GVA Outlets leasing team are working hard to keep up with the demand for outlet space and over the last few weeks have over a dozen new brands signed up to open new stores in Outlet Centres across Europe.

David Carver, Head of Leasing, GVA Outlets, explains why: ‘Due to the current climate more and more brands are looking to expand or introduce an Outlet strategy to ensure brand control and maximise sales. The unique way the Outlet sector works also means that rental and management agreements are far more beneficial and their brand Outlet offer appeals to a growing number of cash strapped, brand aware consumers, looking to spend but demanding quality.’

He continues: ‘This is continued proof that during the difficult recession hitting Europe the Outlet sector is still healthy and offer brands a very important and profitable route to market. Established Outlet brands are seeking new locations and new brands and manufacturers are looking to come into the sector to secure a more profitable route for the disposal of surplus stock or previous season’s merchandise. There are many other manufacturers and brands that could really benefit by looking at the Outlet sector, especially in the current climate.’

As the high street slums take their toll the opening up of new markets and strength of the outlet offer are attracting a lot of serious interest and GVA Outlets have several new brands signed up in the last few weeks including:

· Belgrade Outlet Center - opening next year - Benetton, Replay, Miss Sixty, Bata, Timberland, Ecco Shoes, Energie, Scotch & Soda, Killah, Camper, Extreme Intimo, Piquadro, Tommy Hilfiger and Cesare Paciotti.

· Premier Outlet Centre Ringsted – already open – G-Star Raw and Diesel

· Alpenrhein Village Outlet Shopping – already open – Diesel

· Fashion Arena Prague – already open – Tommy Hilfiger, Le Cruset and Tom Tailor

David adds; ‘These brands are signing up for space ranging between 106sqm and 550 sqm in high quality Outlet centres. As a specialist leasing team with a wealth of understanding of the Outlet sector we need to do a lot more than signing up brands. We need to make sure we get the right brand mix as this is the key to a successful outlet centre. This includes local, European and International designer and high street brands offering a range of sportswear, shoes, men’s; women’s and children’s clothing, home wear, sportswear, underwear and accessories.’

He adds: ‘We have seen a high level of interest from established brands looking to widen their reach as well as local retailers and distributors of key international brands looking to come into the Outlet marketplace and we expect to see many of these negotiations leading to leases being signed in the near future. With more calls coming in from interested parties we are certainly being kept busy.’

As well as the leasing, GVA Outlets are also providing project consultancy and retail operations Management for the project. GVA Outlets is the only independent, pan-European Outlet Services team currently in a position to manage, operate and market Outlet Centre schemes. They are a leading player in the Outlet sector and the largest operator in the CEE with a proven track record of going into new territories. GVA Outlets currently have projects in the UK, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Switzerland and projects in progress in Russia, Germany, Spain, Slovenia, Serbia and Romania.

-END-

For further details please contact Nancy Riach, Head of PR for GVA Outlets on 07984 176303 or nancy.riach@gvagrimley.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

·GVA Outlets set out in 2000 to create the only dedicated, independent, pan-European Outlet services business capable of managing, operating and marketing Outlet Centres. In just 10 years they are the largest and most successful in Europe. For more details go to www.gvagrimley.co.uk/outletservices

·GVA Outlets is part of GVA Grimley Ltd, one of the UK’s leading firms of property consultants operating from 12 offices with 838 fee earners generating a turnover of £149 million. The firm has a combined staff of 1213 providing a full range of property-related services including agency, planning and regeneration, rating, building consultancy, investment, management and valuation consultancy. GVA Grimley also offers specialist advice in areas such as telecoms, education, healthcare, retail, contamination, plant and machinery and the automotive and roadside sectors.

·GVA Grimley is a founding member of GVA Worldwide with a global reach throughout Europe, North America and Australasia, with real estate representatives in 90 offices serving 20.countries. For further information about GVA Grimley please visit www.gvagrimley.co.uk

Nancy Riach, Head of Public Relations, GVA Outlets Mobile: +44 798 4176302 - E-Mail: nancy.riach@gvagrimley.co.uk Web: http://www.gvagrimley.co.uk/outlets - National Number: 08449 02 03 04 - Fax: 0141 204 1986