Interview with Claudio Poltera, Centre Manager at La Torre Outlet Zaragoza

- Read the interview in French or Poland -

It is about to be two years since the first outlet centre in Spain of the ROS portfolio opened its doors to the public. Let’s meet its Centre Manager, Claudio Poltera!

22 October marks two years since the public opening of La Torre Outlet Zaragoza, which took place in the middle of the Covid pandemic. What would you highlight from these first two years and what do you think was the key to the success of the opening?

It’s really incredible that it has already been two years since we opened the doors of La Torre Outlet Zaragoza. But indeed, La Torre Outlet Zaragoza opened on 22 October 2020 and we did so in extremely difficult conditions during the Covid peak and the related heavy commercial and movement restrictions. In addition, consumption in restaurants was not allowed and all the playgrounds had to remain closed.

Nevertheless, the influx of visitors during the first opening days was truly incredible and far above our expectations, which is partially explained by the centre’s location within the city limits of Zaragoza and its open-air architecture as well as our #safeshopping approach with high hygiene and safety measures.

Despite this and further tough moments we are living through, such as the current price rise, the high inflation and the war in Ukraine, the young local centre management team has embraced all challenges with real determination and professionalism as well as with a positive spirit and great motivation. Today we are very happy to manage a new and innovative shopping complex of a total GLA of 61,500 sqm, featuring a premium factory outlet village, big convenience stores, a food court, and a wide differentiated leisure offer.

What makes La Torre Outlet Zaragoza unique compared to other Designer Outlets in Spain?

We are the new fashion and lifestyle shopping destination for northern Spain. Customers visit us not only for shopping, but also for leisure and to spend quality time with their families and friends.

I am also proud to say that in in June this year, La Torre Outlet Zaragoza won the Best Retail Park Award in Spain from the Spanish Association of Shopping Centers AECC. We received this prestigious award for our innovative retail offer mix, our design and architecture as well as for our digital project and commitment to the environment.

Later, in July, we obtained the TripAdvisor’s “Travelers’ Choice Award 2022” thanks to the good comments from our visitors, who value our facilities, the commercial variety and the great F&B and leisure offer as well as the centre’s accessibility, the large parking areas and the charging areas for electric vehicles.

Furthermore, La Torre Outlet Zaragoza is a fully digitilised shopping destination and emulates in a modern way the different aesthetics and types of industrial appearance as a tribute a its location in the former premises of the Pikolin factory, a historic and well-known company from Zaragoza.

Being such a young outlet centre, there must be a lot of plans ahead. Tell us one that you are looking forward to!

Yes, of course. The centre is not yet “mature”. The focus today is to adjust the right brand mix with the addition of new ones as well as to drive conversion and average ticket value thanks to increased visits from wider catchment areas in the north of Spain.

You are originally from Switzerland, but you live in Spain and are surrounded by a completely Spanish team. What do you like most about the Spanish culture? And what do you find most shocking?

Yes, I’m Swiss, but, like all Nordic people, I love the Mediterranean lifestyle, the culture and, most importantly, the sun, the excellent cuisine and the exceptional wine!

The hardest challenge for a Swiss in southern countries is to get used to a “lighter” sense of respect for deadlines – “Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow”. However, I am still amazed by the persistent full and persistent enthusiasm and commitment of all team members.

What is something that most people don't know about you?

I have a fairly long experience in travel retail and outlets of more than 30 years, although I am still a young guy... At my 63 years old.

The big difference between now and when I started working with ROS 11 years ago is my 11 extra kilos due to the tempting fine tapas bars of Zaragoza.

Something that some of our readers may not know is that you have been working on different projects at ROS since its creation in 2011. Can you describe the ROS of today, in 2022?

I remember in 2012, when we opened our first outlets in Soltau and Landquart, we already had plans for growth, but always with the aim of preserving an employee-friendly organisation and a people-driven approach. Today, with 12 centres, we continue to maintain this positive philosophy!