Within the past few years outlet centers, retail stores where manufacturers sell their products directly to the public through their own branded stores, have begun to spread rapidly throughout Turkey. Outlet centers, which provide an opportunity for middle class citizens to purchase luxury products that usually only socialites can afford, are usually built outside the city areas.

These outlet centers have become especially attractive to shoppers when it comes to clothing. End of season clothing, as well as seasonal export surplus, can be purchased at the manufacturers cost at the outlet centers, where prominent brand names gather such as Diesel, Beymen, Vakko, Nike, Benetton, Mango, Dexter, Media Market, U.S. Polo and Levi’s all under one roof. The ready to wear apparel is not the only merchandise available at these outlet centers. Sporting goods, electrical products, cosmetics, and toys are also among items sold at outlet malls.

While becoming an indispensable part of shoppers’ lives, these outlet centers also help relieve producers from stock and depot costs. As the manufacturers’ expenditure declines, they snap up the chance to offer luxurious products at lower costs.

Currently, Viaport is a popular outlet center amongst Istanbul residents, while Ankara residents prefer Optimum. ACity is another popular outlet mall in Ankara.

Optimum outlet center plans to open an Istanbul branch in November and another Optimum is also planned to be built in İzmir next year. Optimum İzmir, which will be built with an investment of $200 million, will be Turkey’s largest outlet center.

Anatolia News Agency - ANKARA

http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr, September 3, 2008.