Commercial Space
of the Year
Description
In this category, we select two winners: Shopping Center (min. 5,000 m² GLA, min. 5 commercial tenants) and Open Class (other types of clustered retail: e.g. department stores, retail destinations, high streets, etc.). The winners are chosen by a jury based on established evaluation criteria. Concept (10%), Development & Innovation (8%), Tenant mix (15%), ESG (8%), Marketing (12%), Accessibility (10%), Management (12%), Financial key figures (10%), Architecture and public spaces (15%).
Jury
Charles Larsson, CEO, Senior Advisor, RetailEx
Helle García Korndal, Managing Director Denmark, Croisette Real Estate Partner
Markus Viiperi, CEO, Franz Design
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Left: Helle García Korndal (jury member) with Stefanie Persson, Erik Grönlund, Yasser al Hadad, Peter Rodin and Johan Calner from Skandia Fastigheter.
Nova
Shopping Center
Commercial Space of the Year 2026
Jury motivation
”This year’s winner is a place that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Simple solutions and smart innovation have created an attractive shopping center and a meeting place that is well-timed. By taking advantage of current trends and local needs, it has consolidated its position among existing visitors and at the same time increased its appeal to new target groups in the catchment area. The concept is well curated, and the tenant mix is well adapted to its market. This has strengthened the shopping centers position as both a regional player and a local meeting place.
Public areas have been transformed into flexible and inviting spaces and the center is perceived as well-maintained and of high quality. The attention to details contributes greatly to the visitor experience. The development of the property, both inside and outside which is fully completed, has focused on recycling and using natural materials. The vision and work on energy savings are impressive.With a passionate and committed team leading the development, they have successfully combined an international perspective with local adaptation, leading to impressive figures in turnover, footfall and a fully let shoppingcenter.
A center that has had both ups and downs over the years has been reborn.”
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The award for Nordic Commercial Space of the year in category ‘Open Class’ went to Urban Partners for the development of Århusgadekvarteret in Copenhagen. The prize was accepted by Mads Hejn Christensen and Mads Birkedahl Dehlbæk. Members of the jury: Charles Larsson, Helle García Korndal and Markus Viiperi.
Århusgadekvarteret
Open Class
Commercial Space of the Year 2026
Jury motivation
”Over the past decade, this project has demonstrated what is possible when a clear vision, long-term commitment and strong commercial curation come together. What was once a closed industrial harbour has been transformed into a vibrant, distinctive and highly liveable urban district, where architecture, public spaces and commercial life reinforce each other. The mix of local heroes, independent retailers, ambitious gastronomy and sustainability-driven concepts gives the neighbourhood a strong identity and a genuine sense of place.
What is particularly impressive is the consistency of the vision. Despite the challenges inherent in developing a new district, the strategy has remained clear, with the commitment to quality and long-term value creation maintained through continued investment and careful curation of the commercial offer. The result has earned significant recognition for both its architecture and urban development — but more importantly, it has created a place that people genuinely want to spend time in.”
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Finalists 2026
Shopping Center
Nova
ITIS
Fisketorvet
Open Class
Hede Fashion Outlet
Helsinki Central Station
Oslo Fashion Outlet
Århusgadekvarteret
Sponsor
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Commercial Players
of the Year
Description
In this category, three winners are selected across the following classes: Retail Concept, F&B Concept, and New Brand Concept. The winners are chosen by a jury based on established evaluation criteria. Retail / F&B: Establishment and expansion pace (20%), Financial performance (20%), Innovation & Development (50%), Service and Customer Experience (10%). New Brand: Concept (50%), Results (20%), Development and establishment plans (20%), Service and Customer Experience (10%).
Jury
Maria Ahlestål, VD, Ahlestål & Co.
Olli Lehtoaro, Director Shopping Centre Director, Colliers Finland
Helle García Korndal, Managing Director Denmark, Croisette Real Estate Partner
Sponsor
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Pauline Eriksson, Mattias Eriksson and Johan Fischer accepts the award for Clas Ohlson.
