Here's what local news sources are reporting about retail property in Europe:
• Pension funds were the largest investors in global commercial property in 2015, according to a study that shows €123.6 billion in non-listed properties trading hands. Of that, pension funds provided 44 per cent. Insurance companies were the second-biggest investors, at 14.6 per cent, followed by sovereign wealth funds, at 10.8 per cent. Europe was the most common destination of capital — €63.1 billion was raised there. IP Real Estate
• UK high street shops posted their lowest number of closures in five years in 2015, according to PwC and Local Data Co. The firms report that 5,138 high street stores closed their doors in the past year, down from the 5,839 that closed in 2014. “The lower rate of closures in 2015 reflects optimism amongst retailers and indeed most consumer confidence indices support this," said Mike Jervis, Insolvency Partner and Head of Deals Retail Specialist at PwC. "In addition, retail insolvencies are at an historical low.” Retail Gazette
• French hypermarket chain Carrefour SA has delayed plans for an initial public offering of its property division Carmila, but will eventually move forward with the strategy it hopes will raise €5 billion. Carmila, in partnership with Axa SA and Colony Capital, owns 180 sites in France, Italy and Spain. Bloomberg
• U.S.-based children's entertainment brand Nickelodeon is partnering with Viacom International Media Networks and Spanish leisure park operator Parque Reunidos to open Nickelodeon Land family entertainment centres throughout Europe. The next opens in Spain next year with a 34,000-square-foot space at Metrovacesa's Centro Comercial Thader, in Murcia. The partners launched the first Nickelodeon Lands at Parque de Atracciones in Madrid and Nickland at Movie Park, Germany. Intergame Online
• Turkish chain BİM posted a 21 per cent increase in sales for 2015 to TL17.4 billion (€5.4 billion). The company opened 470 Turkish stores in 2015, bringing its total portfolio to 4,972. European Supermarket Magazine
• Healthy-eating concept Tossed opened two cashless stores in London. The stores use self-service kiosks to process payments with mobile wallets and ATM or debit cards. “This unique point-of-sale solution allows our team to focus their energy on our speed of production," said Tossed founder Vincent McKevitt. "Guest feedback from the trials has been very positive. People like to be able browse in their own time and customise what they eat, completing a great experience with tasty, bespoke, healthy food, served quickly.” Crowdfund Insider
• More UK stores are selling video games as the sector heats up. About 6,609 UK stores sold video games in 2015, an increase of 1,334 compared to 2014. "Conventional wisdom has always suggested that the internet spelled the end for physical entertainment stores, but these numbers show that traditional retail still has a place, particularly for impulse purchases and gifts," said Kim Bayley, CEO of trade group ERA. "After all, you can’t gift-wrap a download or a stream.” MCV
• Higher business rates in the UK will cause retailers to lay off employees and shutter stores, Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis warned. By linking the rates to property values, the new rates could also punish chains that operate physical stores while rewarding pure-play e-tailers, he said. The Guardian via Here Is The City
• Fewer stores are closing in Scotland, according to research from PwC. About 280 stores closed in 2015, 59 fewer than shut in 2014, the firm reports. Edinburgh and Falkirk were the cities with the most store closures, at 16 and 12 stores, respectively. BBC
• Cycling retailer Go Outdoors is creating a new store concept even as it expands its superstore chain in the UK with six new units totalling 250,000 square feet. “Thanks to this increased investment into cycling, we have the opportunity to bring expertise, passion and, most importantly fantastic cycling equipment at great prices to local communities," said GO Outdoors CEO Chris Matthews. Bike Biz
• Paul’s Boutique, the London accessories brand, is looking to expand to the Middle East, Australia and Japan by the spring of 2017. It was sold in just 400 stores in 2014, but already is in 850. Retail Gazette
• Troubled retailer BHS is trying to negotiate rent reductions from its landlords in order to remain viable. But several retail centre owners say they don't think the cuts will help the chain survive. BHS, which operates 164 stores, is facing a €724 million shortfall in employee pension commitments, among other woes. The Telegraph via Accountancy Age
• Irish motorway retail chain Applegreen said 2015 profits grew by 22 per cent to €17.7 million in its first year as a public company, thanks in part to the opening of 200 new stores during the period. The chain has also added more food outlets to its properties to drive sales. Talking Retail