Core Viewpoint - Shanghai is experiencing a commercial supply surplus, with a significant number of shopping malls opening without a corresponding increase in consumer demand, leading to many malls being abandoned or underperforming [3][5][10]. Group 1: Commercial Landscape in Shanghai - Shanghai has over 400 shopping centers, with one large shopping center for every 80,000 people, compared to Tokyo's one for every 200,000 [3]. - The city is expected to open around 60 new commercial spaces this year, totaling over 3 million square meters, with Minhang leading in new openings [3]. - Despite the increase in commercial space, the retail sales growth in Shanghai was negative in the first quarter of this year, indicating a disconnect between supply and consumer spending [4]. Group 2: Decline of Shopping Malls - Many shopping malls in prime locations are closing, including notable names like Pacific Department Store and Isetan, highlighting a trend of commercial attrition [5][6]. - The Aegean Shopping Center, which opened in 2017, has seen a dramatic increase in vacancy rates, with outdoor shops nearly 90% vacant [6][9]. - The competition among large malls, such as the Aegean and China Resources Mixc, is fierce, with the latter currently attracting more foot traffic [10]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Consumer Behavior - The emergence of new shopping centers has led to a phenomenon where older malls are being abandoned, as consumer preferences shift [11][12]. - The Seven Puxian Road wholesale market has seen rental prices plummet from a peak of 70,000 to 500 yuan per month, indicating a significant decline in demand [15][17]. - The market is experiencing a bifurcation, with some malls successfully transitioning to high-end offerings while others remain stagnant [19][20]. Group 4: Corporate Strategies and Asset Sales - Wanda Group has been actively selling off commercial assets, including over 90 Wanda Plazas, to alleviate financial pressures, reflecting a broader trend among real estate companies [21][22]. - Other companies, such as Vanke and various insurance firms, are also divesting commercial properties to improve liquidity and focus on core assets [24][27]. - The shift from expansion to efficiency in the commercial real estate sector is evident, as companies adapt to a new era of competition and consumer behavior [28][29].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the oversupply of commercial spaces in Shanghai, highlighting the rapid opening of new shopping centers while existing ones struggle with low consumer demand and high vacancy rates [7][10][11]. Group 1: Current Commercial Landscape in Shanghai - Shanghai is surrounded by over 400 shopping centers, with an average of one large shopping center for every 80,000 people, compared to Tokyo's one for every 200,000 [3]. - The per capita commercial area in Shanghai is second only to Dubai and is three times that of Tokyo [4]. - Despite the saturation, Shanghai is expected to open around 60 new commercial spaces this year, totaling over 3 million square meters, with Minhang leading in new openings [6]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Market Dynamics - The retail sales growth in Shanghai was negative in the first quarter of this year, indicating a disconnect between the increase in commercial supply and consumer spending [7][9]. - Many shopping centers are being abandoned or sold off, reflecting a significant turnover in the commercial landscape [11][14]. Group 3: Case Studies of Specific Shopping Centers - The Aegean Shopping Center, opened in 2017, has seen a dramatic decline, with a 90% vacancy rate in its outdoor commercial area [22][33]. - The "The Roof" shopping center, designed by a renowned architect, has become more of a tourist attraction than a shopping destination, with many shops closed or under renovation [47][49]. - The once-thriving Qipu Road wholesale market has seen rental prices plummet from 70,000 to 500 yuan per month, indicating a severe decline in demand [61][90]. Group 4: Trends in Commercial Real Estate - The article notes a trend of commercial real estate companies, such as Wanda, selling off assets to manage debt, with Wanda having sold nearly 90 shopping centers since 2017 [96][99]. - Other companies, including Vanke and various insurance firms, are also engaging in asset sales to improve liquidity and focus on core assets [106][115]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The commercial real estate sector is transitioning from an expansion phase to a focus on efficiency and quality, with a clear shift towards a "stock era" where supply and demand dynamics are changing [120][126]. - Successful commercial spaces are adapting to new consumer preferences and finding ways to thrive amidst the challenges faced by many others [123][125].

Core Viewpoint - Shanghai is experiencing a significant transformation in its commercial landscape, characterized by an oversupply of shopping centers and a decline in consumer spending, leading to many malls being abandoned or underperforming [3][6][98]. Group 1: Commercial Landscape in Shanghai - Shanghai is surrounded by over 400 shopping centers, with a ratio of one large shopping center for every 80,000 people, compared to Tokyo's one for every 200,000 [3]. - The city is expected to open around 60 new commercial spaces this year, totaling over 3 million square meters, with Minhang leading in new openings [3][6]. - Despite the increase in commercial space, the retail sales growth in Shanghai has been negative, indicating a disconnect between supply and consumer demand [5][6]. Group 2: Decline of Shopping Centers - Many shopping centers in prime locations are closing down, including notable names like Pacific Department Store and Isetan, reflecting a trend of abandonment in the face of oversupply [6][23]. - The Aegean Shopping Center, which opened in 2017, has seen a dramatic decline in foot traffic, with a 90% vacancy rate in its outdoor commercial area [12][22]. - The phenomenon of shopping centers becoming "ghost malls" is evident, with many spaces being sold off or left vacant as consumer preferences shift [6][12][22]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Trends - The commercial real estate market is undergoing a "new metabolism," with a higher rate of mall closures and a shift towards high-end retail experiences [7][74]. - The Seven Puxian Road market, once bustling, has seen rental prices plummet from 70,000 yuan to 500 yuan per month, indicating a severe decline in demand [47][70]. - Successful transformations are occurring in some areas, where malls that have repositioned themselves towards high-end offerings are thriving, while others continue to struggle [74][75]. Group 4: Corporate Strategies and Asset Sales - Major real estate companies like Wanda are selling off commercial assets to alleviate debt, with Wanda having sold nearly 90 shopping centers since 2017 [79][80]. - Vanke has also engaged in asset sales, including significant stakes in its commercial properties, reflecting a broader trend among real estate firms to divest non-core assets [88][89]. - The trend of selling commercial properties is prevalent among various firms, indicating a shift in focus towards more efficient asset management in a challenging market environment [93][94].