Clas Ohlson
Retail Concept
Commercial Player of the Year 2026
Jury motivation
“Few things are more challenging in retail than successfully renewing a long-established brand. Through continuous development of its concept and assortment, this company has managed to reach new customer groups, while at the same time accelerating its expansion and delivering strong growth and profitability. What particularly stands out is the ability to modernise the brand without losing its heritage. After more than 100 years, the company continues to evolve, grow and remain highly relevant in a changing retail market. For its successful transformation, strong commercial performance and ability to continuously renew itself”
Finalists 2026
Suomalainen Kirjakauppa
Clas Ohlson
Synsam
Power
. . . . . .
Michael Rask and Malin Flink Persson from Joe & the Juice.
Joe & the Juice
Food & Beverage Concept
Commercial Player of the Year 2026
Jury motivation
“This year’s winner demonstrates what it takes to build a truly enduring food & beverage brand. Founded in Copenhagen in 2002, the concept has grown from a single juice bar into a global lifestyle and hospitality brand with more than 500 locations across 20+ markets. Despite decades of growth and intense competition, it has retained a remarkably strong and recognisable DNA.
Its success lies in its ability to evolve without losing sight of what made the brand distinctive in the first place. Through product innovation, new formats and changing consumer behaviour, it continues to challenge itself while staying true to its core concept. Its strong people culture is equally fundamental to its success, creating a consistent energy and experience across markets.
The recent launch of its first Danish motorway drive-thru is a perfect example of this mindset — taking an established concept into a completely new environment while remaining true to the brand.”
Finalists 2026
Mocca Deli
Fazer Café
Joe & the Juice
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Depart.a.mental was awarded the 2026 New Brand Concept of the Year, with Clara Lindsten and Oscar Hafvenstein receiving the honor.
Depart.a.mental
New Brand Concept
Commercial Player of the Year 2026
Jury motivation
“This year’s winner challenges the traditional model of physical retail by creating a flexible platform that works almost like an incubator for new brands and entrepreneurs. It gives brands the opportunity to test, develop and grow their concepts without the cost and risk of opening their own permanent store. The constantly changing mix of brands and concepts also creates a dynamic shopping experience, giving customers a reason to come back and discover something new.”
Finalists 2026
Fiksurouka
Depart.a.mental
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Establishment
of the Year
Description
This award celebrates last year’s most successful Nordic establishments. And since a successful establishment has two winners, we recognize both the tenant and the property owner in this category. The winners of this award was elected through public vote.
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Pernilla Tellberger, Nina Asp and Michaela Bergekrans from Urban Partners, together with Sophie Seton from the Swedish Police, receive the Establishment of the Year Award for their initiative to create an integrated police presence at Vällingby Centrum. The initiative provides a space for the police to connect with the public, build trust and foster positive relationships with the local community. The award was decided through a public vote.
Polisens Pop-up
Vällingby Centrum, Urban Partners
1st place
Establishment of the Year 2026
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Espen Wetrhus, Retail Director of Blivakker & Cocopanda Retail AS, receives second place for the establishment of Blivakker at City Lade in Norway. The new store represents an exciting addition to the centre, bringing Blivakker’s beauty offering to customers in a welcoming and engaging retail environment.
Blivakker
City Lade, Trondheim
2nd place
Establishment of the Year 2026
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Ruben Storevold, Malika Myrseth and Ingrid Holm receive third place for the new Synsam store in Vika, Oslo. The new establishment is a strong addition to the city centre, offering customers a modern and engaging environment while strengthening the area’s overall retail offering.
Synsam
Vika, Oslo
KLP Eiendom
3rd place
Establishment of the Year 2026
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Finalists 2026
Blivakker, City Lade, Trondheim
Bubs STHLM, Norrlandsgatan Stockholm, Skandia Fastigheter
Casagrande Leluliike, Kauppakeskus Skanssi, Turku, Trevian Asset Management
Bestseller, Frederiksberggade 2, Copenhagen
Cocopanda, Mall of Tripla, Helsinki, RealIdea
Kellotorni, Helsinki Railway Station, VR Ltd
LYKO, Westfield Täby Centrum, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Polisens Pop-up, Vällingby Centrum, Urban Partners
Synsam NK Eyewear & Optics, NK, Stockholm, Hufvudstaden
Synsam, Vika, Oslo, KLP Eiendom
