Bonaire after the DANA: swift response and renewed trust in retail projects
When an iconic shopping center like Bonaire is hit by a major weather event such as the DANA that affected Valencia in 2024, the most important thing is to act quickly, with real solutions and teams capable of adapting to the circumstances. At Abessis, we not only rose to the challenge — we became the trusted partner for some of the center’s most important brands, who turn to us in moments like these.
Since then, we have taken on several projects of varying scope — some already completed, others underway, and many more to begin — that reflect the retail sector’s confidence in our ability to respond, adapt and execute. Each of these projects required a different approach, but they all shared one essential value: operational reliability.
Kiko Milano: from a recently delivered refit to an immediate response
One of the most representative cases is Kiko Milano. We had just finished a full refurbishment when the flooding struck. Having a brand-new space damaged by such an event is never ideal, but we reacted swiftly, proposed quick solutions, and coordinated the intervention to restore the store to optimal condition in the shortest possible time.
Situations like this not only test execution quality, but also the team’s ability to support the client when the unexpected happens. And that’s exactly what we did: we showed up, responded, and resolved.
Victoria’s Secret: staying on track without losing sight of the goal
Another project we have been managing during this time is Victoria’s Secret, whose store opening in Bonaire remained on course despite the situation. The construction work, now in its final phase, has adapted to the context without losing momentum — a clear example of how proper planning and a single point of contact can keep things moving even under pressure.
Our working methodology has allowed us to continue meeting the demanding standards of an international brand, adjusting schedules and processes with maximum precision.
Normal: a new tenant, executed efficiently from the ground up
While many brands focused on repairing damage, others saw an opportunity in Bonaire. One such case is Normal, which chose this shopping center for its new store and entrusted Abessis with the build. Our previous experience with the brand enabled an agile and aligned implementation, allowing them to seize the moment and establish a strong presence in the area.
Projects like this demonstrate the advantage of working with a partner who already knows the center’s operations, logistics flows, timelines and technical requirements — making everything fit together seamlessly.
Planet Fitness: technical execution and long-term coordination
At the same time, we took on a very different project in terms of scope and complexity: the new Planet Fitness center in Bonaire. This space presents high technical demands and a construction schedule that will keep us engaged through the summer. Here, our role as project managers is particularly crucial.
The challenge lies in coordinating specialized teams, managing complex construction phases, and ensuring the shopping center’s activity continues without disruption — all while meeting the client’s strict deadlines. In this type of project, reliability and foresight make all the difference.
Hollister: growing trust in our way of working
The latest project awarded to us is for Hollister, adding to this series of interventions at Bonaire. The renovation has just begun and presents a new challenge where we’ll apply everything we’ve learned in this environment. The fact that brands like Hollister continue to choose Abessis, even during times of high operational demand, reinforces the retail sector’s trust in our approach: solution-oriented, agile, and deeply committed.
A shared vision, a single trusted partner
What we’ve experienced in Bonaire over these past months perfectly reflects how we work at Abessis: each project is unique, but all demand planning, responsiveness, and above all, commitment.
When the environment shifts, it’s not enough to simply execute well — you have to understand what the client needs at every moment. Sometimes that means restoring a damaged space, other times building from scratch, or managing a project alongside the center’s daily operations. In every case, the challenge is the same: to be up to the task.
Do you have a new project on the horizon?
Whether it’s an urgent renovation, a strategic opening, or a no-margin-for-error refit, Abessis is ready to help. If you’re planning a retail project and need a partner with both operational vision and real execution capabilities, tell us about it.
We’ll be there — with the same commitment and professionalism that have defined our work in Bonaire.