A retail forum was launched on the second day of the Provada Dutch real estate fair this week to examine the future of Dutch retail. A panel of seven Dutch retail specialists, including retailers, developers and investors, discussed a range of topics regarding what lies ahead for the sector. The panel also looked at the international role of Dutch retailers in the rest of Europe and Turkey.
A retail forum was launched on the second day of the Provada Dutch real estate fair this week to examine the future of Dutch retail. A panel of seven Dutch retail specialists, including retailers, developers and investors, discussed a range of topics regarding what lies ahead for the sector. The panel also looked at the international role of Dutch retailers in the rest of Europe and Turkey.
One of the main questions the forum is seeking to answer is whether the retail market is flexible enough to meet changing consumer demands in a market affected by the economic downturn and more internet retail than ever before.
Another major initiative at Provada this week was the launch of an EnergyMobile concept by former Dutch minister Jacqueline Cramer. Under the plan, a bus will drive through the Netherlands to visit schools and inform children about sustainability, energy savings and environmental issues. The concept, presented at the Green Market exhibition area, has the support of the Dutch Green Building Council and other sponsors.
On Thursday, the last day of the fair, the conference programme included debates on the hospital of the future, green architecture, real estate asset validation, green technology in real estate, and the Award for the Sustainable Innovator Pitch.
Provada claims to rank second in Europe and says it drew more than 14,400 people on the first two days of the fair. The Provada organisation said it expects the total number of visitors to the three-day event will equal the 2009 total of around 21,500.
