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CBRE: UK, France most attractive markets for foreign retailers in 2017
As part of a recent study by real estate firm CBRE, a host of global retailers have been surveyed regarding retail strategies for the EMEA zone (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) in the coming year. The United Kingdom placed first overall with 65% of respondents planning retail openings here, followed by France, in second place, with 43%.
Overall, the top five positions were dominated by major markets in western Europe, with Germany taking out third position (38%), followed by Spain, the Netherlands, and Poland -- all tied in fifth position with 19%.
The United Arab Emirates came in fourth place and counterbalanced the Europe-dominated list. According to CBRE, some 24% of retailers expressed an interest in developing their retail presence in the Middle Eastern nation in 2017.
More than half of the retailers surveyed said they plan to open up to five new stores from now until the end of 2017. However, several concerns were raised. Around 57% of respondents feared the increase in costs, the lack of prime offers (51%) and economic uncertainty (49%).
The vast majority of retailers (81%) declared that boutiques are essential in Europe and that e-commerce would not come in competition with physical stores.
However, retailers hoped to see their points of sales introduced to new technologies and in store innovations. Some 78% of respondents said they plan to look at integrated commerce and social networks; more than half (53%) are looking to install wi-fi and 34% are considering interactive tablets and dressing rooms.
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