In an interview with WAZ, real estate broker Eckhard Brockhoff discusses the state of shopping centres in the Ruhr region. He warns of oversupply and says the large number of shopping centres in the region is leading to vacancies and intense competition. This development raises concerns about the future of city-centre locations. He also expects commercial rents to rise, creating further challenges for retailers and property owners.

Alongside his assessment of current market conditions, the article also covers Brockhoff’s unusual career beginnings. In a podcast, he talks about his first professional steps as a student in the fabric trade at fashion company Steilmann. Those experiences laid the foundation for his successful career in real estate. Today, Brockhoff is one of the Ruhr region’s most renowned property brokers, known for his expertise in commercial real estate.

His career shows how varied the paths into the real estate industry can be and how Brockhoff established himself in a highly competitive market.