BoF: Outlets have become an incredibly important part of the fashion industry. But in some quarters of the business, they are still frowned upon. Why do you think fashion and luxury brands should consider designer outlets as a channel?
JC: When you walk into a McArthurGlen designer outlet, you are walking into a luxury retail environment. It is a distribution channel where brands can do what they do best while managing surplus stock, in an environment where their brand is presented to the same high standard as in their own full-price stores. When you walk into the Prada store in our Venice centre, you will see the store design is almost identical to their city centre stores. We often describe what we do as a full- price retail experience at outlet prices. The only thing ‘outlet’ about your day out is when you pay at the till.
BoF: How important can the outlet channel be for a luxury fashion business?
JC: I think it plays an enormous role for them. They are able to reach a different customer who may be accessing their brand for the first time. When that customer walks into Bottega Veneta, Gucci or Burberry, they have a genuinely authentic experience of that brand. They may only buy a great pair of sunglasses but they leave the centre thoroughly excited by the fact that they have bought into the brand. The next time those customers visit they buy more. It is an incredible gateway for the aspirational shopper.
A great number of our customers are, of course, those who are already great lovers of the brands we have available and shop those very brands in full price stores as well as at the outlet, everyone loves to save money when they can.
Growing up in the United States, outlets were basically a way of life. I grew up in Pennsylvania and my girlfriends and I would drive two hours to find a Coach bag or an Armani coat. It was all about the thrill of the experience, it's exciting. I believe that kind of excitement still happens day in and day out in our centres. What distinguishes McArthurGlen is that our customers are getting the full experience: they discover beautiful architecture, year round entertainment, great places to eat and drink, excellent customer service, and the brands they love from A-Z.
BoF: How important is the concept of ‘discounted pricing’ in your business?
JC: Customers demand value more than ever – don’t get me wrong, everyone loves to save money but they want to feel great too. Whether you are spending €100 or €1,000, if that’s a sizeable portion of your disposable income, you will put the same amount of thought and consideration into how you spend it.
We provide every customer with a five-star experience, whether they have driven for an hour or hopped on a plane from China for a holiday. They understand fashion and they know that a €13,000 beautiful handbag down to €2,000, is a steal.
BoF: McArthurGlen has American roots and pioneered this concept of outlet shopping in Europe. How has your approach in Europe developed since you opened Cheshire Oaks in 1995?
JC: The outlet experience has been completely transformed. When our Chairman, Joey Kaempfer, brought the concept over to Europe, he built upon an existing model and tailored it to the needs of an ever more sophisticated consumer.
For example, American style ‘food courts’ were replaced with a range of cafes and restaurants dotted around the centre. Another thing we did was commission works of art and sculpture to bring a sense of theatre to the experience. The collection of brands has also evolved. Luxury names are sitting alongside premium high street brands. When the outlet business first started in the United States, it was more of the mainstream brands as opposed to the luxury brands that McArthurGlen offers now. All of this has contributed to the rapid growth of our business; we now have 20 centres across Europe and more retail space than anyone else in our field.
BoF: Is McArthurGlen a real estate business or a retail business?
JC: It’s a brand-led business. Of course, part of it is real estate, but barring a few, everybody that works in our business is a retailer and passionate about it.
We build partnerships with the brands. Many have entrusted us with their first or only outlet.
We make it easy for our brand partners to expand with us across many different countries. We do our homework when we are going into a new market. We make sure we have an in-depth understanding of the consumer dynamics. We maximise any opportunity for tourism. We carefully curate the brand mix. We work collaboratively on store-fit design, visual merchandising, stock levels and pricing to create a seamless and successful operation for our brand partners.
When we sit down and talk to a new brand, we have our marketing, retail and leasing team talk to them about what we do. For those who don’t already have an outlet business, we walk them through the process and explain to them how it works, from helping them get he necessary permits in order to open in that particular location to helping them set out their logistics channels.
It’s a kind of ‘soup to nuts’ thing. We help them recruit staff, we talk to them about their stock and the various KPIs that they should use. We also set a standard of how much sales they should be able to generate, comparing them to other ‘like’ brands throughout our portfolio.
BoF: How much of your business is driven by luxury tourists versus local customers?
JC: Tourism is certainly a big growth area for us, and we are making major investments to drive this. We have agents in Russia, China, Korea and Brazil, and work with tour operators in all of those countries to make sure that if you live in Russia and you are going to Venice, even before you leave home, our Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet is on your itinerary.
This investment builds upon the established success our centres have within their local catchment. We have always planned carefully to ensure that our centres excite and engage those customers who live nearby as well as those who are travelling from further afield.
