By Jacek Bagiński

The Polish economy is in high gear. I’ve looked at the data from last year and forecasts for 2019. Overall 2018 was a period of very solid growth, marked by an increase in wages and consumption, combined with minimal unemployment.

Let’s look at the statistics.

The Polish Central Statistical Office published its report on average wages in the enterprise sector in December 2018. The annual growth trend has continued with monthly average wages surpassing the level of 5000 PLN gross, setting a new record.

According to the European Commission, in 2019 Poland is to remain a leader in terms of wage growth. While according to its estimates the average EU wage growth is roughly 0.8 percent, we may expect wages in Poland to increase by as much as 7 percent. The National Bank of Poland estimates wages will rise by 6.8 percent.

This data can be set alongside Poland’s low unemployment rate – by the end of November 2018 joblessness was at 3.8 percent, while forecasts are for it to drop to 2.9 percent in 2019. Lower numbers will only be seen in Germany and the Czech Republic.

According to the “Dziennik Gazeta Prawna” daily “in 2018 the expansion of the Polish economy was due to the size of Poles’ wallets. This dynamic growth, caused by the increase in household budgets, wasn’t only impacted by government social programmes like the Rodzina 500 plus child benefits scheme, but is also caused by higher wages and record low unemployment, which in turn improves job stability.”

According to the Polish statistical office initial forecast, Poland’s GDP growth in 2018 was 5.1 percent.

“That’s an A-grade economy”, according to analysts. In 2019 we may expect a slightly lower result, it will still be a net positive for the country.

Poles Continue to Go to Shopping Centers, Despite Trading Ban

Low unemployment numbers combined with high wages are the major drivers behind Poland’s consumption boom. The spending increases have also contributed to changing habits among Polish consumers. It is evident at EPP that shopping centres themselves have become destinations. We have the data to observe that Poles not only enjoy shopping, but they appreciate the entertainment and dining options available to them as well. Despite the Sunday trading ban, shopping centres are experiencing healthy footfall and sales levels. This consumer spending provides the fuel for Polish economic growth.

We’ve got a good year ahead of us. Personally, I believe that rising wages, record low unemployment and impressive economic growth will attract more investors to Poland, confirming its position as one of the leading investment destinations in Europe.

Jacek Bagiński is the CFO of EPP, the leading owner of shopping centres in Poland.

Moody’s Investors Service (Moody’s) has today affirmed the Ba1 corporate family rating of EPP, the largest retail property owner in Poland (A2 Stable).

“We are very pleased with Moody’s decision to confirm EPP’s rating. It reflects the strong fundamentals and stable outlook of our business. It also allows us to be confident while planning the further development of our assets and diversification of funding resources” said Jacek Bagiński, CFO at EPP.

In a rationale to the rating Moody’s indicated that it is supported by EPP’s solid portfolio of large shopping centres that are spread across major Polish cities and are well positioned within their catchment area. The company’s cash flow and asset values are supported by favourable macroeconomic fundamentals and strong underlying demand drives for its properties. An experienced management team with a good track record of quickly responding to the fast changing retail landscape will help sustain the current 98.4% occupancy and improve footfall and retail sales at EPP’s centres.

The stable outlook reflects Moody’s expectation that EPP will continue to generate stable cash flow while retaining high occupancy levels and a balanced growth strategy. The outlook is based on the assumption that EPP maintains good liquidity at all times. The outlook also reflects a favourable operating environment.