VALUE Retail, developer and operator of the nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe, has announced Q1 2013 results for Middle East which shows an increase in sales by 40 per cent when compared to the same period in 2012. The Middle East traveller is the third largest consumer for the collection of villages by Chic Outlet Shopping, whose average spend for each refunded transaction in Q1 2013, averages at €300 ($399).
Year-on-year Chic Outlet Shopping has experienced growth and increasing visitation measured by tax refunded sales, from its most popular markets across the globe, which include China, Russia and the Middle East. Within the region, the UAE experienced a growth of 58 per cent in Q1 2013 and six per cent average spend in Q1 2013. While Kuwait showed a 55 per cent growth and an average spend rise of two per cent, Qatar experienced a 20 per cent growth in Q1 2013 and a three per cent increase in average spend.
“We have had a very successful first quarter for 2013 and I have no doubt that our popularity in our key markets can be attributed to the ease of accessibility and the wide selection of brands available at the Chic Outlet Shopping Villages. This year, we have collaborated on partnerships with notable brands such as global giant, Hertz Rent a Car and one of India’s largest airlines, Jet Airways, both of which add to the ease of access to the Collection of Chic Outlet Shopping Villages across Europe. These figures reflect the increasing appeal of the Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in the Middle Eastern market, which has been growing consistently year on yea,” said Ian Stazicker, head of tourism, Value Retail.
The Jet Airways and Hertz Rent a Car partnerships are part of a collective of worldwide travel industry companies that have recently collaborated with Chic Outlet Shopping, widely regarded as a “shopping tourism” pioneer, opening up a wealth of benefits and leisure opportunities for discerning travellers. Notably, Las Rozas Village and La Roca Village in Spain and Bicester Village, UK, have all experienced growth exceeding 40 per cent, while Ingolstadt Village, Germany, boasts an incredible 146 per cent increase in visits from the Collection’s core markets.
The Collection’s accessibility has played a key role in the development and increasing popularity of Chic Outlet Shopping Villages. Located in close proximity to popular European cities and airports, the nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages offer an array of special services, enabling the global traveller to enjoy the finest luxury shopping experiences.