Mapic Awards Celebrate 30 Years of Retail Innovation in Cannes

The Mapic Awards 2025 recently celebrated its momentous 30th anniversary in Cannes, held from November 4 to 5, as an integral part of the Mapic trade fair – the premier global gathering for commercial real estate professionals. This landmark edition saw the awards ceremony staged for the first time in the prestigious Grand Auditorium, a symbolic choice reflecting the significance of this milestone.

Established in 1995, Mapic, known as the Marché international de l'implantation commerciale et de la distribution, annually unites leading figures from the retail, foodservice, and leisure sectors. Organized by RX France, the event serves as a crucial platform for showcasing the industry's most ambitious projects and has, over three decades, solidified its reputation as a global benchmark for urban and commercial innovation.

In a special tribute to its 30th anniversary, Mapic introduced a new "Pioneer of Places" award, honouring five individuals whose visionary leadership has profoundly shaped the global retail landscape by creating attractive and sustainable destinations. The distinguished recipients included Maurice Bansay, Chairman and Founder of Apsys; Chadatip Chutrakul, CEO of Siam Piwat; Philippe Journo, Chairman and Founder of Compagnie de Phalsbourg; Alexander Otto, CEO of ECE Group; and Alain Taravella, Chairman and Founder of Altarea.

Beyond the jury's selections, the Mapic audience also cast their votes for two special recognitions. Zara was crowned the "Most Influential Retail Brand of the Past 30 Years," acknowledging its enduring impact on the retail industry. Similarly, Westfield London was honoured as the "Most Influential Retail Property Project of the Past 30 Years," celebrating its significant contribution to commercial real estate development.

The 2025 jury, presided over by Joanna Fisher, CEO of ECE Marketplaces, further acknowledged several projects for their outstanding innovation. The "Best New Store Concept" award went to Miniso Land in Shanghai, while the "Best Refurbishment Project" was presented to El Boulevard Shopping Centre in Vitoria-Gasteiz, led by CBRE. Livat Shanghai, developed by Ingka Centres, received the "Best New Development Project," and the "Best Urban Regeneration Project" was awarded to Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, designed by Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield.

The awards also spotlighted the year's most outstanding brands and concepts across various categories. In "Retail," Zara was recognized as "Most Wanted" and ON as "Most Exciting." For the "Food & Beverage" sector, McDonald's secured the "Most Wanted" title, with Big Mamma named "Most Exciting." Finally, in "Leisure & Entertainment," Legoland was celebrated as "Most Wanted," while F1 Arcade was awarded "Most Exciting," highlighting the diverse and dynamic innovations within these key commercial sectors.