A notable trend on the European retail market is the growing importance of smaller retail formats. The increasing market saturation in key metropolitan areas and changing consumer shopping habits and expectations are having a knock-on effect on retail supply that will be dominated in coming years by small convenience shopping centres, retail parks and mixed-use schemes. According to Cushman & Wakefield’s analysis, 40% of this year’s new supply in Poland is expected to be delivered in towns with populations below 200,000.

Changing shopping patterns in Poland - also seen in other parts of the world - with more frequent grocery shopping in smaller supermarkets, discount and local stores have forced large hypermarket chains to optimise their operations.

Lucyna Śliż, Associate, Business Development Director, Retail Agency, Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Space right next to Tesco’s compact hypermarkets is a very attractive proposition for tenants who have already established a presence on local markets and are looking for interesting expansion options. On the other hand, it is also an excellent opportunity for new brands seeking to enter Poland as they will be able to open their first stores in prime locations that are well-known to consumers. During the first phase, we will offer spaces in 20 prime locations boasting high footfalls and strong catchment areas.”