The 16th edition of the CEE Retail Awards, hosted by EuropaProperty, made a significant impact on the retail industry, providing a boost to the ever-evolving commercial retail real estate market in Central and Eastern Europe. This annual event celebrated the dynamic and competitive nature of the region’s retail landscape, recognizing outstanding achievements and market success.

The awards ceremony witnessed a record-breaking attendance, with over 100 retailers actively participating in the event. Noteworthy winners included Deichmann for Overall Retailer, Popeyes as the Newcomer, and Kaufland, which excelled in three categories: Supermarket Chain, Specialty Retailer (large category), and Retail Project for its innovative Timber Supermarket in Slovakia.

Piotr Zielinski of Rossmann received the Professional of the Year award for his leadership skills and ambitious contributions to the competitive market. The evening also acknowledged various retailers, such as F&B Retailer Popeyes, Vision Express, Rituals, Tatuum, Medicine, Reserved, Swarovski, Reserved Kids, and Douglas, who received accolades in different categories.

Decathlon and Vision Express were recognized for their innovative and sustainable concepts, highlighting the importance of new shopping experiences for today’s customers. The awards also acknowledged outstanding retail development projects, with Mayland Real Estate’s Fort Wola, G-City Europe’s Promenada, DWS Group’s Stary Browar in Poznan and Acteeum and BIG’s regional power centre in Ostroda receiving top honours.

Joint ventures, such as Karuzela Biala Podlaska by Mitiska REIM and Karuzela Holding were acknowledged for their successful medium-sized project, while Trei Real Estate’s Vendo Park chain received awards for Retail Park Outlet Chain, Retail Park Developer, and its latest development, Vendo Park Konin.

Nepi Rockcastle won Developer of the Year, LCP Properties received Investor of the Year, and Retail Tech Provider Award went to workcloud24. Other awards recognized EPP as Asset Management Firm, CFE as Construction Firm of the Year, Cushman & Wakefield as Agency of the Year, Dentons as Law Firm of the Year, and TPA Poland/Baker Tilly TPA for Tax and Financial Adviser of the Year.

Individual achievements were also acknowledged, with Alexandra Szachowicz from Sierra Balmain receiving the Rising Star award, and Katarzyna Szymanska from Cushman & Wakefield honoured as Shopping Center Director of the Year. The event recognized the growing synergies between retail and warehousing, with CBRE Investment Management winning Logistics Investor of the Year.

Other company winners included Nhood as Property Management Firm of the Year and Sierra Balmain as Professional Service Provider of the Year. Gleeds Polska collected the Project Management Firm of the Year award. Schwitzke Gorski picked up Architectural Firm of the Year and Santander was voted Bank of the Year

The awards were judged by an independent panel of industry professionals, overseen by EY for maximum objectivity and transparency. Congratulations were extended to all winners, with anticipation building for next year’s event, promising to be even more significant.

The CEE Retail Awards 2024 was sponsored by Master Management Group as the Whiskey and Cognac Lounge Premium Partner, New Work as CEE Flex Office Partner, and supported by awards sponsors, Nhood, Trei Real Estate, TPA Poland/Baker Tilly Poland, Deichmann, Douglas, Mayland, Sierra Balmain, The Quest Group, Lightcraft, Crowd Real Estate, Hays, Sharley Hair Clinic, and Rossmann. Corporate Table Partners, EPP, Kaufland, Acteeum, Fashion House Group, CBRE Investment Management, Nepi Rockcastle, Multi Poland, Falcon Investment Management, and Hays. Auditor EY, Supporting Partners MAPIC, Charity Partners Finedeeds, Norwegian Refugee Council. Wine Parter A-Nobis. Coffee Innovation Partner LS Coffee and Beer Partner Perla.