Preston Gaddy is the Divisional Director for Strategic Retail Leasing at Broll Property Group.

Most consumers still expect the physical mall to be their shopping channel of choice in two years despite an expected increase in e-commerce.

Apart from clean and safe shopping centres, South African consumers want an overall experience of visiting the shopping destination.

Broll Property Group says exclusivity clauses hamper leasing opportunities that could potentially benefit property assets.

Cleanliness, security and price of products rank high on the list of important factors that consumers consider when thinking about where to shop.

Both global retailers and retail property investors are taking advantage of South Africa's appeal as a competitive retail destination, according to research released by global real estate advisory CBRE recently.

CBRE Group announced a renewal and expansion of its contract with Royal Dutch Shell Plc. 

Improved key performance indicators have contributed significantly to the full-year performance of SA Corporate Real Estate Fund, which recently announced 8.6% distribution growth for the year to 31 December 2013, surpassing market expectations.

The Dunkeld Precinct plan which links Illovo to Rosebank along Oxford Road, will offer some exciting opportunities for office development and is well underway with its re-zoning process.

The South African Council of Shopping Centres (SACSC) will host its fourth annual Research Conference, sponsored by Broll Property Group, for retail real estate professionals and retailers seeking to keep ahead with the latest retail trends.