admin

Today, shopping begins in one place and ends in another, blurring the lines between online and offline sales. This offers a huge opportunity but also presents a challenge for the retail industry. Omnichannel, or a complete and satisfying client experience regardless of the sales channel, is the direction in which shopping centers are increasingly heading.[1] Despite predictions to the contrary, customers still enjoy in-person shopping, making unique experiences more crucial than ever.

Gemini Park Tarnów once again demonstrates that its rich tenant-mix is not its only asset. In this shopping center, long-focused on the local community and culture, an unusual exhibition has emerged, featuring Gemini itself as the subject. Through an innovative view of the gallery’s role and functions in strategy development, this largest commercial facility in the region from Gemini Holding’s portfolio successfully maintains its leadership position.

According to a CBRE report, already every third investor pays attention to whether future assets are in line with sustainable development policies. More than half of the biggest players are willing to pay up to 20% more for assets that incorporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) solutions[1]. Customers also appreciate an environmentally friendly approach. In Poland, as many as 59% of shoppers would consider changing their shopping center if the competition began to implement sustainable development policies and care for the environment[2]. ESG policy in the retail industry has moved beyond being merely a legislative obligation and has become a serious competitive advantage. What does ESG implementation look like in the Polish market?

Customers continue to prefer shopping in malls – with an average turnover increase of about 11% in 2022 compared to the pre-pandemic year of 2019[1]. This trend will benefit those players who can flexibly adapt their model to the habits and expectations of the modern customer, stated Anna Malcharek, Managing Director of a Krakow-based development company and Vice President of the Board of the Polish Council of Shopping Centers, during the panel “Shopping, Entertainment, and Work in the Time of the Pandemic” at the Real Estate Market Forum, held on June 19-20 this year in Sopot. In her commentary, she summarizes and develops the most important trends in the retail market.

In 2023, Gemini Park Tychy celebrates its fifth anniversary. Following last year’s expansion, the facility has grown to nearly 44,000 square meters of Gross Leasable Area (GLA), housing not only retail and entertainment space but also modern office areas. Gemini Park Tychy, welcoming an average of 400,000 customers per month, continues to expand its offerings. Calvin Klein Jeans/Tommy Jeans and Let’s Bubble are just some of the brands added to the portfolio this year. Another opening, planned for the second half of 2023, will surely delight the youngest visitors – a modern playroom is set to be established in the shopping center.

Gemini Park Tarnów, the largest shopping center in the region, is strengthening its strong position in the local retail market. Recently, seven well-known and popular brands in Poland – Hebe, 50style, Sizeer, Intimissimi, Calzedonia, Coral Travel, and Ryłko – have extended their lease agreements. The lease renewals cover a total of approximately 1,200 square meters of Gross Leasable Area (GLA).

Gemini Park Bielsko-Biała, as one of the first shopping malls in Poland and the only one in the region, introduces ecoGift Cards made entirely of paper. This initiative not only fosters more environmentally-friendly shopping experiences for our customers but also supports the sustainability efforts of our tenants.

Three shopping centers belonging to the Gemini Holding will consume less energy. A series of solutions have been implemented in Gemini Park Tychy, Gemini Park Bielsko-Biała, and Gemini Park Tarnów to provide additional savings, beyond those previously used.

Gemini Park Tychy is strengthening its position in the Silesian shopping center market. This is facilitated by the recently completed expansion, as well as the dynamically developing commercial “power center,” located in the heart of the Tychy gallery.

Turnover in shopping malls is increasing, restaurants are once again full, and so are cinemas. Six months after the lifting of restrictions, what do Polish consumers’ shopping habits in shopping centers look like? We talk to Anna Malcharek, CEO of Gemini Holding.