BoF: What are your plans as you think about expanding the McArthurGlen business?
JC: Our 21st centre is opening in Vancouver, Canada, in early 2015. We are planning to open Ghent in Belgium, Provence in France, Remscheid in Germany. We have expansions either in progress or planned for our outlets in Venice, Neumunster (outside Hamburg), Parndorf near Vienna, and in Ashford and Swindon in the United Kingdom. We are also looking to expand in Turkey. However, our main concentration for now is Western Europe.
BoF: What kind of person does it take to be successful at McArthurGlen?
JC: It is a young and vibrant culture. McArthurGlen employees are very agile, they are very dynamic, able to turn on a dime. You can go from talking to an investor, to a partner, to a brand, to speaking directly to a consumer. We are now part of every fashion-conscious shopper’s repertoire. For me, what is completely captivating about McArthurGlen’s culture is the entrepreneurial spirit of our people.
BoF: What skills are particularly in demand right now, as McArthurGlen continues to grow? What kind of people are you looking to hire?
JC: We are looking for exceptional talent across the board. Our people have their roots in some of the world’s leading fashion brands and retailers. We always need people who speak the language of fashion: we need retail specialists, marketing experts, leasing professionals. It’s an exciting time for us.
This post is sponsored by McArthurGlen Group.To explore career opportunities at this company, please visit theMcArthurGlen Group company pageon BoF Careers, the global marketplace for fashion talent.
FAQs
Where are the McArthurGlen outlets? ›
- Parndorf, Vienna. Salzburg.
- Vancouver.
- Paris-Giverny, Paris. Provence, Marseille. Roubaix, Lille. ...
- Berlin. Neumünster, Hamburg. Ochtrup, Münster.
- Barberino, Florence. Castel Romano, Rome. La Reggia, Naples. ...
- Roermond, Düsseldorf. Roosendaal, Rotterdam.
- Spain. Málaga.
- Ashford, London. Bridgend, Cardiff.
The report recognised McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Roermond as the most beautiful centre in Europe “by a large margin”. The centre was chosen not only for the best economic returns, but was voted as one of the most architecturally beautiful centres in Europe as well as the best centre for designer brands.
How many McArthurGlen outlets are there? ›Discover 25 McArthurGlen destinations full of possibilities
Experience the ultimate day out at one of our 25 centres, and shop designer fashion for up to 70% less from your favourite brands, from mainstream to luxury.
In 2013, McArthurGlen became a joint venture between the Kaempfer Partners and Simon Property Group Co. (NYSE SPG), a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations.
What is the biggest premium outlet in the world? ›Woodbury Common Premium Outlets NY area, New York
Woodbury has the largest collection of designer outlets in the world. Among the 220 outlets stores you will find bargains in Armani, Burberry, Gucci and Prada.
Most outlet stores sell mostly — or entirely — made-for-outlet wares. Many brands sell cheaper, imitation versions of their own products under the pretense of offering steep discounts on main store items.
Is Woodbury outlet worth it? ›Woodbury Common Premium Outlets is listed as a top shopping destination in New York. A quick hour away from Manhattan, you can find more than 220 of the most sought after high-end fashion and designer retail brands at 25% to 65% off everyday prices!
Why are outlet malls so much cheaper? ›While outlet stores used to sell overstock or past-season items at discount prices, today's outlets instead mostly sell products made or bought specifically for the outlet—with the designers and vendors creating familiar-looking items at a lower cost and quality.
Which outlet is better in Vegas North or South? ›Both the north end and south end outlets feature some of the same brands, but they are not identical. The Las Vegas South Premium Outlets features more casual brands and some stores that can't be found in the north location.
Which is the biggest McArthurGlen? ›McArthurGlen's Swindon Designer Outlet is housed in the beautifully renovated Grade II listed buildings of the Great Western Railway Works and is one of the largest covered designer outlets in Europe.
What is the biggest outlet company? ›
The Mills Corp. supplants Horizon Group at the top spot. Recent statistics from the International Council of Shopping Centers and the Outlet Retail Merchants' Association pegs the outlet industry in the United States at 311 outlet centers, or 56.4 million sq.
What is the biggest designer outlet in Europe? ›Serravalle Designer Outlet | the biggest Designer Outlet in Europe.
