Double Digit Growth for Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe

In 2009, the Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe welcomed over 25 million visitors, with year-on-year quarterly growth in tax refunded sales throughout 2009 (Q1 +55%, Q2 +47%, Q3 +54%, Q4 51%) demonstrating resilience through a challenging economic climate and achieving an impressive 52% total growth in tax refunded sales for 2009 compared to 2008.

The Collection of nine Villages allow shoppers to experience famous international and niche European brands at prices reduced by up to 60% every day, all year round, in addition to the tax free savings (up to 15%) available to non-EU residents.

South East Asia, which represents a fast growing market for the Villages, saw a 76% increase in total tax refunded sales in 2009, compared to 2008. The region, which represents 9% of all of Chic Outlet Shopping’s tax refunded sales globally, has continued to prove its importance as a key target for the European outlets.

China is the fastest growing non-EU market (+ 97%), almost doubling the respective 2008 year-on-year increase and maintaining poll position in visiting nationalities. China has also been the largest contributing market by volume representing 24% of all tax refunded sales.

Collectively, in Q4 2009 the Villages recorded an average spend per tax refunded transaction of €281 whilst Brazil ranks as the highest spending market with an average spend of €297 per transaction, an increase of 6% compared to Q4 2008, and SEA contributing an average spend of €243, up 4% on the previous year.

“The outstanding performance of the Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe, created and served by Value Retail, demonstrates that travellers are more than ever looking to buy luxury goods at attractively reduced prices in appealing tax-free shopping destinations,” said Pier Francesco Nervini, VP International Key Accounts, Global Refund.

The Collection of nine Villages hosts over 870 luxury outlet boutiques featuring international and niche European, designer fashion and luxury lifestyle brands such as Armani, Alexander McQueen, Belstaff, Gucci, Givenchy, Celine, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, DKNY, Marni, Moncler, Polo Ralph Lauren, Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Versace, Tod’s, Vivienne Westwood, Roberto Cavalli, Paul Smith, Dior, Joop!, Loro Piana and Valentino to name a few.

 Indeed 20 luxury brands, including Anya Hindmarch, Agent Provocateur, Smythson and Matthew Williamson, have chosen the Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe as the locations for their only outlet boutique worldwide.

In 2010 the Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe will achieve some significant milestones. Founding member of the Collection, Bicester Village, London celebrates 15 years, with Las Rozas Village, Madrid and La Vallée Village, Paris both marking 10 years.

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