Expert series

In this issue, Reinhard Winiwarter, Publisher of ACROSS Magazine and a veteran of European retail real estate, explores how customer insights have evolved into the industry’s most valuable asset. Drawing from his extensive career in center management and retail development, he examines thewidening data quality gap between retailers and property managers. Winiwarter argues that overcoming these …

From Gold to Currency: Why Data Sharing is the Future of Physical Retail Read More »

In this issue, Alex Andarakis, the Founder and Managing Director of Andarakis Advisory Services, explores the diverging retail strategies of Gymshark and Squat Wolf as they navigate the high-stakes transition from digitally native disruptors to physical retail powerhouses. While both brands achieved rapid scale through the Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) model—leveraging influencer ecosystems and social media dominance—their shift into brick-and-mortar storefronts …

Clicks, Bricks, and Heavy Lifts: Decoding the Divergent Retail Playbooks of Gymshark and Squat Wolf Read More »

In an era where algorithms predict our needs before we feel them, the physical spaces we inhabit are undergoing a radical transformation. As we navigate the complexities of the 2026 property market, a singular truth has emerged: a building’s “intelligence” is only as valuable as the human connection it fosters. In this insightful article, Gabriele Bertini—a veteran …

In the Age of AI, Human-Centered Mixed-Use Is the Only Real Estate That Matters Read More »

Unfortunately, we live in an era where tragic attacks in public spaces are no longer “if” scenarios, but “when.” Whether it is a targeted act of violence or a sudden emergency, the vulnerability of high-traffic environments has never been more apparent. Yet, in this issue, we must address a sobering reality: while the risks evolve, …

When a Destination Stops Feeling Like One Place Read More »

In this issue, Michel Žalac, founder of Caron Partners and growth operating partner for mixed-use destinations, explores the subtle but costly shift that happens when a destination stops feeling like one place. We often treat “digital transformation” as a checklist of tools, yet the most common point of failure isn’t a lack of technology—it is the presence of fragmentation. When …

When a Destination Stops Feeling Like One Place Read More »

n the world of retail property, we are obsessed with metrics. We track foot traffic with laser precision. We analyze sales per square meter until the spreadsheets bleed. We celebrate the success of marketing campaigns based on clicks and impressions. But despite all this data, most shopping centers are still facing one fundamental, existential problem: They …

The Invisible Shopper: Why Modern Malls are Risking Everything on Guesswork? Read More »

In today’s rapidly shifting real estate landscape, the most successful assets are those that transcend their physical boundaries to become the heartbeat of their local areas. Gabriele Bertini, our guest author and a global leader in mixed-use development, shares his expertise on why “community” is the ultimate currency for the next decade of retail. With over 25 …

Community Integration and Emotional Resonance Read More »

In this issue, we are diving deep into the shifting soul of modern real estate. We often measure a building’s worth by its square footage or the height of its penthouse, but our guest contributor, Will Odwarka, a veteran leader in the global hospitality and retail sectors, argues that the true value lies in something far more fragrant …

The Croissant Economy: Why the Most Valuable Part of Your Building Isn’t the Penthouse Read More »

The retail landscape is no longer a battle of inches; it is a war of relevance. For years, brands have thrived in a “comfortable middle,” relying on moderate pricing and general appeal to sustain growth. However, as economic pressures mount and consumer habits shift, that middle ground is rapidly evaporating. Today’s shoppers are moving with …

Why are you still designing brand strategy for survival instead of sustainable profit? Read More »

In today’s hyper-competitive retail world, “Customer Experience (CX)” is the single most powerful differentiator for shopping centers and mixed-use destinations. Gabriele Bertini, our guest author, is sharing his views on why CX is not merely the sum of isolated elements—tenant mix, architecture, marketing, or technology. It is the seamless, emotionally resonant outcome when all these components work in harmony to deliver personalized, memorable, and …

Creating Exceptional Customer Experience in Shopping Centers and Mixed-Use Assets: A Forward-Looking Guide for the Next Decade Read More »