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Three interactive puzzle rooms, a mini-laboratory, and a mega escape room in an open format – these are the offerings from the Bielsko-Biała gallery and the University of Bielsko-Biała as part of Science Point LAB for 2024. Gemini Park Bielsko-Biała, together with UBB, have secured as much as 305,000 zlotys from a grant from the Ministry of Education and Science for the realization of the third edition of this unique mini-science center within a shopping facility. The previous edition of the edu-space was visited by over 35,000 people, and the entire Science Point 2.0 project was also recognized by industry forums, earning a nomination for this year’s PRCH Awards in the CSR ACTION AND STRATEGY OF THE YEAR category.

Gemini Park Bielsko-Biała is successfully developing its sports offering. After Just Gym and Regatta Outdoors, Alpine Pro – an international outdoor leader and the official partner of the Czech Olympic Committee for over 20 years – joins the tenant group.

In mid-summer, the Scottish sports brand Trespass made its entrance into Gemini Park Tychy. This is the brand’s first store in Tychy and the thirteenth in Poland. Customers can enjoy a rich outdoor offering across 180 square meters.

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).