Large retail chains operating mainly in shopping centres maintained an average growth rate of 12% in 2018, similar to 2017 and double the advance in consumption, which increased by 5.9% during the first ten months of the year, according to the second edition of Retailers' METRICS study by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

Poseidon Group continues to invest in the Serbian retail market by bringing its Capitol Park brand of retail parks to Zajecar in spring 2019.

Galeria Bronowice, managed by Ceetrus Poland, received the BREEAM-In-Use Certificate with the highest “Excellent” rating. The document confirms that the facility in Kraków is an environmentally-friendly building operating in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. Galeria Bronowice received this distinction in two categories, for building management and for the building itself.

According to JLL, the retail stock in Poland has already exceeded 14 million sqm, and in 2018 alone expanded by approximately 417,000 sqm of new space across all formats. The largest openings this year included the Forum Gdańsk (62,000 sqm), Libero in Katowice (45,000 sqm) and Gemini Park in Tychy (36,600 sqm)

The City of Warsaw and JLL will implement a pilot program aimed at increasing the attractiveness of the Warsaw City Centre in the eyes of potential tenants and customers. The changes will be introduced starting with Marszałkowska and Aleje Jerozolimskie Streets.

Developer Nova Imobiliare has started the construction works for Colosseum Mall as part of the expansion plan for its Colosseum shopping centre. The construction of the mall will be carried out by Axa Trans Construct, designated as the general contractor following a selection process.

Retailer demand for physical store space will remain steadfast throughout a number of key retail markets over the next five years, with the Health and Beauty sector leading the way in driving future growth requirements according to global real estate advisor CBRE.

After an investment of €40 million, NEPI Rockcastle opened Shopping City Satu Mare, which hosts 85 stores, including the first Carrefour hypermarket in the city.

Polish sportswear retailer, 50 Style, opened in October its first store in Romania, in Bucharest’s Iris Shopping Center, Titan area, on a surface of 315 sqm. Its entry on the local market confirms the real estate consultancy company’s, Colliers International Romania's, view of the Polish brands’ goal to expand in the Eastern European region, especially in Romania, where consumption has steadily increased in recent years.

Victoria Ploiesti West Retail Park is planned to be opened in March 2019, according to Activ Property Services, the property’s exclusive agent. The project is a proximity retail park with 2,690 sqm of GLA, including some major tenants such as Mega Image (591 sqm), Pepco (543 sqm) and Zoomania (496 sqm).