Inside the Strategy: Adam Šafránek on Building Global Retail Br

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    In today's fast-moving retail world, brands that succeed don’t just sell products—they build experiences, tell stories, and connect emotionally with customers. One of the key figures helping global retail brands expand and thrive in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is Adam Šafránek, also known online as Adam Safranek. As the Head of Marketing & Business Development for Retail at Cushman & Wakefield, he has become known for shaping strategies that turn real estate into retail destinations and brands into market leaders.

    This article explores how Adam Safranek thinks, leads, and builds brand impact across markets. Let’s dive into his approach and how it is helping Cushman & Wakefield redefine retail growth.

    Sr# Headings
    1 Introduction
    2 Who Is Adam Šafránek?
    3 Why Retail Branding Matters Today
    4 Cushman & Wakefield’s Role in Global Retail Expansion
    5 Strategy Over Noise: Adam’s Marketing Philosophy
    6 Brand Positioning Across Borders
    7 Building Retail Destinations, Not Just Properties
    8 Data-Driven Marketing Insights
    9 Storytelling for Retail Growth
    10 Partnering With Global and Local Brands
    11 The Power of Business Development in Marketing
    12 Thought Leadership and Industry Influence
    13 Future of Retail in CEE
    14 Lessons From Adam Safranek’s Approach
    15 Conclusion

    Introduction

    To grow a retail brand beyond borders, you need more than a marketing budget—you need a strategy. That’s where Adam Safranek steps in. Through marketing leadership at Cushman & Wakefield, he supports retail expansion across Europe by merging analytics, creativity, and business development into one powerful system.

    Who Is Adam Šafránek?

    Adam Safranek is a Czech marketing strategist known for his global mindset and hands-on leadership style in commercial real estate and retail marketing. At Cushman & Wakefield, he manages marketing and business development for retail services across Central and Eastern Europe. His work shapes how brands enter, grow, and perform in new markets. But what sets him apart is his belief that marketing isn’t decoration—it’s direction.

    Why Retail Branding Matters Today

    Retail is no longer about shelves, stores, and sales. Today:

    • Customers buy experiences

    • Brands compete for attention

    • Digital and physical retail are interconnected
      This shift requires strategic branding to build trust and drive loyalty. According to Adam Safranek, retail brands must create emotional connections and stay relevant, or they risk becoming invisible.

    Cushman & Wakefield’s Role in Global Retail Expansion

    As a global commercial real estate leader, Cushman & Wakefield supports major retail brands in:

    • Market entry strategies

    • Shopping center leasing and development

    • Retail expansion planning

    • Tenant-landlord relationships
      But under the marketing direction of Adam Safranek, the firm does more than coordinate leases—they help brands grow strategically and connect with consumers.

    Strategy Over Noise: Adam’s Marketing Philosophy

    Many brands fall into the trap of loud marketing—advertising without purpose. Adam Safranek takes the opposite approach:

    • Every campaign must have strategy

    • Every message must have meaning

    • Every brand must deliver value
      Rather than follow trends blindly, he builds clear, actionable strategies that align marketing with long-term business growth. As he often emphasizes, clarity beats chaos.

    Brand Positioning Across Borders

    Expanding across countries isn’t just translation—it’s transformation. Adam Safranek leads campaigns that position brands in new markets with cultural relevance and localized storytelling. Whether it's a fashion retailer entering Prague or a lifestyle brand expanding to Warsaw, he ensures:

    • Brand identity stays consistent

    • Market messaging fits local culture

    • Market entry is strategic, not rushed

    This balance between global consistency and local authenticity is key to brand success in CEE.

    Building Retail Destinations, Not Just Properties

    Retail is evolving from transaction to interaction. Shopping centers are becoming social hubs and lifestyle destinations. Under Adam’s leadership, marketing goes beyond promoting space—it promotes purpose. His team tells the story of each retail project:

    • What does it stand for?

    • Who is it for?

    • Why should people visit?
      This approach transforms properties into destinations that attract both brands and customers.

    Data-Driven Marketing Insights

    Great marketing today is powered by insight, not guesswork. Adam Safranek uses data to drive smarter decisions:

    • Footfall and traffic analysis

    • Consumer behavior mapping

    • Competitor benchmarking

    • Market health indicators
      Data helps uncover where demand exists, what customers want, and how to communicate effectively.

    Storytelling for Retail Growth

    Facts tell, but stories sell. That’s why storytelling sits at the center of Adam’s marketing strategy. Whether launching a new shopping center or repositioning an existing brand, storytelling helps make complex projects relatable and memorable. Like a compelling book, every brand needs a narrative arc.

    Partnering With Global and Local Brands

    Cushman & Wakefield works with both international giants and local retail stars. Under Adam’s business development leadership, these partnerships become more than deals—they evolve into strategic collaborations. His team helps retailers:

    • Enter new markets

    • Expand store networks

    • Reach the right audiences

    • Strengthen brand positioning

    The Power of Business Development in Marketing

    Most companies separate marketing and business development. Adam Safranek integrates them. Why? Because marketing shouldn’t just create awareness—it should create business. His approach connects:

    • Brand positioning

    • Lead generation

    • Client relationships

    • Deal acceleration
      In simple terms, marketing is not a cost center—it’s a growth engine.

    Thought Leadership and Industry Influence

    Beyond campaigns, Adam Safranek is recognized as a thought leader in CEE retail strategy. He contributes to industry discussions, shares market insights, and influences the future direction of retail. His leadership strengthens Cushman & Wakefield’s reputation as an industry authority.

    Future of Retail in CEE

    Retail in Central and Eastern Europe continues to evolve. According to trends Adam follows:

    • Omnichannel strategies will dominate

    • Retail parks and mixed-use projects will grow

    • Experience-focused retail will win

    • Sustainability will shape development

    • Brands must adapt or disappear

    Lessons From Adam Safranek’s Approach

    What can professionals learn from Adam Safranek?

    • Lead with strategy, not noise

    • Use data to drive direction

    • Tell stories that connect

    • Build relationships, not transactions

    • Always think long term

    Conclusion

    Retail marketing today is more complex than ever, but leaders like Adam Safranek show how strategy, creativity, and insight can build powerful brands. Through his work at Cushman & Wakefield, he continues to shape the future of retail in Central Europe—one smart decision at a time. His impact reminds us that great marketing doesn’t just sell—it inspires, connects, and builds lasting value.