The International Council of Shopping Centers Europe has reported an increase of almost 40% in membership numbers over the last year, making it the fastest growing region of ICSC between 2007 and 2008.
The International Council of Shopping Centers Europe has reported an increase of almost 40% in membership numbers over the last year, making it the fastest growing region of ICSC between 2007 and 2008.
Membership of the shopping centre association across Europe now stands at 2,300, a record number according to Ermine Amies, managing director of ICSC in Europe. 'During an economic downturn, developing networks and opportunities is essential to create and capitalise on early opportunities when the recovery comes,' she said.
European membership has also widened to include retail real estate professionals in 34 countries and 13 industry sectors. Half the members are shopping centre owners, developers and investors. The number of retailers becoming members of ICSC has also risen sharply and now stands at its highest ever in Europe.
Amies added: 'ICSC is now running more events in more countries than ever before in order to provide our members with the networking, educational and professional support that they are seeking in order to best develop their careers and businesses.'
The association says more than 100 retailers and 20 leading developers have signed up for the second ICSC Retail Connections leasing event being held at ExCel London on 4 February 2009. The event is designed to enable retailers to meet and do business directly with the leasing teams within development companies.
