New brands and new malls made important inroads during 2016, according to an end of year round-up by JLL Poland. Over 336,000 sqm of new mall space came on-line over the course of the year, but the arrival of retailers in the country was also significant, says Anna Wysocka, head of retail agency, who named Forever 21, Other Stories and Uterque. “Recently, Hamleys – the British toy store – announced its willingness to enter the Polish market as well. The brand will make its debut in 2017 in Galeria Północna. This confirms the potential of the Polish market as well as its attractiveness for international brands.” In all, 463,000 sqm of GLA retail space was delivered 2016, with retail parks contributing another 28,000 sqm to the shopping center total and 94,000 sqm in stand alone warehouses also being added.
