Markedet shopping center in Haugesund is grappling with empty retail spaces and decreased revenue for state-run alcohol monopoly Vinmonopolet, despite expanded footprints for key tenants like Cubus and a steady stream of regional tourism, according to center coordinator Leif Kildal Olsen.
Retail Shifts and the Impact of Vinmonopolet Competition
The retail landscape inside Markedet underwent a significant structural shift earlier this year when Carlings closed its doors. That departure allowed neighboring clothing retailer Cubus to expand its footprint on the ground floor. Center coordinator Leif Kildal Olsen notes that while the remaining tenants are generally performing well and seeing increased turnover, the center’s state-run liquor outlet, Vinmonopolet, has experienced a drop in sales.
This revenue contraction for the polet was entirely anticipated. The decline directly correlates with Vinmonopolet opening a competing branch at the nearby Amanda shopping center, redistributing local consumer foot traffic across Haugesund’s commercial nodes.
Tourism Resilience and the Commercial Ecosystem
Urban retail centers must constantly adapt to shifting consumer demographics. Fortunately, Markedet benefits from a consistent influx of visitors beyond the local residential base. Kildal Olsen emphasizes that the downtown center captures valuable tourist traffic, encompassing both cruise ship passengers and independent travelers arriving in Haugesund. This steady stream of outsiders helps maintain active commercial momentum in the city core.
Yet, maintaining a fully leased building remains a logistical hurdle for center management.
Navigating Vacancies and Targeting Missing Segments
Walking through the corridors of Markedet reveals several unoccupied storefronts prime for redesign or tenant acquisition. Management is actively courting prospective businesses to fill these gaps, though immediate lease agreements remain unfinalized. “I would love to serve up joyful news about a new opening, but I cannot do that right now,” Kildal Olsen explains regarding the current leasing pipeline.
The leasing strategy focuses on practical retail categories that match the center’s core demographic profile. Markedet serves roughly 80 percent of the local population, intentionally avoiding ultra-luxury goods. Instead, management has identified specific retail gaps they hope to fill. “Electronics we miss, and textile is always possibilities,” says Kildal Olsen, outlining the commercial segments targeted for future tenancy negotiations.
The 30-Second Verdict on Haugesund Retail Dynamics
While major anchor expansions like the newly enlarged Cubus store provide stability, secondary shopping hubs like Markedet face a balancing act.
