Not long ago, high streets were associated mainly with shopping. Today, they are increasingly becoming places to meet, socialize and spend free time. In many urban landscapes, gastronomy is now dominant. According to CBRE, as many as two-thirds of tenants on Warsaw’s Nowy Świat are food and beverage establishments. This shift is reflected in the latest data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS), which shows steadily rising restaurant spending among Poles. Complementing this transformation are cultural events, fitness clubs, local artisan shops and vintage boutiques — all elements redefining the face of modern Polish retail.
“In recent years, the Polish retail market has undergone major changes. The expansion of the food and beverage sector on high streets is one of the most noticeable trends. According to GUS, Poles’ spending on restaurants increased by nearly 20% year-on-year. We see the growing popularity of diverse dining concepts — from fine dining restaurants to modern venues like sky bars. Operators are introducing innovative ideas, often inspired by international trends, which significantly enrich the market. Success still heavily depends on location, visibility and access to outdoor seating, which has always been crucial to generating additional turnover during the summer. The biggest challenge is finding a suitable space, as supply remains limited,”
says Karolina Kunciak, Director responsible for high streets at CBRE.
Data from CBRE indicates that on Nowy Świat in Warsaw, 64% of premises are restaurants or cafés, 27% are retail stores, and 9% are service providers.
Entertainment Meets Retail
After gastronomy, the next major trend shaping high street development is entertainment-driven concepts. Shopping streets are becoming destinations where customers can not only shop but also spend time engagingly.
Interactive elements — such as play areas for children, small gaming rooms or themed events — attract visitors and increase engagement. This shift is supported by the rise of interactive museums and a variety of entertainment formats appealing to both children and adults. Cultural events are also becoming more common, including live music, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances.
Fitness on the High Street
Gyms and fitness studios are becoming increasingly popular on high streets. These venues are experiencing high demand. Alongside major chains, a growing number of boutique studios offering specialized activities is emerging, such as:
- reformer Pilates,
- personal training,
- spinning,
- combat sports,
- dance classes.
Unique Concepts in Demand
Consumers today expect not only shopping opportunities but unique experiences. In a world saturated with mass retail and entertainment — both online and offline — customers want individualized service and meaningful, memorable interactions.
A neighborhood’s character can be shaped by:
- artisan shops and local brands unavailable elsewhere,
- original restaurants and bars with distinctive interiors,
- pop-up stores,
- luxury second-hand boutiques,
- entertainment venues,
- outdoor art installations,
- community events such as breakfast markets or holiday fairs.
“Consumers are increasingly aware of how their choices affect the environment, which drives the popularity of concepts such as zero waste, as well as stores offering vintage clothing, recycled furniture or eco-friendly products,”
adds Kunciak.
Luxury Segment on the Rise
Luxury brands are seeing growing potential in Poland, which may further influence market development. In recent years, Warsaw has become an important point on the map of premium shopping, attracting globally recognized brands.
The opening of a Dior boutique at the Vitkac department store and a Chanel salon in Westfield Arkadia proves that international fashion houses see the growing purchasing power and appetite for premium fashion among Polish consumers.
New entrants such as Bvlgari and Santoni, which opened boutiques in central Warsaw, not only increase the availability of high-end products but also enhance the city’s position as a luxury shopping destination. As the luxury market in Poland continues to grow, more competition and increasingly innovative shopping experiences can be expected.
About CBRE
CBRE (Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis) is an international advisory firm operating in the commercial real estate sector, headquartered in Dallas, USA. Its origins date back to 1906 in San Francisco. Today, CBRE is one of the world’s largest providers of investment advisory, brokerage, property management and asset valuation services.
The company operates in over 100 countries, serving investors, developers, landlords and tenants across office, retail, logistics and industrial sectors. CBRE is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and is one of the leading commercial real estate firms globally — including in Poland, where it has been active since the 1990s.
