October 2026 was an exceptional month for CEUSTERS. Within just two days, shopping centres managed by the company received four marketing awards, recognising campaigns that combine creativity, customer engagement and strategic thinking.
At a glance
Wijnegem
Three SOLAL Silver Awards
Waasland
BLSC Footfall & Sales Activation Award
When
13–15 October 2026
THREE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS FOR WIJNEGEM SHOPPING CENTER
On 13 October, Wijnegem Shopping Center secured three Silver Awards at the SOLAL Awards Gala in Budapest. Considered among the industry’s most prestigious international distinctions, the SOLAL Awards recognise excellence in retail and shopping centre marketing. This year’s competition attracted 129 entries from 15 countries, evaluated by 20 international experts. With only 19 Silver Awards presented, Wijnegem’s triple success is a remarkable achievement.
The winning campaigns demonstrate the diversity of Wijnegem’s marketing approach:
THE LIKE SHOP · SOCIAL MEDIA
What if social media likes could buy something? With The Like Shop, visitors could exchange likes for exclusive merchandise, creatively connecting online engagement with the physical shopping experience.
FROM CHARACTERS TO COMMERCIAL IMPACT · STRATEGIC MARKETING
Developed exclusively in collaboration with Studio 100, the Winis have become a central part of Wijnegem’s identity. Integrated into communications, play areas and events, these characters create a recognisable universe that strengthens connections with families.
FROM WASTE TO WONDER · CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Wijnegem brings circularity and social responsibility to life through two initiatives. The ‘Geefwinkel’ transformed an empty retail unit into a donation shop in just one week, offering free clothing and toys to children from disadvantaged families. Meanwhile, the Recycle Shop, furnished entirely with recycled cardboard, showcased products made from recycled materials and raised awareness on recycling and waste management.
Two other CEUSTERS-managed centres were shortlisted: Stockel Square with its Dog Event, awarded by the BLSC last year, and Waasland Shopping with Don’t Forget the Children, a charity event that was organised during the end-of-year period.
Seeing our creativity and hard work recognised among so many outstanding European entries is incredibly rewarding. Winning a SOLAL Award is an honour in itself, but bringing home three is truly exceptional. We couldn’t be prouder of our team and what we have achieved together.
WAASLAND SHOPPING WINS DISTINGUISHED RECOGNITION WITH INDUSTRY AWARD
On 15 October, Waasland Shopping won another trophy at the BLSC Marketing Awards in Aalst. Organised by the Belgian Luxembourg Council of Retail & Shopping Centers, these awards celebrate excellence in shopping centre marketing. Waasland Shopping won the Footfall & Sales Activation Award for Large Shopping Centres with its innovative ‘Jaëlive – Rate the Trend’ concept.
This monthly TikTok livestream brings influencer marketing directly into the shopping centre experience. Waasland Shopping ambassador Jaël Ost and a guest influencer discover, test and rate trending products from the centre’s retailers. Viewers can interact live, discover new brands and win €500 worth of products. Combining entertainment, social media engagement and retailer visibility, the concept builds a direct connection between the digital community and the physical shopping destination.
MORE THAN AWARDS
For CEUSTERS, these distinctions reflect a broader ambition: transforming shopping centres into vibrant destinations that offer more than retail alone. Through creative campaigns, community engagement and innovative digital experiences, its teams continue to strengthen connections between visitors, retailers and their shopping environments.