VIA Outlets saw its best year ever in 2022. The company grew by 3% compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels, surpassing 1.2 billion euros in total brand sales across more than 1,100 stores in 11 destinations in 9 European countries, with an increased visitor expenditure of 27% compared to 2019. VIA Outlets has achieved this performance through active management in the remodeling, remerchandising, and remarketing (the ‘3Rs’) of its outlet centers and its projects continued growth. To top it all off, in November 2022, Landquart Fashion Outlet in Switzerland won the “Best Performing Outlet Center” category at the MAPIC Awards, reflecting the center’s consistently strong performance during the year.
Growing sustainably continues to be a priority for the company with VIA Outlets promoting ESG standards through their Beyond Sustainable strategy that is being implemented in all facets of the business. VIA Outlets’ efforts were recognized for the third consecutive year, with a 5-star rating in the GRESB Benchmark 2022, ISO 14.001 environmental management certification, and BREAAM recertification across all its centers. This commendable year is also reflected in Fitch Ratings, with a very strong BBB+ credit rating.
VIA Outlets CEO, Otto Ambagtsheer, reflects on a milestone year for VIA Outlets: “I’m very pleased to see that 2022 has shown a robust recovery in performance. Brand sales have returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 2022 surpassing 2019 brand sales by 3%. As European tourism continues to slowly grow back to previous highs, we are hopeful that this will further bolster our centers’ already strong performance. During 2022, a huge variety of premium brands joined our centers—with over 300 remerchandising deals—firmly cementing VIA Outlets’ status as one of the sector leaders and a resilient performer. Coupled with our focus on sustainability across all facets of the VIA Outlets portfolio in 2023, our value proposition is more attractive than ever.”
Remodeling works to enhance the shopping experience
2022 also saw important remodeling works for destinations in the VIA Outlets portfolio. At Sevilla Fashion Outlet, Spain, an additional 3,800 sq m GLA will be added, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2023. Oslo Fashion Outlet, Norway, also celebrated in November with the inauguration of a new car park, adding a total of over 1,000 convenient parking spaces for visitors. Plans have also been finalized for the 4,707 sq m expansion of Landquart Fashion Outlet, Switzerland, with a scheduled opening date in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Strengthened premium brand offer
During 2022, VIA Outlets completed over 300 remerchandising deals and brought a raft of new international brands to the portfolio. Some of the highlights included American Vintage, Sandro, and Maje at Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet and Longchamp at Freeport Lisboa Fashion Outlet. Other additions to the portfolio included new local favorites such as Lola Casademunt at Mallorca Fashion Outlet, as well as Corneliani and Vaude at Landquart Fashion Outlet. A total of 28 new deals increased the area leased to top international brands by over 2,522 sq m (+4%), including Lacoste (+29%), Jack & Jones (12.7%), Guess (+ 9.7%), Gant (+8.5%), and Tommy Hilfiger (+7.3%) expanding their footprint. Remerchandising and attracting new and enticing brands are central to VIA Outlets’ “3Rs” strategy of growth: a successful formula that has enabled it to continue to strengthen its premium fashion outlet offering across Europe.
