F&B leads Asia Pacific retail activity

Sportswear and apparel followed closely as the second and third most active trades, respectively.

The F&B sector is driving the retail activity across the Asia Pacific region, as per CBRE's Asia Pacific Retail leasing report.

“Amidst a global shift in consumer spending towards eating out and experiences, F&B remains the most active retail trade in Asia Pacific, with demand from this category at its strongest in Singapore and Southeast Asia,” the report noted.

Hong Kong SAR has also experienced a surge in new F&B entrants from mainland China since late 2023. However, local spending has veered towards Shenzhen, leading to a weakening in demand within the region.

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Sportswear and apparel followed closely as the second and third most active trades, respectively.

Mainland China and India were the focal points for sportswear demand, with an increasing number of overseas brands eyeing opportunities in these markets to capitalise on the growing consumer interest in health and wellness.

India, in particular, showed above-trend demand across major retail sectors, driven by a growing affluent population.