ITALIAN RETAIL ON THE RISE: INTERNATIONAL BRANDS AND INVESTORS FOCUS ON ITALY

At Mapic Italy, the first Retail Tour will welcome emerging brands such as Miniso and Rains, along with Ale-Hop, Semir, Guess Jeans, Rag & Bone, Pop Mart, Tamaris, and DJ Lab, as well as prominent investors ready to bet on the Italian market, including Fidelidade, AXA IM, and Eurofund.

Milano, April 17, 2025 – The Italian retail real estate market is confirming a strong recovery, with a surge in investments attracting the attention of international operators and brands. In the first quarter of 2025, sector data shows an unprecedented acceleration, positioning Italy as one of the most dynamic markets in Europe.

“In the first quarter of the year, investment volumes in the real estate sector reached €2.7 billion, marking a 46% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The retail sector accounted for 21% of the total, with approximately €550 million invested, representing an 800% increase compared to the first quarter of the previous year, confirming strong interest from investors,” stated Niccolò Suardi, Co-Head EMEA Retail Practice Group & Head of High Street Retail Italy & EMEA Retail Core Team Member at Colliers.

These results are further confirmed by the performance of the high street segment, which stands out as one of the main drivers of the retail sector’s recovery, fueled by interest in the most iconic and high-performing locations in the country.

“The high street segment accounted for 36% of total retail investments (including street retail), with a marked concentration in the most prestigious districts of Milan, where prime rents in the Quadrilatero area are approaching €27,000/sqm. The high street segment is experiencing a strong recovery, supported by vibrant demand in the mainstream market and the entry of numerous new operators. In addition to Via Montenapoleone, new top rents are also being recorded in other iconic streets of the Quadrilatero, such as Via Verri and Via Sant’Andrea. Alongside Milan and Rome, Florence is also establishing itself as a leading retail destination at the national level, thanks to a significant operation that has further strengthened its positioning. The out-of-town retail segment is also seeing renewed interest, representing 65% of total retail investments, particularly driven by a significant operation in the factory outlet segment,” concluded Niccolò Suardi from Colliers.

Bringing together industry operators will be MAPIC Italy – on May 14 and 15 at the Super Studio Maxi in Milan – the leading business platform dedicated to the key players in the commercial and retail real estate market. The event will see the participation of over 2,100 delegates, including more than 700 retailers, restaurant chains, and leisure operators, consolidating its role as a reference point for the sector in Italy.

This year, MAPIC Italy introduces the first Retail Tour, an exclusive initiative organized in collaboration with Colliers and Nhood. A selection of international brands will be guided to discover the most emblematic commercial destinations in Milan, creating opportunities for meetings and new synergies with the main players in the Italian real estate market.

Among the brands participating in the Retail Tour are international entities with strong growth potential in the Italian market. Miniso, Ale-Hop, Semir, Guess Jeans, Rag & Bone, Tamaris, DJ Lab, and Rains are just some of the brands expanding their presence in Italy, attracted by the growing market, and many others will join the international event.

Miniso, a Chinese lifestyle design brand founded in 2013, is known for its wide assortment of home goods, tech accessories, beauty products, and toys, all characterized by a pop style and affordable prices. The recent opening of its largest European flagship in Madrid, featuring the new experiential format “Miniso Land,” signals the brand’s intention to consolidate its presence in Europe by focusing on immersive experiences.
Ale-Hop, founded in Spain in 2001, is a chain specializing in gift items and home decor, offering a youthful, colorful, and ironic proposal. Present in Italy with five stores, Ale-Hop represents a successful case of soft and widespread expansion in our market.
Semir, an Asian giant in casual clothing for a youthful and family-oriented target, is actively seeking strategic locations in Europe to export its dynamic retail model, based on rapid collections and competitive prices.
Guess Jeans, an iconic American brand known for denim and youth fashion with an international flair, recently reopened a store in a strategic location like Roma Termini, thus revitalizing its physical network in our country.
Rag & Bone, a New York-based premium brand that blends British tailoring with streetwear sensibility, is currently expanding its retail presence in Europe, aiming to strengthen its identity in major high-end shopping hubs like Milan.
Tamaris, a well-known German footwear brand, is already present in Italy with several stores and is now looking to further expand its direct retail network.
DJ Lab, an innovative concept that combines DJ equipment sales and music production with experiential areas, represents a new generation of stores dedicated to urban culture.
Finally, Rains, a Danish brand known for its minimal aesthetic and contemporary waterproof garments, is already active in several European capitals and considers the Italian market among its next targets for mono-brand expansion.

In addition to retailers, prominent investors such as Fidelidade, AXA IM, and Eurofund will participate, reflecting the growing interest in the Italian retail market. The Retail Tour will culminate in the International Retailer Networking Event, on Wednesday, May 14 at 4:00 PM, designed to facilitate direct dialogue between brands and Italian real estate operators.

For more information, visit the website mapic-italy.it