In a time of shifting consumer behaviours, rising costs, and increasing sustainability demands, retail landlords must do more than simply lease space. Property Forum spoke with Marek Noetzel, COO of NEPI Rockcastle, about how the region’s largest retail investor is adapting its strategy to meet changing market dynamics. From expanding into new cities to rolling out large-scale refurbishments and solar investments, NEPI Rockcastle is focused on curating experiences, driving operational efficiency, and enabling retailer growth across Central and Eastern Europe.

Malaysian home and DIY discount retailer MR.DIY is continuing its expansion in Poland, with four new stores opening this summer in Warsaw: Galeria Wileńska, CH Blue City, CH Zielony Targówek and Galeria Młociny. The company has also announced plans to use Poland as a logistics hub for further expansion across Central Europe.

Develia has finalised the sale of the Arkady Wrocławskie property in Wrocław to Vastint Poland, part of an international real estate group focused on commercial projects. The transaction value is €42.967 million (approx. PLN 182 million).

The Hungarian government has submitted for public consultation a proposal to amend the regulation commonly referred to as the “mall stop” (Government Decree No. 143/2018 (VIII.13.)), which governs the operation of commercial units larger than 400 sqm. The consultation period closed on 10 June. Legal experts from international law firm Taylor Wessing have analysed the potential implications of the proposed changes.

BIG Poland has confirmed that a new 2,900 sqm building for Bricomarché will open at BIG Myszków retail park later this year. The company is also planning a further expansion of 6,000 sqm of retail space. The announcements were made during a community event held to mark the rebranding of the retail park.

Shopping centres in Romania are ahead of many European markets in providing entertainment options, establishing themselves as key leisure destinations, according to a recent analysis by Nhood Romania.  

There are 4.5 million square meters of modern shopping space in Romania and there is still room for development as investors are still interested in the Romanian market. In terms of total retail space per capita, Romania is still behind other European countries, explained the speakers of the retail panel of SEE Property Forum 2024.

Real estate investor and fund manager Cromwell Property Group announced the sale of six retail centres across Poland, held by the Cromwell Polish Retail Fund (CPRF), to Star Capital Finance for €285 million.

More than 60% of Polish consumers do their larger grocery shopping in excess of PLN 100 in discount stores. A similar proportion of people in Poland opt for shopping centres on account of their entertainment offer, while nearly 40% go to retail parks which they value for familiarity with space layouts - a guarantee of a quick and easy shopping trip. According to the latest report from Cushman & Wakefield, Polish people have clearly defined expectations about each retail format, with each likely to respond to different shopping and other needs.

After an acquisition of complementary retail assets this year, Immofinanz is again expanding its retail portfolio in the Czech Republic with the acquisition of two properties from CPI Property Group. As the CPIPG holds roughly 77% of Immofinanz shares, this acquisition legally represents a transaction with related parties.