Who are the competitors of McArthurGlen? ›| Competitor Name | Revenue | Number of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| #1 DOMU Brands | $21.1M | 74 |
| #2 Gymshark | $475.6M | 1163 |
| #3 Oh Polly | $68.7M | 218 |
| #4 Browns Fashion | $103M | 288 |
McArthurGlen originated as a private company in North America, part of the Vancouver based McLean Group. It opened and ran factory outlet shopping centres. Following a $180 million share issue in 1993 it became McArthur/Glen Group.
What are the financial results of McArthurGlen? ›Driving sales as well as growth rates
In the five years from 2015 up to Covid-19, McArthurGlen's group sales grew at an annual rate of nearly 10% to exceed $5.4 billion (€4.5 billion) annually.
Number of Grocery Outlet stores in the United States in 2023
The state with the most number of Grocery Outlet locations in the US is California, with 262 stores, which is about 58% of all Grocery Outlet stores in the US.
The King of Prussia Mall outside of Philadelphia is the largest on the East Coast with 3 million square feet of shopping fun. The space is so large, 5 of the Great Pyramids would fit in its footprint; thank goodness for shopaholics, this space is filled with 400 shops. We may make 💰 from these links.
Why is Coach outlet cheaper? ›About 90% of what you'll find at Coach Factory Outlets are made-for-outlet bags, which means lower quality but a lower price. Expect made-for-outlet bags and accessories to be 30 – 50% cheaper than the real thing.
Are outlet stores worse quality? ›"Outlet stores are great, but you have to know what you are doing before you go in," she said. "It's made just a little bit cheaper, and a little bit like a knockoff would be made." Wheeler says the merchandise is not always of inferior quality, but it may have fewer buttons, less stitching, and thinner fabric.
Is the Coach outlet real? ›Authentic Coach products are sold by Coach retail and outlet stores and online at www.coach.com, www.coachoutlet.com or at authorized department stores and specialty stores. To find a store near you, visit www.coach.com/stores.
What is the best shopping street in New York? ›
New York's Fifth Avenue is the city's most famous shopping street, and probably the most famous shopping street in the world. Here, you can find flagship stores for nearly every high-end designer—Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Armani, Fendi, and more.
Are outlets supposed to be cheaper? ›Outlet malls are cheaper than traditional retail stores because they sell merchandise that may be overstocked, discontinued, or slightly defective. This merchandise is often sold at a discount to make room for new items, which is why outlet stores can offer lower prices than regular stores.
How much does it cost to get to Woodbury Common from NYC? ›| Time | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Train | 1 hour, 30 minutes | from $24 (plus cab) |
| Bus | 1 hour | from $37 |
| Car | 1 hour | 50 miles (80 kilometers) |
- Price Check. Even though you're in a physical store, get out your phone and do some price checks on items to see if they're actually the best deal.
- Make a Shopping Plan. Don't hit store after store aimlessly looking for a deal—any deal. ...
- Set a Spending Limit (aka Budget)
Difference between outlet and regular stores
A majority of the products sold by clothing and accessory manufacturers at outlet stores are specifically manufactured for outlets using lower-quality materials and manufacturing processes than their higher-priced products sold in regular stores.
But when shopping for Tumi luggage, many shoppers are wondering if the products found in Tumi outlets are of the same quality as those found in full-price stores. The answer is yes, Tumi outlets offer the same quality as full-price stores.
Which outlet in Vegas is cheaper? ›Las Vegas North Premium Outlets
Downtown has a reputation for being the more affordable side of Las Vegas, so it only makes sense that one of the city's best outlet malls is located there. Featuring 175 stores, Las Vegas North Premium Outlets is home to many popular retailers--stores like Calvin Klein, DKNY and Adidas.
North location is more upscale, has 150 stores and is an outdoor mall. South location has 140 more affordable stores, and is an indoor mall.
What is the outlet between California and Las Vegas? ›Outlets at Barstow is a popular stop for travelers between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. There are now over 30 stores at this discount shopping center previously named Tanger Outlet Mall. There is also a small onsite food court and several nearby fast-food restaurants, including In-N-Out Burger.
Is parking free at McArthurGlen? ›Our car parks are free for guests staying up to 30 minutes, blue badge holders, and everyone after 5 pm.
Who is the owner of designer outlet? ›
McArthurGlen Group, Europe's leading owner, developer and manager of designer outlets, was founded in Europe by the Kaempfer Partners in 1993. The pioneer of designer outlet retailing in Europe, McArthurGlen has since developed 685,000 sq m of retail space.
What is McArthurGlen Club? ›Our new McArthurGlen Club allows you to earn points as you shop and get up to 25% off your next purchase!
