Meet Stéphane Thil, Centre Manager at Designer Outlet Luxembourg
- Read the interview in French or Poland -
In our last interview of the year, we would like to introduce you to Stéphane Thil, Centre Manager at Designer Outlet Luxembourg, the latest premium outlet shopping destination that ROS Retail Outlet Shopping took over.
Designer Outlet Luxembourg is perhaps still a little unknown to some of our readers, as it became part of the ROS portfolio in October this year. What do you think is its best presentation card?
We talk about Designer Outlet Luxembourg, but where are we located? As we say in the region, this is the land of the three borders, in the lower part of the Province of Luxembourg – hence the name – in Wallonia, Belgium. Moreover, it is only 5 km away from France (GRAND-EST region) and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, as well as not far from Germany. It is definitely a strategic location with an important traffic network between Northern and Southern Europe and, by the way, neighbouring the highest GDP/inhabitant in the world.
We have an important density of commercial offer across countries (Luxembourg City Centre with many luxury brands and a large historic shopping centre in the 60-minute catchment area as well as an outlet competitor only 70km away).
We aim to strengthen our positioning as the first premium outlet fashion destination in the area, easily accessible given its location, thus the village offers a selection of famous and attractive international brands, with our brand mix being particularly strong in sports, denim, womenswear and menswear.
We are in the middle of the Christmas season, do you buy Christmas presents in advance or do you wait until the last minute?
I would say both. In fact, for a couple of years now, like most customers, I have changed my habits a bit. Now, I start earlier than 5-10 years ago – Black Friday is a good opportunity. Unfortunately, with not much time, which is a pity for someone who works in the retail sector. I finish shopping only a couple of days before Christmas, and especially hardly ever online!
If you had a time machine, what era would you travel to?
To one not too far away. The 70s would be fantastic, although I was born at the end of the 60s... First of all, I appreciate this period because life was still carefree! Also for the music, I am still a real fan of the musicians of the time (Anglo-Saxon rock bands invented everything during this decade) and for some iconic cars designed during this period of which I am a real lover!
A special personal achievement in 2022?
2022 was not a particular year for me, although I hadn't changed employer these last 15 years!
On a more serious note, I think 2022 was the culmination of many changes that happened to me these last few years: dad of a son in 2019 – after three older ones aged 18, 26 and 28, we bought a house last year and did a lot of construction work – mostly by myself. Also, I have supported my partner when she launched her own business in 2020 during Covid. But success is on our side, this month she expanded her store with an additional floor!
What do you wish from the cooperation with ROS as the new operator of Designer Outlet Luxembourg in 2023?
Due to this recent change of management company, combined with the acquisition of the centre by a new owner, I see many opportunities for success in new projects. Taking a different approach to customers, brands and the market will provide quick results for the centre.
Think global // Act local: ROS has developed over the last 10 years a professional and agile structure that could better respond to our needs as a centre and ensure greater team fulfilment.