Antwerp targets German chains

Antwerp alderman Koen Kennis is heading to the international retail real estate convention Mapic in order to attract German store chains to the city. The goal is not only to get the chains to Antwerp, but also to attract more German tourists.

Recognition for tourists

“I will point out Antwerp’s strong position as a retail city, with plenty of diversity when it comes to store chains“, Kennis said in local newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen. “I wil also regularly mention the 1.3 million monthly visitors to the Meir. Our biggest asset is not only our wide range of stores, but also our attractive combination of shopping, eating and culture.

“We want to get German tourists to come to Antwerp, as they are a huge market. We have learned from the hotel industry that tourists are looking for points of recognition and having several German store chains would create a sense of familiarity for these tourists. They could also generate a new atmosphere and dynamism in our shopping centers.” Antwerp currently houses many Dutch and French chains, but the alderman clearly wants to diversify in this regard.