The ACROSS founder recommends
Recommendation by Reinhard Winiwarter, Publisher and Managing Director ACROSS Magazine
Since its grand opening on November 26, 2011, the Tirana East Gate (TEG) has revolutionized retail in Albania, quickly establishing itself as a premier shopping and entertainment destination. Located just 4 km east of Tirana, the capital city with approximately 600,000 residents, TEG has become an iconic symbol of contemporary commerce, continually raising the bar for quality and customer experience in the country.
Transforming Retail in Albania
TEG’s success is notable, achieving the highest footfall ever recorded in an Albanian shopping center. Thirteen years post-opening, the mall now attracts an average of 30,000 weekday visitors and more than 45,000 on weekends, making it Albania’s most visited retail destination and one of the busiest malls in the Balkans. With an annual visitor count reaching 10 million—equivalent to 200 visitors per sq m of GLA—TEG stands among Europe’s busiest shopping centers, a status typically associated with industry giants like Westfield.
Serving a catchment area of almost one million people within a 30-40 minute radius, TEG attracts visitors from across Albania, Kosovo, and beyond. Offering over 400 international brands in 150 stores across a GLA of 56,000 sq m, TEG appeals to a diverse range of customer preferences.
Albania at a Glance: Albania’s economic growth continues steadily, with a 3.6% increase in the first quarter of 2024. Tourism is booming, with over 10 million visitors recorded for the first time in 2023. Growth is primarily driven by energy, infrastructure, and tourism, with GDP per capita projected to rise from $8,299.3 in 2023 to $9,598.2 in 2024. Between 2024 and 2029, GDP per capita is expected to grow by 41.1%. Albania’s partnership with the EU is progressing steadily as the country works towards membership – a journey that began with EU candidate status in 2014.
Albania: Gross domestic product (GDP) in current prices from 1980 to 2022 and forecasts to 2029 (in billions of US dollars). Source: IMF/Statista
Introducing the “Western Concept” of Shopping Centers
As the largest and most influential shopping center in the Western Balkans, TEG is a focal point for community engagement and a launchpad for brands looking to establish a presence in the region. Hosting international favorites such as Inditex, H&M, Armani Exchange, Boss, Nike, Adidas, and Tommy Hilfiger, TEG is fully leased and well-established as a premium destination.
A key driver of TEG’s success has been its ability to introduce unique products to the Albanian market, creating a shopping experience previously unavailable in the region. TEG has not only set new standards for Albanian retail but also resonates with the lifestyle aspirations of Albanian consumers, aligning closely with European mall experiences. This achievement is attributed to the forward-thinking vision of BALFIN Group, TEG’s operator and developer.
About BALFIN Group: BALFIN Group is one of the leading investment groups in the Western Balkans, combining international standards with local expertise. Founded in 1993 in Vienna by Samir Mane, BALFIN operates across two continents and 11 countries, including Austria, Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Switzerland, Croatia, the Netherlands, the United States, and Canada. With 5,300 employees and a portfolio of assets valued at €2.4 milliard as of 2024, BALFIN has redefined the retail experience in Albania.
BALFIN has created a lifestyle-oriented shopping destination at TEG, where a carefully curated mix of exclusive brands, services, and customer-centric design sets a new standard. The center’s growth rate, nearing 10% annually, underscores the potential of the Albanian market. With a rising GDP and ongoing EU accession talks, Albania presents an appealing growth market.
Entertainment and Dining
Beyond shopping, TEG offers a range of entertainment options. A state-of-the-art Cineplexx cinema features seven modern screens, while the dining options, spanning 12 units, cater to various tastes. From international chains like Burger King, KFC, and Pizza Hut to traditional Albanian fare, TEG’s food court provides a place to relax and enjoy a meal. Popeyes and Firehouse are among the newest dining additions, marking their first presence in Albania at TEG.
Families and children can explore Tao Tao Entertainment, an expansive indoor playground covering over 3,000 sq m. Designed to entertain different age groups with interactive activities, VR, and games, the playground provides something for everyone, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.
Embracing International Standards
TEG exemplifies Albania’s ambition to integrate European standards into its economy. The mall actively promotes sustainability, with Albania’s first solar panel project at a shopping center and electric vehicle charging stations to enhance visitor convenience and support the transition to greener practices. These efforts align with the EU’s vision of a sustainable future, further elevating TEG and Tirana as modern, eco-conscious destinations that attract both locals and international visitors.
CSR by TEG: As Albania’s largest commercial center, TEG is committed to positive social impact through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in close collaboration with BALFIN Group. The main focus areas include:
–> Education: Modernizing educational infrastructure and empowering academic institutions
–> Poverty Alleviation: Providing essential items to those in need
–> Environmental Initiatives: Reducing carbon footprint and improving the natural environment
–> Health and Well-being: Promoting better living conditions, especially for vulnerable groups
These CSR projects underscore TEG’s and BALFIN’s commitment to contributing positively to Albanian society, setting an example of responsible growth and community support.
CONTACT TEG
Cel: +355 68 80 82 934/ Tel: +355 4 2395000
Email: leasing@acrem.al or info@teg.al
Web: www.teg.al | www.acrem.al
TEG, Shopping mall TEG, National Street Tirane- Elbasan, Farke(Lunder), Tirane, Albania
