Wijnegem Shop Eat Enjoy Shopping Centre

Nowadays, the European and Belgian retail landscapes are facing structural changes. The continuous exponential growth of online retail, changing demographic patterns, growing ethical and environmental concerns are putting pressure on the retail markets. These changes have been dramatically accelerated by the COVID-19 outbreak which had and still have an impact on activity, footfalls, rents and retailers’ turnovers (see our Back-to-school article External Link). Shopping centres were particularly hit during the lockdown with first downward movements on their prime rental levels. And they are still witnessing footfall 20 to 30% below average levels though the situation is enhancing month after month. In this fast-moving context, consumers are adapting (see our retail survey article) to a new normal. We, as retail consultants, also need to adapt to this new era to provide the most relevant answer to retailers and owners. 

Thanks to our unrivalled market knowledge and a long-lasting and dedicated collaboration with AEW and AXA (owners of the Wijnegem Shop Eat Enjoy), we keep delivering strategic advice on a regular basis for the repositioning of the shopping centre, both regarding the commercial mix and the rental levels. Next to the rebranding of the shopping by the owners and their willingness to offer a better commercial mix by massively introducing Food & Beverage in the centre, we decided to focus on retailers not present in Belgium yet to initiate a new dynamic in the shopping and offer an exclusive experience to visitors

Thanks to its important catchment area, strategic location and high visibility, Wijnegem differentiates itself from any other retail location, despite growing pressure on the retail real estate market reinforced by the current pandemic. We have also been able to create more flexibility in the lease contracts to attract new tenants. This happened thanks to our strong partnership with the owner which is going for many years now.   

And the result is already concrete with the arrival and opening of five new tenants in the shopping. Next to Neuhaus, Mango and Hawaiian Poké Bowl, Dunkin Donuts opened its second Belgian store in the Wijnegem Shop Eat Enjoy after a first opening in Antwerp. Lucardi opened the doors of its very first store in Belgium. 

Dedication, creativity, market knowledge and flexibility from all the stakeholders were key to close these deals and to make their openings a success. The perfect combination of newcomers, footfall drivers, qualitative tenants and innovative concepts will certainly contribute to attract other tenants and will keep improving the occupancy rate of this iconic shopping centre. 

Some units are still available! If you want to check them out do not hesitate to contact our dedicated experts to be part of this success story.