Although anti-pandemic measures were still lingering on the Czech retail market at the beginning of last year, an early return to normal was expected. However, the war in Ukraine has fundamentally influenced further economic development, especially in the countries of Central Europe, including the Czech Republic. The rapid rise in prices (inflation increased by 15.1% year-on-year) and energy expenses were met by a further decline in already weakened customer confidence. How did this affect shopping centres in the Czech Republic? And what is the current sentiment on the market not only among customers but also the retailers themselves? CBRE tried to answer these questions in its annual Shopping Centre Index analysis, which is complemented by two current surveys focused on the development of customer behaviour and expectations on the part of retailers.

Polish retail developer Scallier has inaugurated a new retail park in Vaslui, spanning 10,000 sqm. This is Scallier’s fifth retail park in Romania and its total footprint in the country has climbed to 40,000 sqm of leasable space.

Danish retailer JYSK announced the opening of six new stores in Bulgaria by August 2023, along with the renovation of five existing branches

Slight growth in logistics and retail space rents, despite no new mall expansion or openings being planned. These are the trends for the beginning of 2023, according to the latest report from Cushman & Wakefield Forton.

Preliminary agreement regarding the consolidation of Echo Investment's and Archicom’s residential business, high level of cash amounting to PLN 778 million, PLN 11.5 million in net profit which was mainly the result of the revaluation of Resi4Rent projects and handing over to customers nearly 300 apartments – this is a brief summary of Q1 2023 results of Echo-Archicom Group.

Property group NEPI Rockcastle has obtained a BREEAM In-Use V6 Excellent certification for Ploiești Shopping City as part of its strategy to upgrade its operations to the highest ESG standards. 

NEPI Rockcastle, Europe’s third largest listed owner, developer, and manager of retail properties by portfolio market value at €6.6 billion, recorded a 27% rise in net operating income (NOI) in the first quarter of 2023 to €120 million compared to the same period of last year.

Swedish furniture brand Ikea has opened an expanded order centre in Mall Galleria, Burgas. It features 140 sqm of retail space, a new kitchen designing studio with a showroom and four additional planning areas.

Mercedes-Benz has inaugurated the Silver Star complex on 52 Chelopeshko Shose, just outside of Sofia, Bulgaria. The complex is located in an area of 65,000 sqm, on two floors, and offers all sales and after-sales services for cars, trucks, vans, and buses.

Billa Bulgaria announced an investment of BGN 28 million (around €14 million) to open 12 new stores in the country and create 250 new jobs.