EK Retail and Loyal Parking launch strategic partnership for smart parking management

With a new strategic partnership, EK Retail, one of Europe’s leading retail cooperatives, and Loyal Parking, a specialist in digital parking management, are sending a clear signal for the digitalisation and security of urban retail spaces. The aim is to make the parking areas of EK Group member companies more efficient, secure and customer-friendly through the use of intelligent systems.

As part of the cooperation, Loyal Parking will become the exclusive partner of EK Retail in the field of digital parking space management. In doing so, both companies are addressing two key challenges facing inner-city retail: the increasing loss of parking space due to non-residents and long-term parkers, and the need for controlled, data-secure and efficient use of space.

The solution is based on a hardware and software platform developed by Loyal Parking for automated number plate recognition. This enables complete control and management of parking space usage – without barriers, parking discs or personnel costs. The system is GDPR-compliant, completely cloud-based and allows precise tracking and documentation of parking processes in real time.

Parking remains free of charge for customers. By specifically opening up spaces to external users – such as residents or delivery services – the system can be operated economically without restricting availability for retailers and visitors.

‘We are delighted to have gained another strong retail partner in EK Retail,’ says Jens Schütte, Managing Director of Loyal Parking. ‘Together, we are pursuing the goal of intelligently managing retail parking spaces, preventing unwanted unauthorised use and, at the same time, creating added value for residents and customers. The digitalisation of parking spaces is key to sustainable urban development – and we are making it accessible to small and medium-sized businesses.’

The partnership is starting with initial pilot projects in Germany and is to be gradually expanded to other member companies in Europe in 2026.

The cooperation is considered an example of the convergence of security and digitalisation technologies in urban areas. Automated recording, smart access logic and data-based control transform formerly passive parking spaces into an active security and service infrastructure that sets new standards in efficiency, data protection and space sovereignty.