Shopping centers as a solution to the shortage of office space

As malls are emptying of customers and retailers are abandoning stores, the space that is quickly being perceived by the spaces of co-marketing and start-up offices

The shopping center Forum Steglitz is one of Berlin’s most famous malls, located in the southwest of the city. It has been a center of attraction for many customers for decades. The forum was under-construction in the 1970s on Schlossstr. A main street with three shopping centers and countless other retailers alongside it. A decade ago Forum Steglitz was handover to Europa Capital. And after upgrading its occupancy from 80% to 99%, it was handover to Real I.S. in 2013. The acquiring company’s expectations were high, safe and long-term yields. This is due to the constant flow of customers to the stores. And the dining area that the mall offer. But the reality did not match the optimistic plan.

Whether it’s due to preference for online shopping or the passivity of retailers trying to fit into the digital age. The shops abandon slowly . As successful as they may be, food courts cannot save the situation on their own. Within a few short years the world has become completely different for retailers. And the days when they could sign a ten-year lease with full confidence are no more present.