What is the largest indoor outlet mall in the US? ›Sawgrass Mills
Sawgrass Mills mall opened to the public in October 1990. At 2,327,642 square feet, it is the largest single-story outlet mall in the US.
| # | Mall name | Retail space Sq. feet/(m2) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mall of America | 5,600,000 square feet (520,000 m2) |
| 2 | American Dream | 3,000,000 square feet (280,000 m2) |
| 3 | Aventura Mall | 2,800,000 square feet (260,000 m2) |
| 4 | South Coast Plaza | 2,800,000 square feet (260,000 m2) |
- Direct Sales Methods. ...
- Big-Box Stores. ...
- Trade Shows. ...
- Local Shops. ...
- Web-based Markets. ...
- TV Shopping Channels.
Are Designer Bags Cheaper in Europe? The shortest answer to this question is a definite yes. Luxury brands (especially French and Italian brands) offer cheaper pricing in Europe than in the United States. That said, American and British brands aren't usually cheaper in Europe.
What is the biggest luxury outlet in France? ›La Vallée Village is a shopping outlet that comprises of over 110 stores, including plenty of designer French brands. The village was opened in October 2000 and has since become the most successful outlet mall in France.
What is the biggest shopping outlet in England? ›Cheshire Oaks was the first and remains the UK's largest Designer Outlet. With a quarter-million square feet of retail space, comprising of more than 145 boutiques, restaurants and cafés, Cheshire Oaks isn't merely the UK's largest Designer Outlet.
When did McArthurGlen open in York? › Can you park overnight at York Designer Outlet? ›The car park is managed by York Designer Outlet. Overnight parking is not permitted.
Is parking free at York Designer Outlet? ›
On-site parking is free. Family and disabled parking bays are located in the Grey (West Entrance) and Burgundy and Navy (South Entrance) zone car parks. When travelling in larger vehicles (e.g. motorhome, minibus, coach) please contact guest services prior to your visit for advice on the best area to park.
What is the results of Max Financials? ›- 16.05.2023. Neutral MAX Financial Services; target of Rs 750: Motilal Oswal.
- 16.05.2023. Buy Max Financial Services; target of Rs 950: Sharekhan.
- 15.05.2023. Max Financial Standalone March 2023 Net Sales at Rs 10.46 crore, down 28.65% Y-o-Y.
- 15.05.2023.
- Adidas. +441773 545 135. B.
- BOSS. +441773 864 890. C.
- Crew Clothing. +441773 811883. D.
- Denby. +441773 545 360. E.
- Ernest Jones. +441773 861785. F.
- Fossil. 01773 477041. H.
- Haribo. I.
- ICC. J.
Brief Description: With 220 stores, the world's largest collection of designer outlets.
Why is it called McArthur Glen? ›McArthurGlen originated as a private company in North America, part of the Vancouver based McLean Group. It opened and ran factory outlet shopping centres. Following a $180 million share issue in 1993 it became McArthur/Glen Group.
What is the largest premium outlet in Europe? ›Serravalle Designer Outlet | the biggest Designer Outlet in Europe.
Who owns Springfields outlet? ›Springfields Outlet in Spalding, which is owned by the Triton Property Fund LP managed by UBS Asset Management, has finalised plans to bring up to 15 new stores and three café and restaurant units on site. 236 additional parking spaces and more electric vehicle chargers are also planned.
Is there a suitcase shop in McArthur Glen? ›The Baggage World stocks a wide range of luggage and accessories to cover everyone's needs from backpacks to school bags, wallets, purses, handbags, suitcases and wheelie bags.
What does outlet mean in retail? ›You might assume that you are buying the same name-brand products without the big price tag, but this usually is not true. That's right: modern-day outlet stores primarily sell different, lower-quality products than the regular retail stores, made specifically for the outlet to be sold at lower prices.
Which is better Woodbury Common or Jersey Gardens? ›We went to both places and i would give the following advice if you are only in new york for short stay and want to decide between the two. If you are shopping for children Jersey Gardens is so much better choice wise and prize wise. Overall the bargains are better in Jersey Gardens.
Why is Woodbury Commons so popular? ›
Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, located an hour north of New York City, is the world's most iconic outlet shopping destination featuring over 250 of the most sought after luxury and designer brands at savings of up to 65%, including Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Saks OFF 5th, Victoria's Secret, and Michael Kors ...
Is parking free at York outlet? ›York Designer Outlet is conveniently located for easy access from York, Leeds and Leeds Bradford Airport. Drive from York in 15 minutes, Leeds in 40 minutes and Leeds Bradford Airport in 45 minutes. To find us using Sat Nav, enter St Nicholas Avenue / YO19 4TA. On-site parking is free.