Economic Performance - In the first half of 2025, Guangzhou's economic performance improved compared to 2024, with positive trends in exports and retail sales [2] - From January to May 2025, Guangzhou's total retail sales reached 469.994 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.1% [3] Retail Innovation - Guangzhou has been recognized as a pilot city for retail innovation, supported by its strong commercial heritage and a large young population, with 1.68 million university students in 2024 [3] - The city is seeing significant investment in new commercial projects from leading operators like Swire, China Resources, and K11, enhancing the retail landscape [3] Shopping Center Upgrades - In 2026, Guangzhou will mark the fifth year of its initiative to build an international consumption center, with major shopping centers undergoing significant renovations to enhance competitiveness [4] - The focus of these upgrades is shifting from product-centered to consumer-centered experiences, emphasizing emotional value and spatial experience [4] Market Supply and Demand - In the second quarter, Guangzhou saw the addition of two community commercial projects, totaling 213,000 square meters, marking an 8.1% increase compared to the total supply in 2024 [5] - Retail property leasing activity is increasing, particularly in supermarkets and department stores, with notable changes in store formats and offerings [5] Rental Trends - In the first half of 2025, new retail brand leases accounted for 43% of total transactions, followed by dining (41%) and experiential formats (15%) [6] - Retail property rents in Guangzhou continued to decline, with a quarterly drop of 2.5% and a cumulative decrease of 3.6% in the first half of 2025, averaging 21.9 yuan per square meter per day [6] Future Developments - Four new retail projects, totaling approximately 300,000 square meters, are expected to enter the market in the second half of 2025, with a trend towards light asset operations [6]