This year’s MAPIC event marked its 30th anniversary with a special edition of the MAPIC Awards, celebrating three decades of activity in the retail property and place making sector. The awards introduced new categories, spotlighted industry figures, and recognised projects that have played a significant role in shaping the built retail environment.
To commemorate the milestone, organisers introduced the Pioneers of Places awards, honouring five individuals acknowledged for their long term influence in the sector. The inaugural recipients were:
- Maurice Bansay, Chairman and Founder of Apsys
- Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwa
- Philippe Journo, Chairman and Founder of La Compagnie de Phalsbourg
- Alexander Otto, CEO of ECE Group
- Alain Taravella, Chairman and Founder of Altarea
In addition to individual recognition, two honours were awarded to entities that have shaped the European retail landscape over the past 30 years. Zara was named Most Influential Retail Brand of the Past 30 Years, while Westfield London received the title of Most Influential Retail Property Project of the Past 30 Years.
The MAPIC 2025 jury, chaired by Joanna Fisher, CEO of ECE Marketplaces, also recognised winners across four restructured project categories:
- Best New Store Concept: MINISO LAND, Shanghai
- Best Refurbishment Project: El Boulevard of Vitoria Gasteiz Shopping Centre (CBRE)
- Best New Development Project: LIVAT Shanghai (Shanghai Ingka Shopping Center)
- Best Urban Regeneration Project: Westfield Hamburg Überseequartier (Unibail Rodamco Westfield)
Brand focused awards featured a new public voting element. A shortlist created by the jury was submitted for public input across three segments, resulting in the following winners:
- Most Wanted in Retail: Zara
- Most Exciting in Retail: On
- Most Wanted in Food and Beverage: McDonald’s
- Most Exciting in Food and Beverage: Big Mamma
- Most Wanted in Leisure and Entertainment: LEGOLAND
- Most Exciting in Leisure and Entertainment: F1 Arcade
The MAPIC Awards ceremony was held in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes. The event is part of a new two day format adopted by MAPIC in 2025, positioning it as a focused platform for international retail leasing.
Celebrations continued following the awards with a networking reception at the Majestic Hotel. The evening featured food, drinks, entertainment and fireworks, and ran into the early hours, bringing together attendees in an informal setting to mark the occasion.
