Shopping centers were once again closed at the start of 2021, but visitors returned in very high numbers as soon as they reopened - a strong signal that in itself confirms the social utility and sustainability of the places that we invest in.
Our shopping centers are places where retail comes to life, and the countless leases signed and stores opened during the year - many involving new brands or concepts - show how popular they are among retailers looking for their next location. Our shopping centers are places that are constantly evolving, transforming and updating their look. Our extension, refurbishment and development projects across Europe showcase the Klépierre mall concept, places where life happens, sustainable hubs well served by public transportation and integrated into the surrounding community.
Faithfully reflecting changing lifestyles, consumer behavior and ways of sharing, our shopping centers are also safe places, genuine hubs benefiting from their teams’ hospitality and flow management know-how. Thanks to our Act for Good® CSR strategy, they are also the very lifeblood of their host communities, making meeting basic needs a truly enjoyable experience. For example, our malls have enabled 1 million people to be vaccinated since the onset of the pandemic; they also house safe havens for women experiencing domestic violence.
More recently, they have served to channel the extraordinary outpouring of solidarity for Ukrainian refugees among visitors, retailers and employees through donation drives. Pallets of clothes, food and personal hygiene products are dispatched daily to our European hub, where things are superbly managed by our Polish team on the front line of efforts to welcome refugees.
Taking part in this initiative was a moving experience, and a source of great pride in our teams. It was these same teams that enabled Klépierre to build on its effective financial discipline to consolidate its impeccable balance sheet position, resume its stellar commercial momentum and achieve CSR outcomes that position us, with Act for Good®, as uncontested industry leaders.
This leadership owes much to our quantified achievements across our Planet, Territories and People pillars and also the many initiatives rolled out in our shopping centers day after day to welcome visitors, drive development, transform the status quo and raise awareness.
The 84% reduction in our carbon emissions since 2013 owes much to the proven approach and methodology implemented by our dedicated teams, not to mention the commitment of all of the Group’s employees, who have made the challenges their own.
