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Interview published in Retailnet magazine
[WYWIAD] Kinga Morawska, RDS: Dajemy najemcom pełne wsparcie – od koncepcji po realizację
We are strategists, creators and architects of success. Our team operates in many areas, ranging from the contract and lease management to the handover of turnkey premises to the tenant, so we offer a full range of services, including the production of furniture and logos,’ says Kinga Morawska, co-founder of Retail Development Solutions (RDS), in an interview with Retailnet. RDS specialises in comprehensive consultancy and brand representation in the commercial real estate market.
RDS has been active in the retail market for several years and specialises in providing extensive advice and assistance to tenants in the ever-changing retail environment. What services do you offer, and what are your main areas of activity?
Our background in commercial property is deeply rooted in the past, going back many years when the retail market was still booming. That was the time when my fascination with the industry originated. I began to wonder about the role and impact of retail spaces in shaping the success of various businesses and the challenges posed by the commercial property market — while I vividly remembered a time when such premises were virtually nonexistent…
I then discovered that this is a fascinating area of business that has an enormous impact on companies. The questions that arose in my mind and my quest for answers with my passion for this field became the impetus for founding Retail Development Solution (RDS).
We aimed to transform concepts into solid, recognisable brands from the outset. It was not only our task but also a source of tremendous inspiration. This idea was, and still is, the heart of our business.
We pride ourselves on our ability to convert concepts into reality. Our trusted brands are not just about a logo and a name – they represent the values, story, emotions and mission that make the brand an integral part of consumers’ lives. It is our speciality and passion that we pursue wholeheartedly.
Today, RDS is an indispensable pillar of support for brands and future tenants in the ever-changing commercial real estate market. Our offering has a wide range of options for fostering business success. We are strategists, creators and architects of success. Our team works in many areas, including contract and lease management, where our determination in negotiations results in favourable terms for clients to hand over turnkey premises to the tenant, so we offer a full range of services, including furniture and logo production.
Our scope ranges from finding the most suitable locations and negotiating the best lease terms, drafting the legal lease agreements to design – that is, producing the comprehensive architectural and construction documentation necessary for the tenant to realise the investment project to the construction of the shop and the production of furniture and signage (logos).
The experience you refer to fascination with the role of commercial spaces in shaping success for companies and the challenges of the commercial property market have, as you said yourself, a huge impact on businesses. So, what are the issues to consider when setting up a showroom in a shopping mall from scratch?
First of all, the location is crucial. The appropriate location selection can be decisive for the business’s success. It is not only a question of customer availability but also of competition, the business environment and future growth potential.
The second important thing is to understand the needs of customers.
The quality retail space must be designed according to customer’s desires and preferences. Understanding demographics, shopping behaviour and consumer trends is vital.
The third aspect is sustainability. Nowadays, there is an ever-greater focus on the sustainability and environmental aspect of retail spaces. Companies need to adapt to evolving norms and social responsibility expectations.
The fourth major issue is market dynamics. The commercial property market is active and cyclical. Companies must be flexible and ready to adapt to economic changes, consumer trends and new technologies.
And the fifth point I would mention is added value. Retail spaces are not just for selling products but for creating added value. Companies strive to create shopping experiences that attract customers and encourage them to return.
The only solution is to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities of the commercial real estate market by considering these aspects. It is a fascinating field of activity that combines business, architecture, technology and creativity to succeed in today’s competitive environment.
The retail industry is facing many challenges nowadays. You advise both brands just looking to establish themselves in the market and those that are well-established but in need of a refresh, a new way forward, following the spirit of new technologies. How does RDS help its clients deal with these challenges and grow their businesses?
True, the retail market is a dynamic space that evolves at a pace that cannot be ignored. However, this constant change is our main motivation for action. Growing e-commerce sector, intensifying competition, changing and even, I would say, “mutating” customer preferences and rising costs are the challenges faced by today’s retail industry.
At RDS, we are not only ready to face these challenges, we are determined to exploit them. Our company benefits heavily from the knowledge and experience we have gained over the years. Our flexible approach allows us to adapt to changing circumstances, putting our customers first.
Our offering includes a range of services that help our clients find the best locations crucial to the success of their business. We are also experts in optimising rental costs, which have paramount importance in a competitive environment.
Our design team works on interiors that not only attract customers but also create a memorable shopping experience, thus winning a competitive advantage. That is a key element of building customer loyalty. Our support for clients also includes relocation and expansion processes, allowing our clients to scale up their businesses in new markets successfully.
