The Belgian guide looks at how retail works in a country that doesn’t rely on a single dominant city. Instead, Belgium operates through a network of strong urban markets, supported by established high streets, regional shopping centres and out of town retail locations.
Within this landscape, Brussels and Antwerp stand as the two most internationally significant retail cities, each offering very different shopping dynamics. Brussels combines international institutions, tourism and commuter flows with a multi centred retail structure, while Antwerp is defined by a strong city centre core anchored by Meir and a high-level gastronomic scene.
Annechien Veulemans, Associate Director - Research: “Belgium has a dense and stable consumer base with a solid purchasing power. This in combination with an automatic wage indexation linked to inflation and a high inner-city connectivity creates a retail environment that sets its apart on an international level.”
What the guide offers for retailers, landlords and investors:
- A clear view of how Belgium’s retail market is structured, and how Brussels and Antwerp fit into the wider (inter)national picture.
- Practical, city level data on prime locations, rental levels, consumer profiles and typical unit sizes.
- Insight to support location decisions across high streets, shopping centres and out of town retail.
Jean Baheux, International Partner - Head of Retail Agency:
“In 2026, the key question for retailers is no longer how fast they can expand, but where and how they position themselves. The most resilient markets are those able to clearly articulate formats and uses, combining visibility, experience and accessibility rather than relying on a single retail model.”
The Belgian City Guide sits within Cushman & Wakefield’s global retail research platform, bringing together local market knowledge and international comparisons to support expansion, investment and portfolio planning.
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