The Brussels-based (ECSP) has officially launched a group for retailers and landlords to help the retail property industry cope with current challenges and that might help give added clout to any political lobbying efforts needed.
The ECSP, which replaced the disbanded International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) in Europe in 2020, describes itself as being ‘the voice for Europe’s retail property sector’.
Its new Retailers and Leasing group has been formed against a backdrop of Europe facing ‘economic recovery’, plus ‘digital and green transitions’.
‘Collaboration between the retail and retail property sectors is more important than ever,’ the trade body said.
‘The group will help establish an ongoing dialogue between landlords and tenants across Europe. representatives from both sectors will work together to deliver market analysis and overviews and define joint industry strategies.’
The group already celebrated its inaugural session at MAPIC Italy in Milan, with over 50 participants from the retail and retail property sectors. The next meeting will take place in November 2022 at MAPIC in Cannes, France.
Peter Wilhelm, chairman of ECSP said, ‘The pandemic already highlighted the need for increased cooperation between landlords and tenants. Whether it may be making our shopping places more energy efficient, seeking equal conditions of competition between offline and online retail or adapting to changing consumer habits, the retail and retail property sector must work hand in hand to adopt joint solutions to shared challenges.’
Klaus Striebich, independent consultant at RaRE Advise and chair of the Retailers and Leasing group said, ‘Having now an operating platform with a pan-European view and a clear focus on current and important future topics in our industry is strongly required and very much appreciated from retailers and landlords side.’
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