What are the advantages of RDS, allowing you to stand out in the market?
Our strengths rely on three key pillars: knowledge, experience and commitment. These elements underpin our achievements. Although we have extensive, multi-faceted knowledge, we constantly update it. We are always up-to-date with the core information necessary and decisive for us to act.
Moreover, we quickly react to trends, follow every new development on the market, and have real-time information on available rental space. That allows us to act promptly and offer our clients the solutions they need while responding to their individual needs.
Diligence is one of our hallmarks. We pay attention to every detail because we know they make up for excellence. Our solutions are comprehensive, and we take a professional approach every step of the way. Our ability to act with flexibility is invaluable in an ever-changing business environment.
We understand that our clients’ goals and needs differ, so we adapt to suit every situation. Our aim is not only to deliver services but also results that genuinely benefit our clients.
RDS has already had many collaborations with well-known brands. What projects are you most proud of?
We have many reasons to be proud of our projects, but one that stands out, in particular, is our role in the debuts of global brands on the Polish market. That process requires analytical thinking, an understanding of local business climate, cultural sensitivity and consumer preferences alike. Our ability to adaptation to these subtle differences while maintaining consistency is key to success. Supporting brands in their expansion into the Polish market goes far beyond business for us. It’s an opportunity to craft a success story, co-create a brand presence in Poland and open up new opportunities for landlords. It has been a unique experience and a challenge that we have successfully completed.
Supporting brands in their dynamic growth and helping them acquire the best retail spaces gives me great satisfaction and makes my work highly inspiring.
Among the RDS projects was the design and execution of a retail space for the Tous brand in one of Poland’s shopping centres. What exactly did these activities involve? How did you approach this project?
Here, I would like to focus on a unique project due to the brand’s debut in a new design in one of the shopping centres. Our task was to create a comprehensive representation of this unique brand in one mall in Warsaw. We collaborated with the client at every stage of this sprawling process – starting with the negotiating the dream space and lease terms stage and ending with the final touch of extensive marketing activities.
As a firm, we provided the client with a full range of support in terms of space leasing activities, conducted lease negotiations on their behalf and provided legal advice. Thanks to our experience and expertise, we are also able to help the client find the other best retail locations for their business.
The project process included the preparation of complete documentation, as well as the planning and coordination of construction and execution works, including furniture manufacture. Our company provided a comprehensive implementation of the project, ranging from wall and floor finishes to the creation of custom-made furniture. Furthermore, we installed all the necessary advertising and prepared visualisations.
Our service portfolio also included signage projects, such as shop sign development. Finally, our advertising and marketing expert team helped to create unique advertising designs perfectly aligned with the client’s style.
As a result of all this work, we were able to create the perfect place for our clients to conduct business and provided a unique design to attract the attention of potential customers.
What does RDS believe is the key to success in the current commercial property market?
In my opinion, the key to success is to have knowledge, experience and competence. It is also essential to approach customers with flexibility and understand their needs. At RDS, we believe that success comes through continuous improvement and enhancement of our skills, allowing us to help our clients achieve their strategic goals.
What goals do you set for yourself at RDS, and what is your motto?
We aim to establish a sustainable position as the most sought-after adviser in the property sector. Our company is focused on the core values – loyalty, integrity and commitment – that are our inherent guides to business.
Our motto, “Owner thinking, investor experience, expert approach”, guides our daily work. It means that we think about our client’s projects and activities as if we were their co-owners so that our advice is driven and committed to success.
We aspire to be a partner you can rely on in every situation. Our motto is not just an empty slogan – it is a philosophy that shapes our every decision and actions. We strive to ensure that our customers not only appreciate our services but also have total trust in our knowledge and experience.
Looking ahead, our main objective remains continuous development and refinement of our services. We aim to be a leader in the property sector, but it is equally important for us that we are perceived as the most trustworthy adviser. Our plans include expansion into new markets, allowing us to provide solutions to an even wider client range.
We are committed to continuous improvement and development so that our solutions remain at the highest standard and that our operations excel in every way. Our constant passion and commitment fuels us to deliver exceptional results for our customers.
We do not accept compromise on quality and professionalism. We strive to raise the bar with every project we undertake. Our determination to constantly improve is an indispensable part of our success and a pride we take in our work. These values underpin the RDS business activities.
Interview: Katarzyna Łabuz
