Facilities Management services are no longer seen as a procurement process but have matured and is now accepted as part of the partnership relationship by investors and occupiers.

According to a recent CBRE Global Investor Intentions Survey 2015, 53% of global investors plan to increase their investment purchases this year.

Although muted growth is expected for the sector, retailers targeting the value chain will continue to show growth slightly higher than sector averages. 

Richard O'Sullivan is an Executive Director of Retail Africa.

Preston Gaddy is the Divisional Director for Strategic Retail Leasing at Broll Property Group.

Most consumers still expect the physical mall to be their shopping channel of choice in two years despite an expected increase in e-commerce.

Apart from clean and safe shopping centres, South African consumers want an overall experience of visiting the shopping destination.

Broll Property Group says exclusivity clauses hamper leasing opportunities that could potentially benefit property assets.

Cleanliness, security and price of products rank high on the list of important factors that consumers consider when thinking about where to shop.

Both global retailers and retail property investors are taking advantage of South Africa's appeal as a competitive retail destination, according to research released by global real estate advisory CBRE recently.