The retail sector was among the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, when the separation and isolation of people necessarily became the norm. But years have passed and congregating in groups — a staple part of being human — has reemerged, in both similar and evolving ways in the retail sector. Globally, what should investors understand about this space, and where can they find the best opportunities?

In February, Institutional Real Estate Asia Pacific senior editor Dr Jennifer Molloy spoke with three retail experts, and their responses are collected below. We have regional perspectives on the United States from Katie Grissom, managing director, Nuveen Real Estate; on Europe from Simon Ellis, co-fund manager, M&G European Property Fund, M&G Real Estate; and on Asia Pacific from Chiang Ling Ng, co-head of investment management, Hines.