On September 9, 2021, work has begun onsite at Tbilisi Outlet Village, a 20,000 sq m GLA development just outside the capital of Georgia. As the very first outlet in the region, it is developed by Georgian Outlets & Resort Group (GORG) in close collaboration with TORG International. The opening of Phase 1, consisting of 12,500 sq m and 70 units, is well on track for autumn 2022. Tbilisi Outlet Village, a destination that is projected to create up to 2,000 full- and part-time jobs upon completion, will be a major contribution to the local economy and engaging many local parties well before opening.
It is expected to attract more than 7 million visitors in its first three years alone including a significant number of cross-border travelers from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Russia and Turkey. The outlet’s location is particularly convenient –just 30 minutes south east of the capital and directly on the busy E60 motorway. It benefits from a strong catchment area made up of Tbilisi’s 1.4 million resident population. Financed by the Domus Group with the support of TBC Bank, one of Georgia’s leading banks, it is a strategically important project for Georgia’s national economy,especially in the post-pandemic period.
Guram Tsanava, Founding Partner of GORG, said: “We are proud to be building what will be the very first outlet villagein this region. It is an initiative that we have been working on for 5 years and its implementation would not have been possible without the active support of the Government of Georgia and TORG International, for which we are grateful. Itis also the result of a close collaboration between L35 – one of Europe’s leading architectural firms who designed outlets like La Roca and Las Rozas in Spain – and our local construction team, the Domus Group.”
Boosting tourism, preserving culture
Tbilisi Outlet Village will play an important role in the growth of Georgian tourism offering a world-class shopping experience to international visitors attracted by the culture, history, cuisine or wine, thus extending their stay in Georgia and increasing tourist expenses.
Barbara Horatz, Partner at TORG, added: “The outlet sector has proven to be resilient, both before and coming out of the pandemic. As we have observed over the years – outlets do good in good times and even better in bad times. Tbilisi Outlet Village will not only create a memorable, but also a safe shopping experience with its open-air design and feel-good atmosphere. We are proud to be 50% percent signed at this point, including a host of high-end, international brands. This is confirming the reputation of Tbilisi as the fashion capital of Eastern Europe and one of the top emerging countries.”
Tbilisi Outlet Village will bring together a variety of international and Georgian brands across a total of 110 carefully curated stores, representing 20,000 sq m of GLA, built in 2 phases. The architects, Barcelona-based L35, havedesigned the outlet center as a fusion between tradition and modernity, reinterpreting the city’s historical facades and courtyards whilst bringing in iconic, contemporary shopfronts. A strong gastronomic offer will be of particular focus given the country’s food culture and its 8000-year-old history in winemaking.
