Strong growth numbers in Ratina, Commercial space of the year in Finland – leads Tampere region’s shopping centres in number of visitors
Sponda Ltd Press release 13 June 2023, at 9:00 am
Strong growth numbers in Ratina, Commercial space of the year in Finland – leads Tampere region’s shopping centres in number of visitors
Sponda, one of Finland’s leading real estate asset management companies, is celebrating the five year anniversary of its Ratina shopping centre by revealing very strong visitor and sales figures, exceeding pre Covid-19 levels. In terms of visitor numbers, Ratina is the leading shopping centre in the Tampere region.
Ratina, the biggest shopping centre in Tampere, welcomed over 7 million visitors in 2022, an increase of more than 26% on the previous year. The shopping centre also saw year-on-year sales growth of more than 17%, to €165.7m. Ratina exceeded the average of Finnish shopping centres in 2022 in both visitor numbers and sales development by 10 percentage points.
Last year’s strong growth momentum continued in 2023. During the first quarter, Ratina’s sales grew by 19.4% and the number of visitors was up 21.2% compared to the same time last year. During that same period the average sales growth in Finnish shopping centres was 10%.
NCSC awarded Ratina shopping centre as the Commercial space of the year
Since first opening its doors in April 2018, Ratina, located in the centre of Tampere, has quickly become one of the most attractive shopping centres in Finland. In March, Ratina was named the commercial space of the year – The Star of Finland, by the Nordic Commercial Spaces & Communities (NCSC). Awarded to a site that has been developed into something extraordinary, NCSC emphasized the role of Ratina in revitalizing the center of Tampere, as well as its long-term work to develop the community spirit and the shopping centre services for families with children. Europe’s largest roof terrace Periscope with saunas and jacuzzi also received praise.
Ratina was also recently ranked among the best shopping centres in Finland by KTI Property Information Ltd in its 2022 national tenant satisfaction survey. Ratina ranked in the top five for overall customer satisfaction and shopping centre management, whilst its overall satisfaction score for tenant marketing and communications were the best of any retail business in Finland.
“I am very pleased to see the strong performance of Ratina being recognized. Developing vibrant city centres for work and play is in the core of our strategy. The close collaboration with our tenants, the city and other stakeholders has been very beneficial for all parties”, says Sponda’s CEO Christian Hohenthal.
Sponda has actively upgraded the indoor spaces during the pandemic and built a new outdoor playground, Ratinan Riemu, as well as Ratinan Niitty, an indoor play space. Significant investments have been made in the shopping centre’s sustainability, as well. In early June 2023, Ratina received an Excellent level BREEAM In-Use (Part1, Part2) certification.
“We’re proud of our amazing success story that we’ve achieved over the past 5 years, together with our customers, tenants, and other stakeholders. Our aim has always been to promote and support the growth of Tampere as a whole and provide a shopping experience that is attractive to our customers but also meets the needs of tenants too”, says Mervi Ahola, Ratina’s shopping centre manager.
With more than 100 shops, cafés, and restaurants, Ratina is conveniently situated in downtown Tampere, right next to Nokia Arena along the new tram line. The shopping centre’s landmark is the Periscope restaurant with its panoramic views and the largest roof terrace in Europe. Ratina’s fitness offering will be expanded in the autumn by the opening of a new Elixia fitness center.
Sponda Ltd
Further information:
Anita Riikonen, Marketing and Brand Manager, tel. +358 40 833 3804, anita.riikonen@sponda.fi
Sponda Ltd is a leading real estate asset management company in Finland specialising in owning, managing, developing and letting commercial properties in the largest cities across the country. With a focus on customer-oriented solutions and high-quality properties, Sponda is actively developing best practice in the sector, enhancing the cityscape in a sustainable way and supporting its customers. www.sponda.fi/en.