The boom in Poland's residential market is in full swing, with the number of apartments delivered increasing by 69% over the past decade in Poland and by 152% in Warsaw alone (according to the Central Statistical Office, 2020 vs. 2011). The growth of this sector, combined with the 15-minute city concept as well as the shift in customer preferences towards locality mean that alternative retail locations – including retail units on the ground floors of residential buildings – are now an important component on the retail map.
The pandemic has undoubtedly reinforced the trend towards diversification and locality. However, increasing shopping activity in close proximity to where one lives, especially in newly developed residential areas, has already been observed for several years. This is confirmed by JLL data, which shows that the share of residential investments with retail units on the ground floor increased from 25% between 2001 and 2010 to 36% in the last decade,
says Anna Wdowiak, Director, Retail Agency, JLL.
The city within a city and the retail offer
A properly planned retail and services offer in residential buildings can be important city-forming factor in the development of a city, increasing the attractiveness of the project itself, the immediate neighbourhood as well as attracting local residents. Thinking about the role of these spaces should therefore extend beyond the scope of the project, and beyond the boundaries of the plot on which a project would be built. The competitive retail and service offer, however, requires appropriate preparation and consideration of various functions at the investment planning stage,
comments Jan Jakub Zombirt, Director, Strategic Consulting, JLL.
It is also essential that these plans are reviewed and adjusted to the current needs of the residents during the operational phase of the complex as well. This, combined with the greater receptiveness of tenants to locations in residential neighbourhoods and an increased offer of units tailored to their needs, opens up new opportunities for retailers to reach potential customers,
adds Anna Wdowiak.
Modern residential schemes follow the trend
As residential areas and buyers' preferences change, so too does the retail and service offer, which especially in newer residential districts, is characterised by a larger number health & beauty centres, aesthetic medicine clinics, health food stores, language schools, as well as a wide range of cafes and restaurants. At the same time, residents' expectations of the quality of retail and service facilities in the vicinity of their homes are also growing,
explains Joanna Tomczyk, Senior Research Analyst, JLL.
Miasteczko Wilanów on solid "ground floors"
JLL data shows that on the back of a wave of residential market growth, the number of retail units on the ground floors of residential buildings in Miasteczko Wilanów has increased by more than 100 since 2018, while vacancy levels have fallen,
comments Joanna Tomczyk.
The structure of premises in residential estates has changed slightly from our first survey conducted in 2018. The three-year period saw a 2 p.p. increase in grocery shops. To a slightly lesser extent, the importance of the health & beauty, and food and services categories increased. However, the share of banks and financial institutions as well as fashion stores have declined,
explains Joanna Tomczyk.
In such a difficult year for the retail market, the share of vacant premises in Miasteczko Wilanów dropped from 15% to 13%. This is an exceptional and distinctive phenomenon compared to those observed in shopping centres and on high streets,
explains Joanna Tomczyk.
[1] The analysis covers the area of Miasteczko Wilanów limited by the following streets: Aleja Wilanowska, Przyczółkowa, Aleja Rzeczypospolitej, Branickiego.
