FD's retail property blog

Ending on a high…

fdretailproperty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:09:12 +0000

Blue skies over MAPIC

Day three, the mood is relaxed and reflective (a combination of late nights and a Friday feeling) but it’s definitiely infused with a sense of optimism.

In no particular order, here’s some of the talk that we’ve picked up:

- There’s definitely a buzz about Poland, where the relative maturity of the market and continued growth are prompting retailer and investor interest. Poland is up there among more established markets like Germany, France, Spain and the UK as a target for retailer expansion.

- While the mature markets and capital cities of Western Europe are attracting the most interest right now, there’s still demand for the emerging markets of central and Eastern Europe, despite perceptions of being harder hit since the downturn.

- Shoppers want quality and value and retailers offering both have been very visible this week. Like Primark, who scooped the Retail Success Story prize at the MAPIC Awards.

- There’s a definite shift in attitude from thoughts of mere survival, to future opportunities with longer-term planning being back on the market’s agenda.

- Retailer expansion is all about reducing risk, by prioritising high quality, established markets.

- And, with the sector’s more senior participants having arrived here to talk serious business, with a real focus on the future, many are calling this year’s MAPIC the best yet.

MAPIC lifts spirits, survey says

fdretailproperty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:41:01 +0000

More than half of participants are more optimistic about the outlook for the market after attending MAPIC. This is one of the findings of research carried out during the event by Wisconsin Business School in partnership with CB Richard Ellis. The survey also revealed that just over 50% of participants believe we have hit the bottom of the cycle. Close to 40% expected to see an increase in business going forward, about double the number who were expecting a decline.

(l-r) Joe Walsh, Wisconsin School of Business and Chris Igwe, CB Richard Ellis at today's wrap-up keynote session

Seeing Red

fdretailproperty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:37:18 +0000

Thursday evening saw many of the finest hostelries in Cannes adorned with bales of hay and other autumnal paraphernalia such as pumpkins and pine cones (plus strategically placed bottles of red) as the annual Beaujolais Nouveau marketing campaign kicked in to gear. Pictured is one of our favourite Cannes restaurants, adorned with a curious “chicken head on a pole” and, needless to say, plenty of hay.

Talking shop about last-minute shopping

fdretailproperty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:54:55 +0000

With Friday just a hangover away, thoughts turn to gifts for friends and family back home. The chances are you’ll be doing a last minute sweep of the Rue d’Antibes (call it a field trip) so here are some of our favourite shops.

FNAC – a combination of your favourite electronic retailer, bookstore and record store with great design, friendly service and a very civilized ambience. Esoteric delights may include Japanese import Jazz labels, Region 1 (and French edition) DVD selections, a wonderful selection of books and calendars, widescreen TVs, laptops and other gadgets galore.

For MAPIC mums and dads, there are two shops in close proximity that will take care of the kids: MinyJouets, a proper toy shop where a large and varied stock is crammed into a cornershop (they even gift wrap); and Du Pareil au Meme, a very stylish but reasonably priced kids clothes shop on Rue du Marechal Foch (the sizes come up small compared to the UK so buy bigger than you usually do). If you walk from the Palais to the Rue d’Antibes (past the church) you’ll hit the toy shop. The clothes shop is in a side street virtually opposite.

Monoprix – the ground floor where it’s a veritable treasure trove of stationery, toys and clothes. There’s not much here you can’t buy. Upstairs is a supermarche, where Jambon et Fromage Sandwiches can often be a life saver if time doesn’t permit a nice lunch on La Croisette. A good budget alternative for French consumables to take home.

Sephora – beauty products from this famous international retailer with a French flavour. Sephora is perfect for last minute (and very stylish) gifts to take back home.

And the winners are….

fdretailproperty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:46:10 +0000

Congratulations to all of the winners from the MAPIC Awards! The results are as follows:

Retail success story of the year:
- Primark (United Kingdom)

Best concept of the year:
- KidZania (Mexico)

Developer of the year:
- Multi Corporation bv (The Netherlands)

Best shopping centre of the year:
- Westfield, London (United Kingdom)

Agent/Consultant of the year:
- CB Richard Ellis (United Kingdom)

Best sustainable retail development of the year:
- Ernst-August-Galerie, Hannover (Germany) / submitted by ECE Projektmanagement G.m.b.H. & Co. KG

Finally, the Pioneer prize went to Thierry Renault of Reed MIDEM for his contribution over the years, and a special Urban Regeneration Initiative of the Year prize went to Liverpool One (UK).

Dog and Bone

fdretailproperty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:33:08 +0000

One of the more unusual (and certainly eye catching) exhibits at MAPIC, on display on the the G-Star International stand.

ICSC finalists continue the German theme

fdretailproperty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:16:02 +0000

Developments in Germany scooped four finalist places in the ICSC European Shopping Centre Awards announced this afternoon. Germany’s four places were matched by Portugal, with Turkey and Poland close behind with three shortlisted projects apiece. Liverpool One was the UK’s only finalist, vying with Portugal’s MAR Shopping and Dolce Vita Tejo centres in the large centre category. The winners will be announced at ICSC Europe in Prague in April 2010.

More stands…

fdretailproperty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:09:29 +0000

This time with a sporting theme!

Germany tops the list

fdretailproperty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:26:05 +0000

Linking in very nicely to the Germanic theme of this year’s MAPIC, CB Richard Ellis unveiled their latest research report this morning with the news that Deutschland is the number one target destination for retailers looking to expand their international presence in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region in 2010. The report – How Active are Retailers in EMEA? – reveals that 47% of retailers surveyed are targeting Germany for future expansion, followed by France, with 44%, and Spain with 36%. This report examines the current attitudes and 2010 expansion plans of 220 leading retailers, based on interviews conducted over the summer of 2009. The good news is that, while the economic outlook is uncertain, many retailers are optimistic about the next few years and are strategically expanding into new markets. Whilst the research has shown a broad shift towards the more mature Western European markets and prime locations, some retailers are taking the opposite approach and are targeting new and previously untried markets in their search for competitive advantage.

Thursday talk…affordability and value

fdretailproperty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:03:55 +0000

Day two has brought much talk of opportunities for retailers in Western Europe’s mature markets, with prime space in capital cities and major shopping destinations more available and more affordable. Germany is getting more mentions than most, as a favourite for retailer expansion (and an active investment market too). Value retailers are making the most of easier entry to the top locations (much talk of TK Maxx, Primark et al). And, outlet centres are very much in evidence as exhibitors, with owners and operators reporting good performance compared with full-price formats and ambitions to expand their portfolios of centres. Clearly a good play in a challenging economy as shoppers seek value.