28 out of the total of 80 brands that tapped the market in the Central and Eastern European region in 2018 chose the Czech Republic as their destination. As a result, the number of new brands coming to the country remained the same as in the previous year. Poland is a close second with 26 new international brands having opened their first shops there last year. The figures come from the latest comparison prepared by Cushman & Wakefield, which monitors and compares data in the real estate sector across the region. This enables the company to provide a full picture of the developments on the Central European market.

Romania was ranked fifth at a European level in 2018 regarding the deliveries of retail space in retail parks, being overtaken in this hierarchy only by France, Spain, Great Britain and Italy, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s report.

The share of food & beverages in modern shopping centres in Sofia is two to three times below the European benchmark, according to the latest report by Colliers International. From 5% a decade ago, it grew to 10-15% of GLA in European cities in present times and is forecasted to reach 20% by 2025. The share of F&B in Sofia shopping centres is about 6% or 20,000 sqm of the total space.

New research from Cushman & Wakefield has revealed European retail park floorspace increased by 2.2% in 2018, reaching a total of 50.1 million sqm, with France and Spain leading the way in terms of new schemes. The report states that 995,000 sqm of new retail park space was completed in Europe last year, down 15% on 2017. A stable development trend is expected going forward, with 1.4 million sqm of new retail park space scheduled for opening in 2019/2020. Nevertheless, quick and easy construction and a growing number of schemes below 5,000 sqm are expected to boost the number of openings.

Irish fashion retailer Primark opened its first store in Slovenia at Citypark in Ljubljana. The mall was completely renovated around the popular anchor tenant by Citypark operator SES Spar European Shopping Centers, following a refurbishment investment of €20 million.

The advance of diversity and solidification of the retail market is creating attractive conditions for the expansion of global brands, according to the experts of JLL Poland. One such example is the decision made by Urban Outfitters to enter the Polish market.

Following the expansion of its retail real estate portfolio in Serbia this year, UK-based property investor, developer and asset manager Poseidon Group continues to strengthen its Capitol Park network in Southeastern Europe by opening 10 new locations by 2020 in Croatia.

GTC Serbia opened Ada Mall, its first shopping centre in Belgrade, Serbia. It is the only latest-generation shopping centre in the Serbian capital and covers an area of over 34,000 sqm. This extraordinary shopping mall was designed to provide its visitors with a unique Belgradian shopping experience.

225,000 sqm of total space, 82,000 sqm of GLA with 76,000 sqm allocated to retail and F&B, 6,000 sqm of office space, over 200 shops and 36 restaurants, the tallest shopfront windows in Poland (over 7 m high), 10 screen multiplex cinema with comfortable, recliner seating, a 200 sqm stage/event area, 2,500 sqm green terrace area, 2,000 parking spaces, 20 coworking spaces – these are some of the numbers which can be used to describe the Galeria Mlociny shopping centre which will open on 23 May.

Developers are revising their strategies. The convenience centre and mixed-use projects segment is growing. 2019 could see 430,000 sqm of new retail space in Poland. JLL summarised conditions on Poland's retail market at the end of Q1 2019.