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FASHION HOUSE Militari, Bucharest, Romania Livingston Designer Outlet, Livingston, Scotland
about adding space but also about enhancing resilience despite economic uncertainties. To attract new brands, outlet operators are working with irrefutable facts, then it’s all shuns the outdated ‘cookie cutter’ approach on new commercial spaces.
the overall shopping experience. Consumer demand for value-driven shopping are prioritising experiences, driving footfall about the people and relationships. It’s vital to and delivers impressive outcomes, allowing Historically focused on ready-to-wear,
By incorporating more high-profile brands and is on the rise, with research predicting a 30 per and repeat visits, focusing on a mix of food & build collaborative dialogues with the people brands and outlet schemes to flourish and outlets are evolving towards diversification
improving the retail mix, we have strengthened cent growth in outlet sales to €30bn by 2028 beverage options, pop-up activations or local behind the retail brands and work together. thrive in unison. and adaptation of their merchandising: culture,
our position as a premier outlet shopping (Ken Gunn Consulting 2024). Additionally, brand partnerships that extend the centres If the brand is successful in its location then so leisure and food & beverage are becoming
destination in Romania. 70 per cent of consumers plan to buy from appeal beyond shopping. Additionally, we see too is the scheme. It’s in our interest to ensure Renaud Maret, President - Marques Avenue strategic segments to extend visit duration
Additionally, consumer behaviour has outlets or off-price retailers in the next year, more investment in modernising the centres that we get it right, from start to finish. and strengthen attractiveness. The opening
evolved post-pandemic. Shoppers are more regardless of their budget (McKinsey’s State through refurbishments, sustainable design Global Mutual’s strategic approach to Pillars of European retail, outlets are of the 2,500sq m NIKITO leisure park at Quai
discerning and increasingly favour purchases of Fashion 2025). These trends reinforce the and upgraded amenities. Year-round events outlet asset management is powered by its undergoing a profound transformation. des Marques Franconville, a first in France in
that deliver long-term value. This is evident outlets’ role in meeting the needs of price- and community-driven initiatives are helping in-house data team, which sits at the heart of Between strategic acquisitions, diversification, the sector, marks this turning point.
in the sustained demand for fashion staples, conscious yet brand-aware consumers. to create a sense of place that visitors expect the organisation. In-depth knowledge derived hybridisation, digitalisation and sustainability, Another strategic lever of this hybridisation
premium brands and timeless pieces that From a retailer’s perspective, as consumer today; and to engage with younger, experience- through multiple data points and combined with outlets are no longer content to simply is the digital extension and the physical/e-
justify the investment. Outlets provide an ideal confidence fluctuates, brands see consumer driven shoppers, operators are experimenting this team’s scientific methodology provides a follow the market; they are becoming drivers commerce fusion. In 2024, Marques Avenue
setting for these purchases, allowing customers spending uncertainty as a key challenge. with different retail formats and focusing on unique understanding of the catchment and behind change, reconciling accessibility, launched the first integrated marketplace
to shop smartly without sacrificing quality. To mitigate this uncertainty, brands are social media-led marketing strategies. its potential. It’s this execution that assures attractiveness, enriched experience and designed to be carried across a network.
Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about increasingly incorporating outlets into their Additionally, amid growing regulations brands the audience is right for them. sustainable performance. Faced with environmental challenges,
the growth potential of the outlet sector. multi-channel strategies in a way to reach the requiring retailers to minimise their Data-driven decision-making is fuelling retail With 25 centres (13 per cent of the outlets are no longer content to optimise
Even in challenging economic times, shoppers consumer through multiple retail channels. environmental impact and reduce carbon growth. Equipping brands and destinations European market), France ranks among the their economic model; they are becoming
continue to prioritise fashion - just with a more Premium athleisure and lifestyle brands, in emissions, outlets provide a channel to ensure with the statistics they need to spearhead market leaders alongside the United Kingdom, actors in retail’s ecological transition. This
strategic approach. At FASHION HOUSE particular, are leading the way in transforming inventory is sold, maximising economic revenue decision-making is imperative in the current Spain and Italy. The French-made outlet, a involves greater eco-efficiency of centres
Group, we are committed to further enhancing outlets into customer acquisition hubs. Many are and reducing brand waste. market. Successful outlet destinations must model of resilient retail par excellence, shows (energy sobriety, decarbonisation, phasing out
our offering, bringing even more exciting enhancing their outlet presence by upgrading With strong fundamentals, increasing leverage considered research and insights remarkable performances: an average basket fossil fuels, greening...).
brands and experiences to our customers. store designs, integrating digital experiences footfall, growing demand for affordable top to support brands and make a conclusive of €130 and profitability reaching up to €7,000 The sustainable outlet also means promoting
The future of outlet shopping is bright and and offering in-store services such as brands, a compelling value proposition and the case for investment. per square metres. This dynamic is based on a more responsible consumption. Marques
as demand for value-driven retail continues alterations, customisation and product sector’s ability to cater to evolving consumer Whilst data provides the building blocks hybrid positioning, combining attractive prices Avenue is leading the way in Troyes with its
to grow, we are confident that the outlet personalisation. These enhancements elevate expectations, the sector is well-positioned for and proof-points for leasing decisions, it with immersive experiences. “circular outlet” project, dedicated to second-
sector will remain a key player in the fashion the shopping experience, blurring the line sustained growth in 2025 and beyond. can only go so far. Global Mutual believes in Recent financial operations demonstrate hand, repair and upcycling.
industry’s evolution. between outlet and full-price experience to a human approach to asset management, investors’ growing interest in the sector, as Finally, this transformation cannot
meet growing consumer expectations. Retailers Nicky Lovell, Head of Outlets and Business building true partnerships with brands to drive illustrated by Mata Capital’s acquisition of be complete without more ethical and
Fran Gutierrez, Retail Director – NEINVER are increasingly recognising the strategic Development - Global Mutual the right decisions and build the best outlet the Marques Avenue Group and five of its transparent governance. In this regard, B
benefits of this approach: it strengthens destinations together. managed centres. This transaction comes with Corp certification is becoming a guarantee of
The outlet sector continues to outperform brand engagement while optimising inventory When it comes to outlet leasing and brand Championing this personalised approach an ambitious investment plan to modernise high standards in terms of social, societal and
other retail segments, demonstrating strong and profitability. conversations, we start with data to ensure we to the outlet retail sector, Global Mutual and optimise existing sites in light of restrictions environmental impact.
Las Rozas The Style Outlets, Marques Avenue Aubergenville, France
Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain
40 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL APRIL 2025 APRIL 2025 RETAIL & LEISURE INTERNATIONAL 41

