Shopping villages at stunning locations in Europe are tempting Middle East visitors with designer buys at bargain prices
EVEN the affluent are not immune to the draw of a bargain and, though the traditional Middle Eastern talent for haggling is not much needed to pick up designer goods at Europe’s nine Chic Outlet Shopping villages, operated by Value Retail, the prospect of designer goods at reductions of up to 60 per cent is proving ever more popular with visitors from the region.
In the first quarter of 2011 tax refunded sales across the villages were up 51 per cent on the same period last year with Middle Eastern shoppers coming fourth in the top ten of visiting nationalities behind China, Russia and Southeast Asia.
And sales to those from the region grew by 46 per cent on last year with an average spend of €312 ($439).
 |
|
The Audi Forum Ingolstadt provides an added attraction |
Kuwait saw the greatest rise in visitor numbers at 37 per cent followed by Saudi Arabia at 18 per cent and the UAE at 16 per cent.
Among the favourite destinations for Arab travellers were Maasmechelen Village, near Brussels, and Ingolstadt Village, near Munich, where visitors from the region numbered among the top three, and Wertheim Village, outside Frankfurt, where Arab visitors were the fourth largest group.
Described as ‘a fashion hub in the true sense’, Maasmechelen Village is just an hour from Brussels, Antwerp and Cologne and also easily reached by Eurostar from Lodon, Paris and Lille.
The village’s elegant setting is designed to reflect the artisan architecture of Limburg with more than 100 luxury designer outlet boutiques offering savings of between 30 and 60 per cent on recommended retail prices.
Prime Belgian brands to look out for include Essentiel, Olivier, Strelli, Scapa/Scapa Sports and Sarah Pacini while trend setting Dutch lingerie designer Marlies Dekkers also has a boutique there alongside international brands such as BCBGMaxazria, Guess, Hugo Boss, Karen Millen and homes specialists Leonardo and Villeroy & Boch.
 |
|
Visitors to Maasmechelen Village may choose to stop off at nearby Chateau Genoels Elderen Riemst |
Visitors to the village can expect to find luxury levels of service from the direct shuttle from Brussels on Saturdays and Sundays, where the journey starts with a complimentary glass of bubbly, to free parking and even dog kennelling on site!
To recharge the batteries after a hard few hours’ shopping, eateries include the Gastronomia Cellini, which offers classic Italian cuisine and is rated one of Belgium’s top ten pizza restaurants by Ambiance magazine, and Brasserie Musette for the traditional Belgian dish of mussels and fries followed by waffles.
For for those prepared to travel a little further, the city of Maastricht is just 25 minutes away and is home to a quartet of Michelin-starred restaurants.
Ingolstadt Village is just 50 minutes from Munich, the Bavarian capital which is known as one of the world’s best places to live.
The immaculately presented outlet reflects the architectural reference points of the textile mills and the region’s late 19th century heritage while evoking a world away from the bustle of the city.
 |
|
Carbon Genk provides a dining option near Maasmechelen Village |
The relaxing surroundings house more than 110 boutiques showcasing a vibrant mix of contemporary and luxury brands from top German names such as Philipp Plein, Schneiders, MCM, Hanro and Birkenstock to covetable international collections from the likes of 7 For All Mankind and Luisa Cerano and top end designers including Versace, Valentino and Roberto Cavalli.
Given its proximity to the Austrian and Swiss borders and the Alps, Ingolstadt Village’s selection of specialist ski and performance wear brands, such as Bogner, Napapijri and Salomon, ensures visitors can hit the slopes in style.
The journey to the outlet could not be easier thanks to the shopping express which runs from Munich and the free shuttle from Ingolstadt’s main train station and the après-shopping is almost as much fun as the shopping with hearty Bavarian cuisine courtesy of Stiftl restaurant or healthy, authentic Thai food at Kaimug.
At Wertheim Village visitors will find prestigious German brands such as Aigner, Baldessarini and Charlotte Ehinger-Schwarz 1876 coming together with internationally renowned names including Belstaff, Escada, Furla, Samsonite and Timberland all in a setting which offers exceptional value, again with discounts of up to 60 per cent, without trading down on style or experience.
The outlet is just 50 minutes from Frankfurt, a city once pigeonholed as a financial hub since it is home to the European Central Bank but also now recognised as an artistic centre and horticultural haven with gardens greening the city centre.
Just a short drive away lies a region of unparalleled charm, of medieval walled towns, imposing castles, flowering meadows and lush vineyards and amidst this scenenery is Wertheim Village at the gateway to the aptly named Romantic Road, an ancient trade route which is now one of the most popular car touring routes in the world.
The outlet takes its inspiration from traditional Franconian architecture and its 110-plus boutiques line an immaculately-kept, open-air boulevard where visitors can take advantage of the services of multi-lingual staff, a personal shopper on request and the option to collect Lufthansa Miles & More making their purchases even better value.
The village’s busy Italian La Piazza restaurant, café and bar serves classic pasta and pizza dishes while Ferry’s Bistro offers hearty Franconian favourites such as the German bratwurst sausage and apfelkuchen apple cake.
And, once again, reaching the village could not be easier with a shopping express running from Frankfurt every day.
Nazar Musa, managing partner of Gulf Reps which represents the brand in the region, said: “The significant level of traffic between the GCC and Germany, especially Munich and Frankfurt, has created the opportunity for the travel trade to package visits to the Chic Outlet Shopping villages located close to these cities. With historical ties between the region and Germany, Ingolstadt Village (near Munich) and Wertheim Village (near Frankfurt) both offer exceptional value on world-leading luxury brands combined with a fun day out experience for visitors from the region.
“Tour operators are now able to pre-package these day out experiences for their clients as part of their European itineraries. Maasmechelen Village in Belgium sits in an area with extremely convenient access from both Brussels and Dusseldorf. With the major regional carriers flying to these cities this village also offers an excellent opportunity for promotion by the travel trade.”