Curtain call for the 30th edition of MAPIC

This anniversary MAPIC concluded after two days marked by an international attendance of 4,000 participants, including 1,700 retail brand representatives from 75 countries.

For its 30th edition, MAPIC was condensed into a two-day format focused on optimising deal making opportunities and exchanges while preserving networking moments.

This new format was a great success, bringing together 4,000 participants from 75 countries over the two days, including 1,700 brand representatives – equivalent to last year’s attendance.

Delegates were able to meet 150 exhibitors relocated to the bright spaces of Riviera 7 and 8, including all the major sector leaders such as Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Nhood, CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, Colliers, Savills, JLL, The Crown Estate, SCC, Ingka, Cenomi, VIA Outlets and ECE present on stands, in hospitality suites or at networking tables.

This anniversary edition was also an opportunity to celebrate the sector’s major successes over the past 30 years. Visionary figures, projects and brands that have particularly shaped the world of commercial real estate over these three decades were honoured and rewarded with special MAPIC Awards.

As the only international platform for commercial real estate, MAPIC offers a unique view of the sector’s market perofrmance worldwide, with marked differences by destination.

Europe is well represented at MAPIC but contains very different dynamics depending on the country. Spain and Italy now appear particularly attractive destinations for retail investors. Central and Eastern Europe also continue to attract projects with active players such as NEPI Rockcastle and its Promenada Mall Bucharest or the Fashion House Outlet Centre Pallady in Romania; likewise the Promenada Village led by G City Europe in Warsaw, which stimulate regional expansion.

MAPIC’s portrait also shows a global landscape where some regions still offer strong growth potential, notably the Middle East, which hosts many new retail and mixed-use projects such as Souq7 in Jeddah developed by Azad Properties or Westfield Riyadh led by Cenomi Centers; and India, which presented projects like Ingka Centres’ Lykli Noida in Uttar Pradesh or the outlet developed by Bhumi World in Bhiwandi, as well as operators like Devyani International.

The Retail Urban Regeneration Summit was a highlight for understanding the new strategies implemented by major players. Indeed, as new commercial projects decline in Europe, emphasis is now on revitalizing existing assets, as shown by this session which presented examples from around the world: Vespucio by Mallplaza in Chile, the Royal Opera Arcade by The Crown Estate, The Elephant in London by Get Living, BPM in Paris by Redevco, or Sture in Stockholm led by TAM.

Other European projects presented at the show included Sierra’s Gaia in Portugal and RE: Liljeholmen by Citycon in Stockholm. The active presence of outlet operators also proved the attractiveness of a sector that continues to expand, with projects such as Arcus’s Roma Outlet Village, Multi-Real’s Cotswolds Designer Outlet in the UK, or Malmö Designer Village by Rioja Estates, Frey and ROS in Sweden.

With 1,700 brand representatives present, MAPIC also facilitated meetings with brands that are actively expanding, confirming MAPIC’s study which reported that 60% of brands present planned to open up to 10 stores in the coming year.

Consumption trends analysed by Colliers in its “Global Retail Trends” showed growth ranging from 2 percent in Europe to 5 percent in the APAC region – positive signals while geopolitical uncertainties and a general environment of rising prices create consumer concern.

Europe attracts new international brands every year, proving that growth is not limited by the development of new projects. This year MAPIC placed particular emphasis on American and Asian brands with clear expansion programs in Europe. Closed-door events organized between these brands and shopping centre owners and operators thus offered MAPIC clients privileged access to brands making headlines such as Paris Baguette, Xiaomi, Alo Yoga, Mr DIY, Lucciano’s, Dine Brands, Bath & Body Works, Funky Buddha, Costco, Joe & The Juice, Krispy Kreme…

Given the success of the dates and this compact new format, the next edition of MAPIC will return on from 3^rd – 4^th November 2026

Bringing together pan-European players, MAPIC 2026 will be a tool for brands and operators to expand their development in Europe.

Given the success of the curation program for international brands and the exclusive networking events organised, the 2026 edition will also continue to search for the rising stars of tomorrow who are rapidly expanding.

Image © S. CHAMPEAUX/IMAGE&CO.