Jones Lang LaSalle’s MAPIC drinks reception at Pavillon Croisette was blessed with a beautiful Mediterranean sunset last night. The venue looked excellent; it was a real presence on the Croisette our Retail 2020 theme which has been so dominate throughout MAPIC and was highly visible.

425 guests had already confirmed and they were swelled to around 500 with late arrivals. The pan European turnout was incredibly strong – it was definitely the event to attend on Thursday night.

I had picked up some themes throughout the week and decided to test them on colleagues and clients. From an investment perspective there is deep equity chasing shopping centres. The UK is a big focus but Germany is the rising star. In the conference centre there were many extremely ambitious retail developments. Some of the scaling and concentration of schemes proposed look a little worrying. The polarisation between prime and secondary is not just a UK phenomenon – Spain is also a clear example of this.

From a letting perspective, retailers were well represented, including key Jones Lang LaSalle retailer clients: it was difficult not to notice the semi clad Abercrombie models, whilst Superdry was somewhat more conservatively dressed!

But the message was clear across Europe that retailers in 2010 and 2011 are here to do business and not just drink rosé! Another theme that emerged is that landlords of stronger schemes are pushing back on shorter lease terms.

At the party there was a real debate on Retail 2020. Both the UK retail market and Jones Lang LaSalle are seen to be at the forefront of the debate as to how best to challenge and embrace technology.  Some key points on this are, technology experts need to be employed by retailers and shopping centre developers – for example Footlocker employs gaming industry specialists.

The myth that the older generation will not adapt to social media is being dispelled. This is probably just as well, as in Germany 70 per cent of the shopping population are OAPs!

Looking at design and management it is good to see developers accepting a reduction in the ratio of net sale space to common areas. This combined with the strong push towards Event Management provide welcome recognition that shopping will be seen as a form of entertainment in the next decade.

Galleries Lafayette wins my award for imaginative marketing for using 4,000 customers to model clothes from its fashion retail outlets with a real life catwalk down Rue d’Antibes.

Let’s close with an anecdote – one landlord was telling his daughter that when he was a kid he didn’t have a computer.  Looking at him incredulously she said – but dad, how did you get on the internet? Change is coming, and from the vibe in the room last night looks like we’re ready…

Of course 2010 has been a very active year for retailers and owners, much better than predictions. Hence there is a confidence from attendees.

The cautious headlines about austerity have not become a reality. The question everyone is asking – will 2011 be any different?

The one certainty is that International retailers now play a fundamental role. Once committed to UK expansion their criteria are completely different to most established domestic retailers.

Their priority is to gain market share quickly. The likes of Forever 21 and Hollister are a breath of fresh air and it is not surprising that landlords are bending over backwards to accommodate them.

Hence, I am on a quest to find the next big thing….. assuming there is one of course.

I will keep you posted – all will be revealed.