Page 59 - #182 June 2023

shifting towards attentive, innovative and above all, responsible retail.
In this regard, Luis Pires, Head of Country at Klepierre Management
Italy, emphasised the need for more visibility in the rules addressing ESG
issues in Italy “...and how we should all embrace the vital opportunity to
work towards a more responsible development ethos presented by the
PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan).”
Sustainability and responsible development were also discussed in
the session co-organised with Confimprese: ‘Retail & Sustainability:
Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Retail Development’,
moderated by Barbara Cimmino, Executive Member of Confimprese and
Head of CSR & Innovation at INTICOM SPA (Yamamay). The session
allowed for the sharing of some of the most interesting initiatives in terms
of responsible and sustainable development by brands. The session
also served as an opportunity for the presentation of the Confimprese
Manifesto for sustainability in retail: a roadmap for responsible retail.

The Human Factor and Experience as Key Elements of the
New Paradigm
There was also significant emphasis on the role of the human factor
and experience in shopping destinations, with the increasing presence
of leisure and food in the retail mix of new destinations. In the session
“Transforming Retail Destinations into Experience Places,” co-organized
with Gioco News, guests discussed the growing need for integrating
recreational and cultural activities into shopping locations. Attendees
also saw presentations of new leisure formats completely made in Italy,
including the project developed by Green Spirit for Merlata Bloom,
the lifestyle destination project on the outskirts of Milan presented by
Nhood. Another important aspect of the experience is the growing use
of brand licenses and their activation in physical spaces, as demonstrated
by Matteo Olivetti, Sales Director Global CP at Rainbow, the licensor
of Winx Club.
Prospects for the Italian Commercial Real Estate Market
MAPIC Italy 2023 was also an opportunity to assess the future
prospects of the commercial real estate market in Italy. In the panel
moderated by Paola Dezza, Editor of Il Sole 24 Ore, international
investors shared their views on the Italian market. Giorgio Mauro Pieralli,
Head of Real Estate Southern Europe Investment Management at Zurich
Insurance Group, explained that the market is currently in a wait-and-
see situation, awaiting a trigger event that can provide better visibility for
investors, with a relatively positive sentiment regarding the prospects
for transaction volumes to recover. Pieralli emphasised how important
it is for investors that owners and developers continue to innovate and
diversify consumer experiences.
In an in-depth discussion on the commercial real estate market in
Italy, Mirko Baldini, CEO of CBRE, expressed optimism, stating, “We
believe that there is significant room for growth in both town and out-
of-town retail. We are pleasantly surprised to see retailers’ attention
to new developments. This dynamism is having a positive influence on
investment recovery.”
Development Strategies of Brand and New Landlord-Tenant
Partnership Models
The sharing of brand visions and development strategies was also a
significant part of the program and content. In the session ‘Renaissance
of Retail in Italian Cities’, moderated by Monica Cannalire, Founder &
Managing Director of Younicorn, the expansion of retailers in Italian
cities was discussed. As explained by Rodolfo Rustioni, CEO of Rustioni
& Partners, there is currently high demand for spaces from international
brands concentrated in Milan. Rome has excellent prospects for the
coming years. Other cities, such as Naples, are also appealing to brands,
although the availability of medium-sized prime high-street locations
is limited. The recovery of tourism is also highlighting destinations like
Capri, Taormina and Forte dei Marmi in the high-end market segment.
The development of the first urban shopping centre in Italy in Bolzano is
also an interesting experiment.

The next event on the agenda is MAPIC, which will take place
from 28-30 November, for more information or to book your place
please visit www.mapic.com