International expansion ranks high on retailers’ agenda

International expansion remains high on the agenda for retailers in 2015. ‘How Active are Retailers Globally’ survey by CBRE indicates that 47% of retailers are concerned about unclear economic prospects and cost escalation, largely due to increases in rental costs and lack of quality retail space. However, despite these challenges appetite for international expansion remains a strong focus as retailers continue to invest in their store network throughout 2015.

The new research reveals that Germany has retained its number one position for the second consecutive year as the most popular retail market in the world with 40% of retailers planning to open a store there in 2015. Global retailers continue to be attracted to Germany largely due to the opportunity to target more than 30 large cities with high purchasing power. Despite the huge interest in the German market retail rents in most of the markets have remained stable or have seen a slight increase.