European fashion outlet owner sees a successful end to the decade
VIA Outlets, fast-growing European owner-operator of premium outlet shopping destinations, has reported another year of growth in 2019.
Reinforced by the company’s continued remodelling programme and the introduction of new brands, VIA Outlets delivered strong figures including an 8.4 per cent increase in its brand sales and a 6.1 per cent increase in footfall.
The increase in brand sales meant an uplift to €1.16bn in 2019, whilst the footfall increase saw VIA Outlets welcome 32.2 million guests over the year.
Otto Ambagtsheer, chief executive officer, commented on the year’s results: “Our portfolio continues to deliver exceptional results with growth across all fundamental metrics, proving once again that our 3 R’s strategy is working well and continues to deliver fantastic results for our investors. Stepping into the new decade, we are continuously improving the overall experience for our guests and brand partners and remain dedicated to this winning strategy. There is an exciting journey ahead as we look for new ways to further extend the VIA Outlets brand and strengthen VIA Outlets’ position as one of the leading premium outlet owner-operators in Europe.”
Jorge Sánchez Mera, head of leasing, commented: “Remerchandising is a cornerstone of our strategy, allowing us to offer guests an unrivalled mix of international and local, established and up-and-coming brands. We work collaboratively with our brand partners and as a result we are seeing existing brands choosing to expand within the portfolio, while we are also pleased to have welcomed a whole new set of retailers. As interest from retailers continues to increase, it’s becoming overtly clear that outlet centres are now considered an essential channel in any successful brand’s sales strategy. More and more retailers are seeing outlet centres as a good source of revenue – plus there is the added benefit of reaching new customer segments and markets.”
VIA Outlets is a joint venture between APG and Hammerson. It currently owns a portfolio of 11 premium fashion outlets across Europe, offering over 1,100 stores in nine European countries.
