EXPO REAL 2017 - The Grand Plaza, a Market Place for Trade

EXPO REAL 2017 - The Grand Plaza, a Market Place for Trade

The retail trade has its own market place at EXPO REAL. The Grand Plaza turns into a lively shopping-world with 17 trade brands.Hot topic: Retail versus online trading - what is the customer's buying behavior?

Stephan Koof, Head of Expansion National REWE Group
“At the moment, we see that we are gaining many new customers through online business, who through that also shop in the stores and perhaps did not do it before, but whom we were able to win over and inspire with our online marketplace.”

Does booming online trade mean an increase in the sales turn over of stationary retail stores?

Christian Koßmala, Managing Director of Lidl Immobilien International
"It’s not black-and-white, rather both trade formats complement each other. Online influence infiltrates these stationary concepts. On the other hand, we also notice that online retailers are suddenly starting to build stationary stores. And this symbiosis will continue to advance, also for us. But the rule also applies here: a good location remains a good location. And especially in these urban areas, we are quite certain that stationary trade will continue to be an integral part of lively inner cities."

In order to make the inner city attractive for visitors, a networked, strong retail trade is necessary.

Dr. Ulrich Maly, Mayor of Nuremberg
"The important thing is for us to help these owner-managed retailers, who are by definition mostly lone wolves, and network them with each other, forge joint advertising associations. When one advertises someone else, it’s better for both of them, if everyone is not just looking after themselves."

A strong inner city ensures healthy trade and a special shopping experience. The social aspect is also not to be underestimated.

Stephan Koof, Head of Expansion National Rewe Group
"You want to have a bit of local experience, feel the goods a bit, smell, taste, get a bit inspired. And when you shop at the food market - many people shop every day - there is a contact person you can talk to - not only with the staff, but also with the neighbors or someone else. I think that’s a value or moment you should not neglect. We are experiencing more and more that this is of high importance for customers."

Trade.
One of the most important topics at Europe's largest trade fair for the real estate sector.