Antwerp stands as a global fashion capital alongside Paris, London, Milan, and New York. This vibrant, fashion-centric atmosphere, combined with access to Belgium's most affluent households, positions Antwerp as a prime retail market. Many consider the city their preferred entry point into Belgium for standalone stores, often preceding Brussels.

• Antwerp is Belgium's second-largest retail market. With annual spending expected to exceed €11 billion, it sits closely behind the capital city, Brussels.

• The municipality of Antwerp has a population of over 565,000, making it the most populous municipality in Belgium, while its broader metropolitan area exceeds 1.2 million people, ranking it as the country's second-largest metropolitan area after Brussels.

• Antwerp is expected to see some of the highest growth rates in retail spending in Belgium over the next five years. Retail sales in Antwerp are forecast to grow by 4.2% annually over the period from 2025 to 2029, in nominal terms.

• Households in Antwerp are among the most affluent in Belgium, with an average disposable income of €71,800 per household.

• Antwerp welcomed 15.8 million day tourists in 2024, with the Netherlands, Germany, and Spain being the leading countries of origin for international visitors. Additionally, there were 2.5 million visitors who stayed overnight.

• Meir and Leysstraat in Antwerp's city centre continue to be the premier addresses for retailers seeking high-quality space, with prime rents standing at €1,700 per square metre per year at the end of Q3 2025.

   

The Antwerp Retail City Profile unveils key insights to help you make informed decisions about your next retail location. Complete the form to access a detailed market outlook and digital maps featuring key retail destinations, international retailer presence, and notable store openings.