Core Viewpoint - Shanghai's commercial real estate market is experiencing an oversupply, leading to a significant number of shopping centers becoming underutilized or abandoned, despite the city's high commercial space per capita and ongoing new developments [4][10][12]. Group 1: Current State of Shanghai's Commercial Market - Shanghai has over 400 shopping centers, with a ratio of one large shopping center for every 80,000 people, compared to Tokyo's one for every 200,000 [3]. - The city is expected to open around 60 new commercial spaces this year, totaling over 3 million square meters, with Minhang leading in new openings [6]. - Despite the increase in commercial space, the retail sales growth in Shanghai was negative in the first quarter of this year, indicating a lack of consumer demand [7][9]. Group 2: Trends in Commercial Space Utilization - Many shopping centers are being abandoned or underperforming, with notable closures in prime locations such as Pacific Department Store and Isetan [11][12]. - The rate of commercial space turnover is increasing, particularly for large shopping centers, as evidenced by the decline in foot traffic and rising vacancy rates [15][16]. - The Aegean Shopping Center, which opened in 2017, now has a 90% vacancy rate in its outdoor commercial area, highlighting the rapid decline in consumer interest [23][35]. Group 3: Case Studies of Specific Shopping Centers - The Aegean Shopping Center's outdoor area has become nearly deserted, with many shops either closed or underperforming [25][35]. - The recent transformation of the Qipu Road wholesale market shows a stark contrast, where some shops are now renting for as low as 500 yuan per month, down from peak rents of 70,000 yuan [61][90]. - Successful transformations are occurring in some areas, such as the New Qipu and Shenghe Sheng, which have upgraded their offerings and attracted more customers [66][91]. Group 4: Broader Implications for the Real Estate Industry - The trend of selling off commercial assets is prevalent among real estate companies facing liquidity issues, with Wanda Group leading in asset sales [97][111]. - The shift from expansion to efficiency in the commercial real estate sector reflects a broader industry trend towards focusing on core assets and reducing debt [114][116]. - The commercial landscape is transitioning into a "stock era," where competition is based on existing assets rather than new developments, indicating a significant change in market dynamics [123][129].

Group 1 - Shanghai has over 400 shopping centers, with an average of one large shopping center for every 80,000 people, compared to Tokyo's one for every 200,000 people [1] - Shanghai's per capita commercial area is second only to Dubai and is three times that of Tokyo [2] - Despite reaching a high level of commercial development, Shanghai's commercial sector continues to expand [3] Group 2 - In 2023, approximately 60 new commercial projects are expected to open in Shanghai, totaling over 3 million square meters, with Minhang leading with 12 new openings exceeding 1 million square meters [4] - The retail sales growth rate in Shanghai for the first quarter of this year was negative, indicating a disconnect between the increase in shopping centers and consumer spending [5][8] - The total retail sales of consumer goods in March were 128 billion yuan, down 1.5% year-on-year, with a total of 4.06 billion yuan for the first quarter, also down 1.1% [7] Group 3 - Shanghai is entering a phase of oversupply in commercial space, leading to many shopping centers being abandoned or underperforming [8][9] - Numerous shopping malls in prime locations have closed, including well-known brands like Pacific Department Store and Isetan [10][11] - The opening of new malls has not translated into increased consumer traffic, resulting in many becoming deserted [12][13] Group 4 - The Aegean Shopping Center in Minhang, which opened in 2017, has seen a significant decline in outdoor retail space, with a vacancy rate of nearly 90% [22][29] - The area around Longbai, once bustling with foreign investment, has also seen a decline in activity, with many businesses closing [35][36] - Newer commercial developments, such as The Roof, are struggling to maintain consumer interest despite their architectural appeal [50][51] Group 5 - The once-thriving Qipu Road wholesale market has seen rental prices plummet from 70,000 yuan to 500 yuan per month, indicating a significant decline in demand [61][62] - Some shopping centers are now offering rent-free options, only requiring payment of property fees, highlighting the drastic changes in the market [90][93] - Successful transformations of some markets into high-end shopping areas contrast sharply with those that have failed to adapt [94][96] Group 6 - Wanda Group has sold off a significant number of its commercial assets, including over 30 Wanda Plazas in the past two years, due to high debt levels [100][102] - The company has shifted to a light-asset model, retaining operational rights while selling properties to insurance companies [109] - Other real estate companies, including Vanke and Shimao, are also divesting commercial assets to improve liquidity [115][118] Group 7 - The commercial real estate sector is transitioning from expansion to efficiency, with a focus on optimizing existing assets rather than acquiring new ones [129][130] - The market is witnessing a "new metabolism," where successful businesses adapt and thrive while others are left behind [131][134] - The competition in the commercial sector has entered a new phase, emphasizing the importance of consumer engagement and operational sustainability [136][138]