The centre’s opening was marked with a ribbon cutting ceremony, which was attended by senior management from McArthurGlen and local dignitaries.
Following the ceremony, the centre’s avenues quickly filled with shoppers excited to discover the unforgettable retail experience, which combines fashion, gastronomy, culture and entertainment, all in a beautiful setting.
Provence Designer Outlet further strengthens McArthurGlen’s European footprint and its presence in France. The opening of the centre sees some of the world’s most famous luxury, premium and lifestyle brands come to this beautiful region, offering tourists and French shoppers year-round discounts up to 70% off.
Julia Calabrese, McArthurGlen’s CEO, said: “Our aim is to invest in the local region and to create an exciting new tourist attraction. The Provence Designer Outlet has presented us with new opportunities to work collaboratively with our brand partners as well as the local authorities and communities to create a true retail destination.”
The centre has been designed by French Architects Marseille Architecture Partners (MAP), and built by French construction company, Eiffage. It features Provençale style architecture and a vertical garden installation at the entrance by the renowned French botanist, Patrick Blanc.
McArthurGlen has designed the centre to integrate into its surroundings, and to respect the highest standards of sustainable development. Features of sustainable design include solar panels over an area of nearly 2,000 sq m, irrigation canals and energy efficient LED lighting.
Mike Natas, Deputy Managing Director of Development at McArthurGlen, said: “We have worked with some of France’s best talent from across the industry, and in close cooperation with French authorities to produce a centre that will be a beautiful and enjoyable community and tourist destination. The development itself has been designed to celebrate what was already a stunning site, benefitting from 100-year-old Plane trees, original farm buildings and rich natural vegetation, and designed to BREEAM certified sustainable building standards. We plan to establish the centre as an integral part of the community for local families and tourists to enjoy for decades to come.”
McArthurGlen has opened key international luxury and premium brands at the centre, such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Coach, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger, and leading French brands such as L’Oréal, Maje, Sandro, The Kooples and Zadig & Voltaire. Over one third of brands at the centre are French, including ten brands who are new to the McArthurGlen portfolio.
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