Designer Outlet Croatia Expansion & JOY Rugvica to Become the Region's Largest Commercial Zone
Zagreb, 21 February 2025
Designer Outlet Croatia begins expansion with 6,000 sqm and 30 new stores, while at the same time JOY Rugvica, a modern 10,000 sqm retail complex, takes shape—reinforcing its position as a flagship shopping destination in Croatia and cross-border markets.
Construction is officially underway for the centre extension of Designer Outlet Croatia, enhancing its retail offering and shopping experience with a BREEAM-certified sustainably designed architecture inspired by the traditional Istrian style. In parallel, JOY Rugvica—a joint project by INGKA Centres and ROS Retail Outlet Shopping—will introduce 10 mega stores and 28,000 sqm of green space. Already attracting over 3.6 million visitors annually, the location continues to evolve, with recent additions such as a Shell gas station and Croatia’s first Burger King drive-through further solidifying its growth trajectory. Both projects are expected to be completed in December 2025, marking a major breakthrough in the region’s retail landscape.
Thanks to its modern concept and customer benefits, the new retail park will strengthen synergies with Designer Outlet Croatia and neighboring IKEA Zagreb, creating the largest commercial zone in Croatia and a unique and convenient one-stop shopping destination.
“The expansion is a key milestone in our strategy to strengthen Designer Outlet Croatia’s position as the leading cross-border premium outlet destination. By introducing an even broader selection of premium brands, we are not only enhancing the shopping experience but also boosting our appeal to visitors from neighbouring countries like Bosnia, Slovenia and Hungary,” said Nikola Grđan, Centre Manager at Designer Outlet Croatia.
"This development underscores our commitment to sustained growth and delivering greater value to shoppers and the local community, including the creation of more than 200 new jobs," added Thomas Reichenauer, Co-Founder and Managing Director at ROS Retail Outlet Shopping.
Designer Outlet Croatia, upcoming centre extension, aerial view
Since its opening in 2018, Designer Outlet Croatia has become the largest and most visited premium outlet destination at the crossroads of Southeast Europe. With more than 100 renowned fashion and lifestyle brands – including Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker and Patrizia Pepe – offering year-round discounts of 30% to 70%, the centre has experienced remarkable growth in recent years with significant increases in both turnover and traffic.
"The synergy between Designer Outlet Croatia, JOY Retail Park Rugvica and IKEA Zagreb will create a truly unique retail destination, where visitors will be able to find everything – from fashion and lifestyle to home furnishings and convenience shopping. This expansion goes beyond retail – it is about establishing the largest commercial zone in Croatia," concluded Branko Mihajlov, SEE Project Development Manager at INGKA Centres.