The 17th edition of the CEE Retail Awards, hosted by EuropaProperty, was a landmark event, reinforcing the strength and dynamism of the Central and Eastern European retail industry. This prestigious gathering celebrated innovation, resilience, and excellence and served as a vital platform to propel the region’s commercial real estate market forward.

The event saw an impressive turnout, with many retailers eager to celebrate the industry’s finest. Rossmann emerged as the Retailer of the Year, reflecting its commanding presence in the sector. Other distinguished retailers recognized included Deichmann for Fashion Retailer under 500 sqm, Sinsay for Fashion Retailer over 500 sqm, and Kaufland for Supermarket Chain of the Year. Vision Express was awarded Specialty Retailer, while Smyk took home the title of Children’s Retailer. Rituals stood out as the Cosmetics Retailer, and Fruitisimo Group was celebrated as the leading F&B Retailer.

A new category introduced this year was the Lifestyle Awards, celebrating the most influential and innovative lifestyle retail developments. Winners in this category included Food Fyrtel at Posnania/Apsys, OKRE Development, Decisive Szmigiel, Papros, Gregorczyk, and DE Sabor Luxury Collection Group. These projects exemplify the evolving retail landscape, bringing unique concepts that cater to contemporary consumer preferences and redefine shopping experiences.

Retail development projects also took centre stage. Domoteka by Pradera secured the Retail Innovation award, while Posnania by Apsys was named the Ultimate Retail Destination. FOOD Street in Galeria Echo, an EPP project, was recognized as the Best F&B Concept.

Major retail parks and developments were also honored, with BIG Ostróda by BIG Poland/Acteeum winning in the Retail Park category, and BIG Gorzów securing the Retail Project Large award. Redkom Development’s Comfy Park Bielik was awarded Retail Project Medium, while Trei Real Estate & Patron Capital’s Vendo Park Kostrzyn nad Odrą won Retail Project Small. LCP’s M Park was named Retail Park/Outlet Chain of the Year, and Trei Real Estate Poland was recognized as Retail Park Developer of the Year.

Significant contributions to the industry were acknowledged with Redkom Development being crowned Retail Developer of the Year and Nepi Rockcastle winning Investor of the Year. The Retail Tech Provider award went to Singu, recognizing its cutting-edge solutions in the sector.

The awards also spotlighted outstanding professional achievements. Marek Noetzel of Nepi Rockcastle was named Professional of the Year for his leadership and industry impact. The Rising Star Award, recognizing a top professional under 35, went to Milena Kobus of Sierra Balmain. Additionally, Marek Ćwiek from Apsys was honored as Shopping Center Director of the Year.

The synergy between retail and logistics was highlighted with Panattoni taking home both the Retail Logistics Developer and Retail Warehouse Project of the Year awards for its BTS Hermes Fulfilment project in Poland.

Several industry leaders were recognized for their excellence at the awards ceremony. CFE was honoured as Construction Firm of the Year, while Sierra Balmain secured the title Investment Asset Management Firm of the Year. Dentons was named Law Firm of the Year, and KPMG was awarded Tax and Financial Adviser of the Year. Master Management Group was recognized as Property Management Firm of the Year. Other notable winners included Nhood Services Poland as Professional Service Provider of the Year, Gleeds Polska as Project Management Firm of the Year, Schwitzke Górski as Architectural Firm of the Year, and Santander Bank Polska, which was awarded Bank of the Year.

In a remarkable recognition, Jacek Wesołowski from Trei Real Estate was presented with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award for his unparalleled contributions to the industry.

The awards were judged by an independent panel of industry professionals, with EY ensuring transparency and credibility. As the evening drew to a close, attendees celebrated the remarkable achievements of the winners, looking forward to an even more impactful edition next year.