MEC leases 72,000m² of retail space in the first half of 2026

MEC, specialist in the management and development of retail locations, signed a total of 128 new and renewal leases covering approximately 72,000 square meters in the first half of 2026. This result is driven by numerous lease renewals as well as new store openings by well-known retail companies. In this way, MEC combines stability in its portfolio with the continuous adaptation of its locations to customer needs and market changes.

“A good mix of retail sectors thrives on continuity and new momentum. When successful tenants renew their leases and invest in their stores, it sends a strong signal about the location. At the same time, new concepts and market entrants ensure that our retail locations remain relevant and in line with market trends,” says Christian Thiele, Head of Leasing Management at MEC.

Retaining Existing Customers and Generating New Momentum

The large number of lease renewals underscores the stability and consistency of MEC’s retail locations. Many existing tenants have chosen to remain at their locations and are also investing in the modernization of their retail spaces as part of their lease renewals.

At the same time, MEC has supported numerous new store openings by well-known brands in recent months. Among others, Decathlon opened locations at the Halle Center Peißen and the Saarbasar in Saarbrücken. Other new openings included Skechers at Sachsenpark in Leipzig, Only and New Yorker at Galerie Troisdorf, Douglas at ORO in Schwabach, and Woolworth at StadtCenter Düren. Primark and Rituals had already opened their new stores at Ostsee Park Rostock by the end of 2025.

Sector Mix as an Ongoing Management Task

These openings and lease renewals are part of location-specific leasing strategies. The goal is to retain successful existing tenants over the long term while simultaneously and strategically developing the locations through new concepts, retailers, and offerings. To this end, Leasing Management works closely and across disciplines within MEC with Center Management, Commercial Asset Management, Technical Property Management, and other departments, consistently integrating leasing into the respective property strategy.