MAPIC 2025: Retail back in the spotlight

This year’s 30^th edition of MAPIC represented a major milestone for the event and ushered in a series of changes and updates to its existing format. Having historically been a showcase for emerging new retail destinations, this anniversary event brought a renewed focus on the deal making and place-making disciplines that underpin the retail market.

This was reflected in a new deal making area, which hosted brands including CBRE Investment Management, Global Mutual, Hammerson, McArthur Glen, Newmark, Savills and Unibail Rodamco Westfield. An additional dedicated ‘matchmaking’ event brought retailers and property players together with the aim of showcasing the US and Asian brands seeking to expand their footprint in Europe.

The positive cross border expansion story was reinforced by our own pre-event research, which revealed a genuine and emerging desire for growth: of the 1,000 survey respondents, 60% are planning to open more than 10 stores in the next two years, with over 20% indicating intentions to open 50+ stores within the same timeframe. This much-needed injection of positivity reaffirms real estate’s relevance in the retail equation and its continued role in brand-building, even in an increasingly digital world.

Demand for new retail space is being driven primarily by new brands from Asia or the US, such as Alo Yoga, Balabala, Bath & Body Works, Paris Baguette, Funky Buddha, Mr DIY, Dine Brands (Applebee’s and International House of Pancakes), Lucciano’s or Bageterie Boulevard.

For expanding brands, Western Europe remains a clear target, with France, Italy, Germany, Spain and the UK representing the five most sought-after countries.

This increasingly busy intersection between expanding brands and the investors behind the locations to enable this, set the tone for this year’s event. The feedback from attendees is clear: they come to MAPIC to meet emerging brands and sign new leases. And our response is equally clear: we are here to provide the platform to do that.

This year’s event attracted together 4,000 participants from 75 countries over the two days, including 1,700 brand representatives, equalling last year’s attendance, but against a sunnier and more optimistic backdrop.

Albeit somewhat unscientific, industry events are often the barometer of market sentiment. This sentiment is more tangible when an entire industry converges in one space and is heavily influenced by the speeches delivered on stage and during panel sessions, the activity on stands and the Palais floor, the conversations taking place throughout the venue and the rumours circling around dinner tables.

By this measure, this year’s MAPIC was the most positive since the pre-Covid era. Having faced and overcome so many challenges, there was a prevailing sense of retail being back in favour with investors and back in the land of opportunity.

The presence of both retailers in growth mode and investors in transactional mode certainly lifted the mood of the event, while positive updates from representatives CBRE. Colliers and Cushman & Wakefield backed it up with clear market data and insights during their opening panel session.

As ever, it was a privilege to host the industry in Cannes once again this year and we are grateful for the continued support of everyone who made it such a success and look forward to welcome everyone at next year’s event, taking place from 3-4 November 2026.