The global economic downturn has not been enough to significantly challenge the growing demographic and middle class expansion in emerging Asia, which continues to fuel consumer appetites in places such as China and India. While retail property values have declined in even developed countries, such as Japan and Australia, investment opportunities exist alongside new retail trends and ways to increase existing value.

“When the world stops, Asia shops,” goes the saying. But buyer beware: “Check the panda’s paws before investing” could be another saying for these times. If you have the capital, buy now, say some experts, and buy right, with the greatest opportunities and potential in Japan, China, India and Australia.

One regional expert noted that there was a time when developers could build almost anything and retailers would be lining up at the doors to lease space — an “if you build it, they will come” golden age. Now developers need due dilig