Designer Outlet Croatia celebrated its 5th anniversary with five days of great discounts, surprises and prizes for visitors as well as the launch of a Summer Festival that included live music, gastronomic offerings and a hot air balloon flight.
Opened in 2018 right next to Europe’s biggest IKEA store on a gross lettable area of more than 15,000 sq m, Designer Outlet Croatia is the result of a unique collaboration between INGKA centers, Mutschler Outlet Holding and ROS Retail Outlet Shopping. Within just a few months, the premium village was shortlisted for Best Outlet Centre at the MAPIC Awards 2018, and it was the first of its kind in Croatia to receive the BREEAM certificate for environmentally friendly and resource-saving implementation.
Today, the largest outlet center in Croatia is home to 60 stores and over 100 well-known fashion and lifestyle brands such as Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Patrizia Pepe, Adidas, Puma, Replay, Guess, Lacoste, Desigual, and many more, 30-70% off, all year round.
Despite a period characterized by numerous challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic and its significant impact on the economy to the introduction of the euro and the high level of inflation, this unique premium village in Croatia shows positive business growth year after year. Good corporate management, together with an adequate response to challenges, allowed Designer Outlet Croatia to increase its turnover by 40% in comparison to 2019.
Strong performance management, as well as good results in business, were also recognized by the tenants, which resulted in several store openings of well-known brands in the midst of the pandemic, including Home & Cook, Hugo Boss and Patrizia Pepe. Business growth continues in 2022 and 2023, when Aldo, Fashion & Friends, GAP and the latest Puma and Lacoste stores opened, enriching the center’s brand mix. In addition to the new stores, the biggest novelties are Burger King with the first drive-in in Croatia, and the Shell petrol station, which together with the IKEA department store form a favorite shopping destination.
Besides good business results, Designer Outlet Croatia can also boast an EXCELLENT BREEAM certificate for taking care of the environment through not only energy efficiency but also rational use of water and construction using ecological materials.
“Although the last 5 years have been marked by numerous challenges such as the pandemic, earthquakes in the country, the introduction of the euro as our new currency, and high inflation, I am extremely satisfied with the performance of Designer Outlet Croatia. It is noteworthy that despite the challenges mentioned above, in the last 3 years we have recorded double-digit growth in all indicators, and by bringing in new brands, we are pushing Designer Outlet Croatia as a premium shopping destination. Considering the good business results, I can proudly announce the additional expansion of Designer Outlet Croatia by another 6,000 sq m and 30 new attractive stores as well as 200 further parking spaces. In addition to the expansion of the outlet center, the construction of the INGKA retail park with a gross lettable area of 12,000 sq m, and 13 new stores is also planned”, comments Nikola Grđan, Centre Manager at Designer Outlet Croatia.
