McArthurGlen opens Designer Outlet Athens
Published: 06 June, 2011
The Groups’ sixth European opening in the last three years, the €100m investment in Designer Outlet Athens is proof of the growth and resilience of the outlet market.
Despite being rocked by severe economic instability, Greek consumers are designer-literate with a strong brand culture, which serves to fuel demand for the offering of designer and luxury brands with discounts of up to 70 per cent.
The 21,000 sq m, 110 brand centre, located close to Athens international airport, will tap into the robust Greek consumer demand for designer brands and cash in on the six million tourists who pass through Athens each year.
Split over two levels, the scheme will play host to top international brands such as Alberta Ferretti, Guess, Just Cavalli, Moschino, Nine West and Versace. In addition, the centre houses beauty, homeware and travel accessory brands, as well as ten cafes and restaurants.
Gary Bond, CEO of development at McArthurGlen Group, said: ““We are very proud to be introducing a new style of shopping to Greece. It’s about offering consumers their favourite brands with great savings of 35-70 per cent, all year round, in a unique and fun shopping environment. As we have experienced at all our destinations in the seven countries where we already operate, our centres not only provide direct employment – with 1,000 new jobs in the case of Athens - but also help to invigorate the local area as a tourist destination.”
As part of the Group’s philosophy brands work in close partnership with the McArthurGlen Retail Academy on all aspects of retailing, from staff sourcing and training, to stock, pricing, merchandising, store design, and, in particular, customer service.
Use the following link to watch a YouTube video on the opening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSFD80iLEcU&feature=youtu.be
