While the first results show that the GDP grew by 5.2% q-o-q in Q3 in the Czech Republic, the second wave of COVID-19 has forced the government to re-impose strict containment measures to curb the spread of the virus. Retail sales grew during the summer as they reached pre-pandemic levels. However, consumer confidence fell for a second consecutive month in September, while a worsening labour market outlook and a resurgence of new infections will mean households keep more precautionary savings as well as denting income. On the other hand, industrial production resumed growth in September and is likely to underpin economic growth as it is less exposed to the pandemic. Cushman & Wakefield summarised the situation in each market segment.

The Flow Building, Flow East’s development on Wenceslas Square, has become the first building in the Czech Republic to achieve a BREEAM “Outstanding” rating – the highest possible rating – under the latest assessment scheme version.

Fashion outlet developer, Fashion House Group has announced the opening of the third phase of Fashion House Outlet Centre Militari in Bucharest.

In response to the current market challenges faced by landlords and brands, We Are Pop Up, the specialist international booking platform for pop-up retail spaces, has transformed its business model into a free-to-use service, abolishing all transaction fees for listings.

C2H, the company that owns the Kara and Pietro Filipi fashion stores in the Czech Republic, has recently emptied its 58 stores in the country to prevent landlords it owes rent to from seizing its inventory as security for payments.

Impact Developer & Contractor has started the construction works of the fourth phase of the Greenfield Băneasa residential compound. This will include Impact's first commercial project, Greenfield Plaza, with 7,258 sqm of space for trade and services and 1,184 sqm of office space. The entire project has a value of €12 million and it will be built with RCTI Company s.r.l. with which Impact signed a contract worth €7.5 million. At the same time, Impact is also investing €500,000 in the green areas of its Luxuria Residence compound located in Bucharest’s Expoziției area.

Partners Group and Northern Horizon have announced the sale of the last two assets, both located in Riga, in their €200 million CEE joint venture to Grinvest, a Singapore-based property and renewable energy investor.

German group Metro intends to sell and lease back 9 of its stores in Romania to increase its competitiveness and efficiency and to improve liquidity for new investments and developments. The offer also includes 6 stores in Slovakia.

The stock of modern retail spaces in Romania has exceeded the level of 4 million square meters after the latest deliveries of shopping centres, but the market development pace will slow down in the next period, according to Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.

Mitiska REIM has secured a €33 million senior debt facility with Erste Group Bank AG for four Romanian retail parks, representing a combined gross leasable area (GLA) of 30,500 sqm.