Outlets take off as general retail slows

Retail brands in Europe are increasingly introducing an outlet centre strategy or expanding in the sector as other retail markets are slowing down, according to GVA Outlets.

GVA Outlets, part of UK-based consultancy GVA Grimley, is one of the driving forces behind the launch this week of ORDA, a new organisation representing outlet retailers and developers in the fast-growing sector. The launch of the association takes place at the GVA Outlets Stand (08.28) at the Mapic retail real estate fair in Cannes, France at 11am on 19 November.

GVA Outlets was itself established in 2000 and has grown into a leading, independent pan-European outlet services business that manages, operates and markets outlet centres.

GVA Outlets' leasing team, the firm says, is working hard to keep up with the demand for outlet retail space across Europe as more and more brands expand or introduce an outlet strategy to ensure brand control and maximise sales. David Carver, head of Leasing, GVA Outlets explained: 'At a time when we see the high street and general retail market slowing down, the outlet sector is booming. Due to this, more and more brands are either expanding their outlet offer to cover new and emerging marketplaces or introducing an outlet offer to work effectively while protecting the brand image and controlling the value of their products.'

He continued: 'This is continued proof that during the difficult recession hitting Europe the outlet sector is still healthy and offers brands a very important and profitable route to market.'