Fall 2008 Cover Story Features

Focus On
Outlet-centre sales are looking good. Based on the numbers that are coming in, the outlet retailing sector is continuing to hold its own while nations’ economies find new traction. For every sector, economic downturns have often had a way of separating the wheat from the chaff. The outlet sector has traditionally been reaping and harvesting during these periods, which seem to cycle around every few years. And so it goes for 2008.

Outlet Centre Sales
Outlet portfolios have posted gains during the first half of this year, including McArthurGlen UK, which operates seven UK outlets, +3; Fashion House Outlet Centers in Poland show huge increases in average weekly footfall and sales densities; total sales at Value Retail Plc’s nine designer villages increased by 20 percent compared to the same period last year.

• Osprey launches an outlet chain
• Neinver acquires Castel Guelfo in Italy
• The race in Bucharest heats up
• McArthurGlen puts an elephant on tour
• New centres, expansions chart

With This In Mind
Andrew Duncan, Head of Marketing & Communications at REALM Ltd., questions the wisdom of increasing footfall if it doesn’t covert into sales.

Global People
Linda Tipping joins MG as chief marketing officer; GVA Grimley’s outlet team grows; Richard Broadhead opens new consultancy; Phil Cottingham joins Quintain.

And more, including...
LaVallee recognized by ULI; Zweibrucken expansion opens; Croatian centre opens; construction starts on Alpenrhein; Galleria expands food offering; openings in Turkey, Chile, Japan and Thailand; Gloucester Quays’ posh adverts.