Last January over 200 retailers and developers from Europe and the USA attended the first leasing event of its kind to take place in Europe. Organised by The International Council of Shopping Centres, a second Retail Connections is being held at ExCel, London on 4th February 2009.

ICSC Retail Connections enables retailers and franchisees to meet and do business directly with the leasing teams within developers responsible for hundreds of shopping centres across Europe. Ermine Amies, Managing Director for ICSC in Europe, says: 'Retailers and franchisees are seeking new markets for expansion. Retail Connections helps them make the right contacts without the time-consuming, expensive and unsustainable travel across Europe to meet individual developers.'

For the first event, many attendees prepared in advance, prearranging meetings so that no time was wasted and the private booths provided by ICSC were filled to capacity with retailers, franchisees and developers discussing new opportunities and wider markets. The event is led by the ICSC Leasing Group, and all day catering, a networking cocktail party and exclusive celebration dinner are included in the event.

Founded in 1957, ICSC is the premiere global trade association of the shopping centre industry. Its more than 75,000 members in 80 countries include shopping centre owners, developers, managers, marketing specialists, investors, retailers and brokers, as well as academics and public officials.

Published: 12 January 2009

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