What’s the Key to Success? – Tenant Stability and Convenience Services
The concept of open-air retail parks has proven its appeal over the past decades: customers can easily access stores, complete their shopping quickly, and enjoy the comfort of clear, barrier-free layouts.
CPI’s retail parks demonstrated nearly 100% occupancy in the first half of 2025, with very few vacant units across its 16 properties. “Currently, only three units are available, but agreements have already been reached, so they won’t remain empty for long. Whenever we’ve needed to replace a tenant, we’ve always found one that fits the tenant mix even better than the previous occupant,” says Balázs Sipos, Senior Retail Asset Manager at CPI. He adds: “Despite high inflation, we haven’t lost tenants in our open-air shopping centers. Thanks to our reliable, high-quality service offering and favorable business terms, we are able to retain tenants for years—sometimes decades. This stability underpins the international tenant composition and strengthens the reputation of our STOP SHOP network.”
CPI’s portfolio—including Pólus, Campona, Europeum, 14 domestic STOP SHOP centers, and two CityMarket locations—welcomes around 65 million visitors annually. The domestic STOP SHOP network alone hosts nearly 70 brands. Key elements of these street malls include easy access by car, public transport, bike, or on foot, clear layouts, barrier-free design, short shopping times, adaptation to local consumer habits, and continuous innovation.
Ongoing Developments
U- and L-shaped STOP SHOP centers offer free parking for customers, additional electric vehicle chargers, and direct entrances from parking areas, eliminating the need for escalators. Stores remain open daily, and the product offering is as broad as in traditional malls.
CPI continuously invests in its retail parks to maintain high standards: in addition to pipe system replacements and roof and terrace renovations, innovative solutions such as paperless parking systems simplify entry and exit using license plate recognition. Regular maintenance ensures tenant satisfaction and a high-quality visitor experience.
A new STOP SHOP is set to open in Salgótarján with 12 retail units, 361 parking spaces, and a playground, expected in Q1 2027. This new center will further strengthen CPI’s presence in Central and Eastern Europe and expand quality shopping options for the local community.
The Key to Stability and Growth
CPI’s example shows that in the Hungarian retail market, tenant stability, convenience services, and continuous development ensure long-term success. Even in a changing economic environment, well-managed retail parks with high occupancy rates and innovative offerings continue to drive revenue growth and maintain investor confidence.
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