Once considered a purely transactional asset class, retail in CEE is rapidly evolving into a platform for experience, community, and brand identity. This shift was at the centre of the discussion at SEE Property Forum 2025, where industry leaders explored how shopping centres are adapting to changing consumer expectations, ESG requirements, and the growing demand for meaningful, multi-use spaces. 

Construction has begun on the region's newest Stop Shop retail park in the city centre of Salgótarján, Hungary. The project is developed by CPI Hungary.

Zenit Corso, a new community center in Budapest's Zuglo district, is scheduled to open its doors on October 16. Located behind Bosnyak Square, the development functions not only as a shopping centre but also as a modern urban promenade, featuring stores from numerous well-known brands.

Prague maintains its position among Europe's most expensive shopping destinations, ranking 16th with monthly rents of €220 per sqm, according to Colliers' latest survey on rental trends in prime shopping streets across the EMEA region.

Centrum Handlowe Korona in Wrocław, one of Poland's first multifunctional shopping centres, is expanding its offering to better meet customer needs. Recently, a new brand joined CH Korona's tenants, and three stores reopened with fresh concepts.

Zagreb Property Forum 2025 brought together leading voices in the retail sector to discuss the evolving landscape of retail formats, flexibility, and the future of the industry.

In June, Property Forum reported on a draft amendment to Hungary’s so-called “mall stop” regulation, which governs the operation of retail units larger than 400 sqm. The government has now adopted the proposal, with the new decree published in the Official Gazette on 18 August.

Big Poland has completed the rebranding of its shopping park in Koszalin, which now officially operates under the name Big Koszalin. To mark the occasion, the largest shopping park in the region will host a launch event on 27 August featuring free attractions and a live concert.

Erste Group Bank AG has provided a €85.5 million refinancing facility for Argeş Mall in Piteşti, developed by Prime Kapital.

In the first half of 2025, CPI Property Group (CPIPG), owner and manager of 23 shopping centres and retail parks across Poland, signed 78 retail lease agreements – including new contracts and extensions – for a total of 14,900 sqm.