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Appear Here (@appearhere) “Great to see another innovative company” just what we like to hear. 100s of landlords embracing change at this years #MAPIC ! #FutureIsHere REDEFINING RETAIL JONES Lang LaSalle (JLL) hosted a panel yesterday to launch its latest research Redefining Retail Places. Joining JLL’s Robert Bonwell and James Brown, were retailers Francis McAuley of Debenhams, and Peter Williams of ASOS. The research discusses a range of key solutions to some of the modern challenges facing retailers and shopping-centre managers and investors.
GOIng shopping UNDERGROUND LONDON’s underground system attracts 3.7 million passenger journeys a day. But retail opportunities are limited, Stuart Anderson, head of retail at Transport for London said. Only 57% of travellers ever use the station shops. But another 24% say they would if stations had a better mix of multiples and independents. Anderson’s mission is to create new retail spaces in stations. Space is at a premium and so he is looking to digital solutions to allow retailers to display a full range from small stores.
COME TO BRAZIL RETAIL projects across Brazil were presented yesterday in a rapid-fire pitching session. Waldir Chao, Sonae Sierra Brasil’s leasing and property management officer, said it was perfect for businesses such as his — exhibiting at MAPIC for the first time. “Brazil is expanding and we need to attract more European retailers,” he said.
Best practice ensures Africa’s newest malls are a good bet
A
FRICA’s latest generation of retail malls are importing best practice from around the globe and adapting it to local conditions, according to AECOM director Ben Agyekum. Agyekum pointed to the Actisfunded Exchange in Accra, Ghana as an example, designed by HOK with an emphasis on sustainability. “With office, residential and retail space and a four-star hotel, this is a truly mixed-use development,” he said. Actis is also funding the Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja, Nigeria, which will be LEED-certified. Dale Ramsden and Michael O’Malley of Johannesburg-based RMB Westport stressed that there are significant opportunities for retailers in Africa, with its first development fund focused on Ghana, Nigeria and Angola.
The Exchange mall in Accra, Ghana
A second, $500m (€371m) fund has been placed and they expect it to complete by the end of 2014, providing an investment chest of $1bn. “The first fund was primarily backed by US and Middle East-
ern investors but there is a stronger European element for the second fund,” Ramsden said. “We have six schemes coming out of the ground. Africa is a huge opportunity for international brands.”
UDC’s Pearl Qatar sees growing demand THE PACE of development and leasing is accelerating at UDC’s Pearl Qatar, with three distinct retail zones totaling 175,000 sq m taking shape. General manager retail leasing for the project, Ehab Kamel, said: “We’re doing double the number of deals we were doing last year. The Pearl is appealing to a wider audience.” The 85,000-sq m Porto Arabia is 70% leased, with the luxury retail already in place. “Now we’re looking for affordable well-
known brands,” Kamel said. The 60,000-sq m Medina Central will be next to launch in the first quarter of 2014, and it is already 60% pre-leased with the multiplex cinema fitting out. The final retail phase will be the 30,000-sq m Qanat Quartier. “We’re already receiving expressions of interest, and leasing will begin shortly,” Kamel said. UDC’s Ehab Kamel
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