Let’s meet Wojciech Pawłowski, Centre Manager at Designer Outlet Kraków

As the highly anticipated opening of Designer Outlet Kraków approaches this spring, we are excited to introduce Wojciech Pawlowski as our new Centre Manager. With a wealth of experience in the omnichannel retail sector across the CEE region, Wojciech has worked with some of the leading retail brands and has an impressive track record in Outlet Property Management. His strong leadership experience, including overseeing European operations at a CEO level, will be invaluable in driving the success of this new venture.

Let’s get to know Wojciech and hear his thoughts on the opportunities and vision for Designer Outlet Kraków.

Welcome to the ROS team! What excites you most about joining Designer Outlet Kraków during this pivotal pre-opening phase?

Happy to be here again. From the very beginning, I’ve believed that Kraków needed a strong Outlet Centre with accessible traveling distance, amazing, unforgettable and inbound customer’s journey together with an exceptional brand line-up. Now all of this is in the making thanks to Designer Outlet Krakow! I guess what excites me the most is being part of this incredible journey from the ground up, shaping the centre and its success together. Let’s make it happen!

With the grand opening just around the corner, what are the key priorities on your to-do list as Centre Manager?

At this stage, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the details while maintaining a broader 360-degree view of the pre-opening and opening process. Being able to blend different management styles and staying open to new ideas and opportunities is key. It’s almost like performing ‘live body surgery’—preventive measures are important, but we also need to make dynamic, out-of-the-box decisions. The strategic perspective on the whole project is essential, but of course, I cannot forget about the amazing team members who are truly the strongest asset in this process.

As for the to-do list, it’s a mix of practical and strategic tasks. From coordinating services and ensuring we have the right partners for day-to-day operations to ordering the furniture that creates an unforgettable customer journey, there’s a lot to handle. We’re also monitoring details like parking space availability using live cameras. Beyond that, it’s about asking the bigger questions: How will customers experience the centre? What added value will we deliver? How do we compete with existing malls?

I’m confident that we’re on the right track to making a strong impact on the retail experience in Kraków, and we’re set to become the first choice for customers.

Designer Outlet Kraków will introduce a fresh shopping experience to the region. How do you envision the centre standing out in the local retail landscape?

At this stage, we can’t overlook the incredible experience created by the new, modern building and its seamless integration with the landscaping. But it’s not just about the aesthetics; delivering on the promise we’ve made to our customers is absolutely critical. On top of that, we aim to make shopping not only accessible but also comfortable.

I truly believe that, through our strong partnerships with brands, we’ll offer something much more than what typical malls provide. We’re focused on delivering value for money while providing an exceptional customer journey. From a retail perspective, I’m a huge fan of adding true value—customers want accessible, comfortable shopping with well-stocked shelves and a diverse, attractive selection of brands. For me, the goal is to create a destination experience that customers will remember, making Designer Outlet Kraków their first choice.

But don’t just take my word for it—come visit us and experience it for yourself!"

If you could describe Designer Outlet Kraków in three words, what would they be?

Destination Place for Everyone. I could also say it's an exceptional customer experience with great offers and value for money, but we want to remain adaptable and personalized to meet the expectations of all visitors. That’s why I truly believe it’s a destination for everyone. 😊

I’m confident that Designer Outlet Kraków will become a must-visit location, not just for the citizens of Kraków but for everyone in the catchment area. The combination of brand mix, offering, and customer experience makes it clear to me that this will be an essential destination in the region.

What’s one thing you’re looking forward to doing once the centre opens—either as part of your role or just for fun?

I might sound like a car salesman from an American movie, but it’s true—I can’t wait to make my first purchase at my favourite shop. After over 20 years in the retail industry, I simply don’t like overpaying as a consumer! 😊

Equally important, I’m looking forward to sitting down with the team, reflecting on the journey, and taking in the amazing creation we’ve built together. It will be a proud moment to see our vision come to life. Of course, I can't forget about shaking hands with our investors, partners and HQ team, thanking them for their incredible support in bringing this project to fruition

If you could invite any famous person for a shopping day at Designer Outlet Kraków, who would it be and why?

This is a tough question for me for many reasons! Therefore, I think I would be doing something for my older daughter and invite Ariana Grande. She is a huge fan of hers, and it would be a great opportunity to combine the shopping experience with a special event at the centre. It would be a memorable moment for both of us!