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Modern Bulgarian Mall Space Doubles

SOFIA, BULGARIA-A total six million square feet is expected to open in 2010, according to Colliers.

By Allan Saunderson | Updated on August 12, 2010

SOFIA, BULGARIA-Modern shopping centre space in Bulgaria doubled in the first quarter with the opening of five new malls to total 4.6 million square feet, and another five malls are expected to open by year-end in Plovdiv, Varna, Ruse and Stara Zagora, adding another 1.4 million square feet, according to realtor Colliers.

At the same time, increasing competition and weakening consumer propensity to spend is putting significant pressure on retailers. Vacancy levels in main high streets will continue to increase moderately but rental rates are becoming more attractive. Although most of Sofia’s newly-completed space has so far been absorbed, a surplus in Varna, Ruse and Stara Zagora is expected due to the economic slowdown and excessive supply. Two key malls in the capital – The Mall and Serdika Center – opened with more than 90% occupancy, but vacancies have risen moderately at other malls. Rents continued to fall, by 5% in Sofia and Varna, and 15% and 19% in Plovdiv and Burgas.

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