Spring 2008 Cover Story Features

Focus on the World Economy
With so much being attention being paid to the global economy, it’s little wonder that one weary retailer threw up his hands and told a reporter, “It’s the media that’s talking us into a problem.” Sometimes blaming the messenger is appropriate, but when the topic concerns profitability, most people are more than willing to chime in with their disparate opinions on what’s causing the supposed recession and what needs to be done to conquer it.

Outlet Optimism and the Economy
IOJ talked to seven European outlet industry executives about their views on the coming year and what strategies their companies had for dealing with a possible economic downturn. Their comments ranged from “outlets are perfect” to “stay sharp all the time,” with thoughts on the conventional wisdom that outlets do well when the economy doesn’t.

Features

• OCI opens Designer Outlets Wolfsburg
• Expansion started at Springfields
• McArthurGlen schemes earn energy recognition
• Bicester’s success secret: details, details, details
• BVS breaks ground in Landquart
• New owners in Messancy
• Survey of Polish shoppers
• Chinese outlet centre wins Maxi Award
• Dress-Smart Hornby expanding

With This In Mind
This issue’s topic: Outlet competition has a familiar ring, by Chris Green, Marketing Director, McArthurGlen

Global People
New duties or new companies for Luigi Battuello, Ken Gunn, Mark Burlton, Christine Finlay and Angus Fyfe.

And more, including...
News about the battling centres in Northern Ireland; an expansion at Freeport Hornsea; Gloucester Quays stays the course; the race to open in Bulgaria, Parc du Cubzac’s new joint-venture partner; yearend report on Fashion House centres in Poland; Turkey’s love of outlet shopping; India ramping up development; the question of Hobart and the transformation in Brisbane.


The 2008 European Outlet Conference will be in London 13-14 October at the Landmark Hotel - more details coming soon!