CBRE diffonde il “Global Retail View”

P R E S S R E L E A S E

HONG KONG IN A RETAIL RENT LEAGUE OF ITS OWN

– CBRE Reports Strong Retailer Demand and Limited Pipeline

Lead to Record Retail Rents –

London, 14 May 2013 – Hong Kong continues to rank as the world’s most expensive global retail

market, recording prime rents nearly 150 percent higher than New York and more than 400 percent

higher than London and Paris, according to new research from global property advisor CBRE Group,

Inc.

CBRE’s quarterly survey (Q1 2013), which tracks the top 10 most expensive prime global retail

markets, reveals that strong demand from international retailers, coupled with a modest supply

pipeline, has lead to record-high prime rental rates. Leading the pack, Hong Kong continues to rank

in a rental class distinctly above its global peers, recording prime rates during Q1 2013 at $4,328 per

square foot per annum.

While markets such as Hong Kong, New York, London and Paris did not record increases in prime

rents this quarter, these cities have exhibited resilience due to international retailers continued

longer-term strategic expansion strategies which feature a distinct preference for prime space in the

best locations in these markets.

Prime Retail Rent Ranking, Ranking by US$ per Sq. Ft. per Annum Basis

CBRE Press Release

Joe Lin, Executive Director Retail, Hong Kong, CBRE, commented:

“Prime rents in Hong Kong stand at record highs as tenant demand is steady and inquiries from

retailers looking to enter or increase their footprint in the city remain strong. Given that space is so

expensive in Hong Kong’s prime shopping streets largely driven by continued demand from

international luxury brands, many traditional retailers have moved into more “niche” secondary retail

locations as they still want to be in and access the market, but have been priced out of the prime

space.”

Ranking as the second most expensive global retail market, New York City ($2,970 per sq. ft)

welcomed several new national and global retailers in 2012 that were attracted by the market’s

strong international tourism features. The pipeline for new retail space in New York is low. However,

a significant amount of supply is available along Fifth Avenue between 49th and 59th Street.

Europe’s prime retail markets of London ($1,053 per sq. ft) and Paris ($1,050 per sq. ft) are holding

steady largely due to scarcity of supply and correspondingly high prime rent levels. As witnessed in

Hong Kong, many new retailers to the Central London market have been forced to consider

alternative locations. This is most apparent on Bond Street, where retailers have looked to

alternative locations in Mayfair. Examples include the fashion retailer Oscar de la Renta, which has

now opened a 2,000 sq ft store on Mount Street, with Celine also taking an 8,000 sq ft unit a few

doors down. The openings represent the first UK store for each.

The supply of prime space was tight elsewhere throughout the Asia Pacific region, which helped

maintain rent levels in Sydney, Melbourne, Beijing and Tokyo. In Sydney ($1,018 per sq. ft), demand

from international retailers (especially from the US) is high with many new brands set to enter the

market in 2013.

Pacific markets gained prominence in the global retail rankings with Brisbane ($739 per sq. ft.) and

Melbourne ($851 per sq. ft) now ranking among the most expensive prime retail markets. Thanks to

strong turnover and a limited supply forecast for Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall, prime rents as

measured in local currency jumped 15% quarter-over-quarter. As a result, Brisbane’s prime retail

rent ranking rose two positions to ninth place. Not only has Brisbane’s mining and other natural

resources sectors supported the local economy, population growth for the market as a whole is also

serving to boost expectations for future retail growth prospects. As such, growth in its retail sector, in

terms of turnover and rental growth is expected to continue in line with the current trend.

Raymond Torto, Global Chief Economist, CBRE, commented:

“Prime retail rents across the most expensive global markets have held firm against a backdrop of

scarce supply and preference for prime space. Despite subdued retail sales growth and strained

consumer sentiments, international retailers remain focused on long-term growth strategies that

have resulted in store expansions across many key global markets such as New York, London and

Moscow. However, at the current high levels, retailers are considering “off” prime or secondary

locations and showing a reluctance to pay record high rates.”

ENDS