Social
responsibility

In 2022, ROS launched its #bettershopping programme across its European portfolio to raise awareness of, and take responsibility for, the ecological impact of the retail industry.

ROS Designer Outlets inform visitors about their brands' sustainable collections and the services available at the centres, such as e-charging stations. They also ensure transparency by providing detailed information on the photovoltaic systems used and whether the centres are BREEAM certified, as well as other measures to guarantee resource efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.

ROS Designer Outlets are also encouraged to host workshops and events that promote a sustainable lifestyle.

Circular fashion is promoted by providing “drop box” containers for the collection of used clothing across all centres, ensuring its reuse.

ROS Retail Outlet Shopping takes its social responsibilities very seriously, and all of the Designer Outlets in its portfolio support and carry out different charity projects.

An iconic example are the “Shopping for Charity” promotions. In connections with this, Designer Outlet Soltau hosted tombola lot sales by national and international film stars, singers, bloggers and influencers. Donations got towards local and regional charity projects for children and families in need as well as supporting health related reasearch projects.

In 2022, Premier Outlet Budapest organized an initiative for their biggest Christmas programme ‘Love. Hunger.’ in cooperation with the biggest Hungarian charity organisation, Hungarian Interchurch Aid. The premium outlet centre contributed with donations as well as with the help of volunteers and celebrities to provide food to homeless people and other people in need in Budapest.

The same year, Designer Outlet Algarve also held a live orchestra concert charity event at Christmas time.

ROS centres want to ensure the wellbeing of their communities by actively encouraging healthy lifestyle practices through outdoor sports sessions and educational activities.

As an example, the Pink October initiative, launched first at the Designer Outlet Algarve, is also a campaign carried out by La Torre Outlet Zaragoza, Designer Outlet Warszawa, Designer Outlet Gdansk and Designer Outlet Sosnowiec to help spread awareness and prevention of breast cancer. Prevention videos and tutorials, unique campaigns and other special initiatives aiming at supporting the movement take place throughout the month of October at the Designer Outlets in partnership with the official institutions. In 2022, the Polish centres made free mammography services available to the public, which were widely appreciated by visitors.

Designer Outlet Warszawa, Designer Outlet Gdansk and Designer Outlet Sosnowiec have also organised eco events and workshops for families to raise awareness of the importance about environmental protection and a sustainable and healthy lifestyle in general.

It is typical for Designer Outlets to engage with the local community by organising small festivals and games for children, as well as supporting different local initiatives that have a positive impact on the community.

La Torre Outlet Zaragoza has sponsored several editions of Aragon Fashion Week and the Young Aragonese Designers Contest. Sustainability and innovation are typically key themes of each event. To support the local textile and commercial sector, the outlet also collaborated with the Federation of Textile and Clothing Industries of Aragon (FITCA).

Similarly, Designer Outlet Soltau sponsors several local sport clubs such as the MTV Soltau for football, the International Heide Cup for handball and the Basketball team Ebstorf Heide Knights.