ROS Retail Outlet Shopping shows strong growth at MAPIC 2021
ROS Retail Outlet Shopping returns to MAPIC 2021 and presents its 11 operating outlet centres, 4 new developments and further centre extensions
Despite the pandemic turmoil, ROS Retail Outlet Shopping records success cases with new openings, extensions and upcoming projects
The European outlets market will benefit from future "Phygital" shopping experience
10th December 2021 – After a one-year hiatus due to the pandemic, MAPIC returned to the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. As a recognised participant, ROS Retail Outlet Shopping attended the renowned retail real estate fair, which took place from 30th November to 2nd December.
ROS Retail Outlet Shopping showcases its portfolio at MAPIC 2021
ROS Retail Outlet Shopping exhibited at this year's MAPIC with a new stand design, introducing the successful formula for open-air shopping destinations and celebrating the company's 10th anniversary.
Despite the pandemic situation, the fair attendance of ROS Retail Outlet Shopping proved to be a great success. The company was pleased to present its entire portfolio of 11 operating outlet centres, 4 new developments and further centre extensions across Europe.
“Although MAPIC had half the visitors in comparison to the pre-pandemic level, it was very meaningful to meet our brand partners in person again. We had really good meetings and gained a lot of inside into the brands' expansion plans, strategic changes in retail direction and collections," says Thomas Reichenauer, Co-founder and Managing Director of ROS Retail Outlet Shopping.
Successful track record during the pandemic
The retail real estate business and European outlet market has been shaken up by pandemic. However, ROS Retail Outlet Shopping has successfully reacted to the challenges, proving that the outlet format is a winning concept.
In October 2020, ROS Retail Outlet Shopping opened its first outlet shopping destination in Spain. La Torre Outlet Zaragoza is also the first hybrid concept in the company’s portfolio, combining a fashion outlet, a food court, convenience retail, leisure and lifestyle with many digital features.
In May 2021, the new west wing extension of Designer Outlet Warszawa was officially inaugurated, growing to almost 23,000 sqm and hosting more than 130 designer, fashion and lifestyle brands, with a unique variety of international premium names.
ROS Retail Outlet Shopping continues its strong growth path, with future plans focusing on the opening of new developments, such as Designer Outlet Hautmont, Designer Outlet Sardegna, Gallery Outlet Murcia and Designer Outlet Kraków, as well as the trading up of existing centres through the acceleration of centre extensions and takeover of existing ones.
A look into the ‘Phygital’ future in the retail real estate
This year’s MAPIC edition showed that the European Outlet market is in upheaval. ‘Phygital’ shopping experiences, but also Big Data and ‘Green’ buildings are the current buzzwords. Meanwhile, the old ones, such as meeting points with a strong gastronomic and leisure offer as well as tourism are parked due to the current restrictions of the pandemic. The retail real estate sector in general has to adapt now to the changes and new trends, accelerated by the new health situation.
Despite the challenges, ROS Retail Outlet Shopping is optimistic. The latest performance results of the centres in its portfolio demonstrate once again the resilience of Designer Outlets and the outlet shopping format. In addition to open-air shopping, consumers reveal a shift in their shopping behaviour. With digitalisation and e-commerce accelerated by the pandemic, retail destinations will have to adopt an omnichannel strategy to further deliver digital services and create customer engagement. At the same time, making retail destinations worth visiting will be key to attract and enable shoppers to enjoy great experiences and accumulate meaningful memories. This includes an optimal mix of good retailers, a good gastronomic offer and leisure activities. This hybrid shopping behaviour favours outlet shopping destinations as they have the potential to provide different experiences and create added value.