This week, the team from 365Retail was in Cannes for the annual MAPIC event, held from November 28 to 30 at the Palais des Festivals. The event, a key gathering for the retail, leisure, and hospitality industry, organised by Reed Exhibitions, was a hive of excitement and bustling activity. Showcasing the latest urban regeneration projects transforming cities globally, it covered major European cities as well as international projects from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, Iraq, and Kyrgyzstan. The event successfully brought together industry leaders and exhibitors, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with innovation and forward-looking discussions.
The theme “The Age of Responsible Growth” underscored the event’s emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices in the retail sector. A significant addition this year was the Sustainability Lab, an area focused on sustainable technology solutions for retail real estate. The lab hosted discussions around sustainability, indicating a committed approach to reducing environmental impact and putting people and the planet at the centre of future developments.
The Retail in the City Summit was a particular highlight, where Nhood took the spotlight with the unveiling of its ambitious Entrecampos project in Lisbon. Meanwhile, Tomorrowland Leisure, branching out from the renowned Tomorrowland Music Festival, introduced an innovative aqua-park concept, notably powered by cutting-edge solar energy solutions.
In a strategic move, Savills expanded its global footprint with the acquisition of Nash Bond, a leader in retail and leisure advisory. This development underscores the growing integration and expansion within the industry. The collaboration between Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Digeiz marked another significant moment at MAPIC, with the partnership set to revolutionize 24 European real estate centres through the deployment of Digeiz’s advanced AI solutions.
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The conversation at MAPIC was not just about growth, but also responsibility. Industry leaders like Cindy Andersen from Ingka Centres and Alison Rehill-Erguven of Cenomi Centers in Saudi Arabia shared their visions for the future, focusing on sustainable growth and the critical balance between profitability and purpose. Joanna Fisher of ECE Marketplaces echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for reimagined spaces and collaborative efforts.
Rituals’ CEO, Raymond Cloosterman, shared his journey in creating a unique beauty brand and navigating the challenges of sustainability and organizational growth. His efforts and impact in the industry were recognized as he was honoured as MAPIC’s Personality of the Year.
The discussion of urban regeneration was a central theme, with flagship projects like Galataport and Battersea Power Station, both recipients of the MAPIC Awards, showcasing innovative approaches to urban redevelopment. Sustainability emerged as a common thread, tying together various topics including the transformative impact of AI in real estate.
MAPIC’s networking sessions brought together prominent players like CBRE, Savills, Landsec and The Crown Estate, highlighting landmark projects like Canopia in Bordeaux and King’s Cross in London. These sessions illustrated the critical role of public-private partnerships in shaping future cities.
The exhibition also shone a spotlight on global property projects, featuring developers from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, Iraq, and Kyrgyzstan. European developers and regions were well represented, showcasing a diverse range of innovative projects and ideas.
Christine Wacker of Netflix provided insights on enhancing consumer engagement through the company’s intellectual property, which has been effectively utilised in location-based entertainment. She discussed the Netflix Bites pop-up in Los Angeles, a unique venture where food from popular Netflix shows was served. This initiative, along with the sale of merchandise at live events, has contributed significantly to creating immersive experiences for fans.
Wacker elaborated on the strategic process Netflix employs to establish such attractions. This involves selecting top-tier partners, conducting thorough market research, and developing adaptable partnership models. These initiatives have not only increased visitor numbers but also created spaces where Netflix enthusiasts can collectively express their fandom.
Additionally, Wacker introduced the ‘Floor is Lava’ concept, a novel initiative by Netflix. This concept is designed to bridge the gap between physical experiences and Netflix’s digital content, further enhancing the audience’s interaction with the brand.
During the Leisure summit, industry leaders from various brands, operators, and property owners convened to explore ways to diversify and enhance destination offerings. Sandi Danick from American Dream (part of Triple Five) detailed their journey in creating one of the most ambitious projects in North America, which is firmly rooted in the foundational values of entertainment and retail.
In the realm of food and beverage (F&B), Tigrane Seydoux, CEO and co-founder of the Big Mamma restaurant group, emphasized the significance of unique, inimitable concepts for F&B brands, advocating for a bold and expansive approach from the outset. He attributed the success of Big Mamma to a combination of high-quality, affordable food, an inviting atmosphere, and a focus on people.
The session titled “Good brands, great brands, what’s the difference?” featured insights from Nicholas Shapira, Partnership Director at ITSU, who stressed the importance of attention to detail and delivery in brand success. Rana Edwards, VP of I Love Poke, highlighted the role of a quality, healthy product range as a driver for brand expansion. Christopher Jones, President of SUSHISHOP (Amrest Group), reinforced the necessity for brands to fulfill their promises and uphold their values for exceptional performance.
The summit also delved into the crucial role of technology and sustainability in transforming the industry. Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) focused on how it can provide valuable insights to developers, owners, and retailers on topics ranging from advertising effectiveness to increasing visitor conversions. AI Digeiz showcased its ability to transform shopping centres into media platforms, enabling precise audience measurement akin to digital campaigns.
A special discussion with Chris Igwe featured Clement Jeannin, Group Director of Sustainability at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. Jeannin detailed the company’s commitment to its ‘better places’ strategy, which aims to meet the evolving needs of consumers and retailers, particularly focusing on sustainability and transparency. This approach underscores the industry-wide imperative for property players and brands to align with consumer expectations and future-oriented retail and consumer trends.
Looking ahead, MAPIC 2024 is set to continue these discussions and developments, scheduled to convene once again at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes from 26 to 28 November 2024. This future event promises to build on the momentum and insights gained from this year’s successful gathering.
