This past summer, FREY made a significant move by acquiring the new outlet scheme from Rioja Estates, marking the group’s first outlet development. The French FREY Group, a real estate company listed on the Paris stock exchange, is renowned for its expertise as a developer, investor, and manager of sustainable open-air shopping centres in Europe.
To further bolster their new position in the outlet market, FREY also acquired ROS Retail Outlet Shopping, one of Europe’s top outlet operators. This strategic step underlines FREY’s strong entry into this high-performing asset class. ROS, as an inhouse division of FREY, will henceforth be responsible for the management and operation of the Malmö Designer Village.
“Working together with FREY, we are confident that Malmö Designer Village will become a standout destination in the Nordic market. This collaboration brings together our strengths, common vision and commitment to excellence in creating a truly exceptional outlet shopping experience,” says Thomas Reichenauer, Managing Director at ROS Retail Outlet Shopping.
UK outlet developer Rioja Estates, with its expertise in outlet development, has been responsible for Malmö Designer Village from the outset, while TORG International joined the collaboration to enhance the project’s scope and strategy. As Malmö Designer Village continues to develop, Rioja Estates and TORG International will remain key partners, working alongside FREY and ROS.
A new benchmark for Scandinavian shopping
Malmö Designer Village is currently under development and work already began this summer 2024. A first phase covering a GLA of 18,000 sq m with 90 stores will open in 2026, while a second phase spanning 8,000 sqm is set to follow on. Once completed, the project will become the largest outlet in the Nordic market, showcasing over 135 national and international brands including Adidas, Levi’s, Marc O’Polo and Skechers. Visitors will also enjoy a variety of restaurants, bars and cafés nestled in seasonally landscaped gardens, all set within a high-quality environment specially designed to provide an inspiring consumer experience.
With its design reflecting Scandinavian culture and local architecture, Malmö Designer Village is on track to set a benchmark for European outlet destinations. The project aims to celebrate local heritage while offering visitors a curated selection of premium international brands and leisure, unparalleled in the whole of the Scandinavian region.
Malmö Designer Village will feature a prime location with excellent connectivity, catering to a broad audience of affluent Swedish residents as well as Danish and international visitors. Strategically placed at the core of Scandinavia’s largest catchment area, the designer village spans Greater Copenhagen and southern Sweden, with 4 million inhabitants within 90 minutes and 26 million tourists annually.
“Malmö Designer Village is set to redefine shopping in Scandinavia. Its excellent location combined with a varied offering will make it a shopping destination unlike any other in the region, appealing to both local and international visitors. These factors ensure the project’s potential for lasting success,” adds Thomas Reichenauer.
