Apocalypse? Not here, not now

Despite all the doom-mongering of a retail apocalypse heading our way from across the ocean, investors in Poland are still rather unperturbed. However, they have added a third inevitability to Benjamin Franklin’s equally well-known adage about there only being two certain things in life, namely death and taxes: change. Consumer expectations are changing, so shopping centres also have to be transformed, while adjustments are being made to stores as well as the business models of retail chains. Retail investors who spend considerable sums on this market are also altering their approach. However, it’s worth remembering that a market full of challenges also represents a trove of opportunities. And this is what we cover in our latest issue, in the articles ‘Not Just for the Connoisseurs’ and ‘The Inside Experience’ as well as in our special supplement – Retail Retailored. There will be plenty to read about on the beach in Cannes at the annual meeting of retail experts at Mapic in November. And December 3rd is the date of our annual Eurobuild Awards Gala. This year we are celebrating the tenth occasion of this event. And it’s going to be truly special! In the meantime, it’s worth taking a look at the ‘Outgrowing the Hilton’ feature, where we relate how the event has changed over the last decade. So remember (and this is especially true at the moment): if you’re not moving forwards, you’re very definitely going backwards.