New study reveals attraction of Germany for global retailers

Germany has become the most popular retail-expansion market globally.

According to property consultancy firm, CBRE, around 40% of the 115 retailers that were polled globally stated their intention to open stores within Germany during this year.

The report stated that the attraction is mainly due to the opportunity to target 30 large cities with high purchase power.

The UK was second on the list with 33% of retailers, followed by France, with 31%.

CBRE stated that retailers are attracted to the huge number of successful centers and mature market within France. The change in rules regarding Sunday trading in France also increased the appeal of the country.  In some areas of the country, 12 Sunday trading days, rather than five are now being allowed, with certain tourist zones allowing all day Sunday trading throughout the year.

The results of the study were mixed when viewing the regional results.  United States retailers are more interested in expansion within the Asia-Pacific region.  Around 43% of US retailers polled stated that they are considering Hong Kong, China and Japan for growth.

Approximately 47% of European, African and Middle Eastern retailers stated their main target markets as Germany. About 50% of retailers in the Asia-Pacific region stated their target market as South Korea.

Of the retail brands starting in Germany, the US and the UK have been the most active.  Around 16% of the brands considering overseas expansion come from these two regions, with around 11% from Italy.

According to CBRE, retailers are continuing to open stores in different locations as consumers continue to visit physical stores.