The Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages Achieve Double Digit Growth and Launch A New Commissionable Product Developed for the Travel Industry

LONDON, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Value Retail's Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages have recorded an impressive 58% increase in tax refunded sales, achieved in Q1 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, and an 11% increase in growth versus Q4 2009.

China continues to be the fastest growing non-EU market (+ 70% v Q1 2009) but also one of the most important markets; China, Russia, the Middle East, and SE Asia together account for over 58% of all tax refunded sales. The growth in tax refunded sales across all Villages was higher than their respective city benchmarks (as defined by Global Blue) with each Village achieving an individual growth of over 20%. Collectively, the Villages recorded an average spend per tax refunded transaction of euro 293 with the USA ranking as the highest spending market. USA shoppers spent an average of euro 322 per transaction, an increase of 6% compared to Q4 2009.

In a time where luxury is defined through consumer experience, Chic Outlet Shopping® continues to define standards in shopping tourism, with the aim of building long term, multilayered partnerships with the travel industry (Tour Operators, Travel Agents, MICE Operators, National Tourism Boards and airlines) to help support their business. As a Collection, the Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages represent a unique "shopping tourism" product, combining cross-promotion opportunities, added value for partners and their clients, marketing support actions and exposure through B2C marketing activities, and fam trips for travel industry professionals.

In addition to the tax free savings (up to 15%) available to non-EU residents. the Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages stand apart from any other European outlet experience in that they enable shoppers to experience famous international and niche European brands at prices reduced by up to 60% every day, all year round. As the Global Blue results show, it is a model that is clearly working for international travellers. Pier Francesco Nervini, VP International Key Accounts, Global Blue, commented "The Chic Outlet Shopping^® Villages continue to be a firm favorite for international travellers in Europe and 2010 has already proved to be a positive start in a challenging global environment."   

In addition, Chic Outlet Shopping® is delighted to announce the launch of the first commissionable product for the travel industry, a luxury return coach service from the nearby city centre to the Village.  The luxury Shopping Express shuttle service will operate in partnership with some of the leading excursion/coach operators across Europe including Cityrama (Paris), Madrid Shopping Tour (Madrid), and JJ Kavanagh (Dublin).  Tickets can be booked online. Approved travel industry partners have the opportunity to benefit from net rates (up to 25% off with the exception of La Vallee Village which is capped at 10%) on ticket sales. The online booking platform is available in 11 languages (English, French, Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Flemish, German, Japanese, Russian, Arabic and Simplified Chinese). Bookings can be made up to 48 hours prior to departure with the flexibility to amend or cancel a booking up to 48 hours prior to departure. The new service, a symbol of Chic Outlet Shopping®'s commitment to evolving service, provides key partners with the ideal add-on to European travel itineraries for group and FIT travellers.

Located in regions recognised as important tourist destinations, multilingual personal shoppers, seasonal valet parking, dedicated Tourism Information centres, a wide choice of regional cafes and restaurants and secure children's play areas are just some of the features that make up the five star standards of service on offer at the Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages. The Collection hosts over 870 luxury outlet boutiques featuring international and niche European, designer fashion and luxury lifestyle brands such as Armani, Alexander McQueen, Belstaff, Gucci, Givenchy, Celine, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, DKNY, Marni, Moncler, Polo Ralph Lauren, Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Versace, Tod's, Vivienne Westwood, Roberto Cavalli, Paul Smith, Dior, Joop!, Loro Piana and Valentino.

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For further information please contact [email protected]

www.ChicOutletShopping.com  

Editors Notes:

Click here to see Value Retail "Behind the Scenes"

The Shopping Express service:

The Chic Outlet Shopping^® Villages:

The Chic Outlet Shopping^® Villages is a registered trademark of Value Retail PLC

SOURCE Value Retail PLC