FOC Retail Service GmbH operates three outlet locations in Austria and Germany, all of which have incredibly high purchasing power but are small. Managing Director Michael Lungkofler explains the potential of smaller locations, why brands are just as successful here as in prominent locations, and why, despite the excellent performance, the small sizes result from regulatory policy decisions.

Central Europe’s leading designer outlet set a new visitor record in 2023 with 6.8 million visitors above pre-pandemic levels. Sales were up ten percent in 2019, with the strongest growth in visitor numbers coming from South Korea, the Middle East and South East Asia. Seven million euros have been earmarked for investment at the site to ensure the success story continues.

Giles Membrey, Managing Director of Rioja Estates, takes us on a journey through 20 years of the outlet industry – from site identification, planning, construction, leading to exit funding and marketing. Much has changed, but the basic principles have remained the same.

After a record year in 2023, Designer Outlet Parndorf hopes to build on its 2019 figures in terms of international tourism this year. ACROSS spoke to Mario Schwann, General Manager of Designer Outlet Parndorf, about the return of international tourists, the potential of visitors from Southern Asia and Middle East, and the importance of cooperation, among other things.

All outlet players have worked hard to improve their attractivity, engage new retailers, offer more exciting Food & Beverage formats, provide more premium hospitality services and realize strong marketing campaigns, states Caroline Lamy, CEO of Magdus and the CL Outlet Consulting company. In this interview, she gives an overview of the European Outlet market.

The development of new outlet centers is always an exciting prospect, both for consumers looking for great deals and for developers seeking to create profitable ventures. However, an ongoing debate in the realm of outlet center planning revolves around whether leisure facilities should be an integral part of these retail destinations. Giles Membrey, Managing Director of Rioja Estates Ltd. explains the pro and contra arguments.

Designer Outlet Luxembourg shows strong performance in both sales and visitor numbers, while enriching the shopping experience, since the takeover by ROS Retail Outlet Shopping.

Amsterdam The Style Outlet has made it clear that the experience element is a key component in its value proposition. Although shopping remains the primary attraction, creating a space where people can go to meet up and spend time together is a crucial part of the outlet’s growth strategy. Both the increasing number of visitors and rising sales figures at the centre show that its efforts to offer a go-to destination that brings people together and provides a unique shopping experience are proving very popular – the figures speak for themselves.

Built 25 years ago on a green field, the Designer Outlet Parndorf is now one of the most popular shopping destinations in Central Europe.