipated market entry into Slovakia has been confirmed as the company has signed a lease agreement with Eurovea. At the same time, the shopping centre has announced that it reached 70% occupancy in the forthcoming extension. Cushman & Wakefield facilitated the transaction.

Trei Real Estate GmbH, a property developer and property asset holder of residential and retail real estate with activities across Europe, develops its sixth retail park of the Vendo Park brand in the Czech Republic. The property is located in the small town of Mnichovo Hradiste, which lies around one hour’s drive north-east of Prague. The total investment costs add up to €2.6 million and the completion is scheduled for Q2 2020. The company plans to keep the asset in its portfolio long-term.