Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Issue link: https://sct.epubxp.com/i/448937
2.5 percent in 2015, which is expected to spur strong consumer activity. At press time the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean estimated last year's growth at about 2.2 percent, dragged down by slowed growth Brazil and Mexico, the re- gion's two largest economies. But observers say Mexico's econ- omy is set to rebound this year. In- deed, the Mexican central bank is pegging growth at a minimum of 3 percent. "Retailers continue to see Mexico as a strong market for in- vestment," Espitia said. "With the second-largest economy in Latin America and its rapidly growing middle class, Mexico has become a leading country, with a sophisticated retail real estate industry in the re- gion. The consolidation of Fibras [Mexico's REITs] has also taken the industry to the next level in the past few years." Developers are staying very busy amid Latin America's growing middle class, the rising demand in secondary cities, a greater availability of capital and the construction of ambitious mixed-use projects. Also spurring development in the region is the growing interest among global retail- ers, which are drawn in particular to Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico, Espitia says. Besides the general sessions, del- egates will have the option this year of attending smaller, 45-minute discus- sions on specific topics. Delegates will also have the opportunity to arrange individual business meetings and to meet global and regional retailers at Retailers Row, an area within the Deal Making and Trade Expo where retailers will be provided with furni- ture and signage. The retailers will not be charged for their participation in Retailers Row — this is part of their RECon registration fee. The convention will kick off with a tour of Cancún's shopping centers, followed by the ICSC Latin American Shopping Centers Awards ceremony. The venue will be the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, which last year inaugurated a convention center that can accommodate up to 10,000. SCT John T. Riordan School for Retail Real Estate Professionals Management • Marketing • Leasing • Development + Design + Construction • Specialty Leasing S C OT T S DA L E APRIL 12 – 16, 2015 The John T. Riordan School for Retail Real Estate Professionals, through its cutting-edge Institutes and world class faculty, offers a week of rigorous study. Attendees will deepen their knowledge of retail property and shopping centers, learn from experts, share ideas and identify successful strategies alongside colleagues from around the world. The program is designed to ensure that participants can master the fundamental concepts required of site selection, design, construction and tenant coordination required to develop (or redevelop) a shopping center while building knowledge of the industry's best practices. For more information and to register, please visit www.icsc.org/2015SAZ F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5 / S C T 49 Developers are staying very busy amid Latin America's growing middle class, the rising demand in secondary cities and a greater availability of capital.