With the increase of Asian corporate groups travelling overseas for meetings and incentives, shopping lists high in the agenda of post-event activities. Below are four premium shopping outlets that cater to the special needs of events and incentives delegates.
FLORENTIA VILLAGE – JINGJIN DESIGNER OUTLETS
Where is it? North of Qianjin Dao, Wuqing, Tianjin. It is 100 metres from Jing Jin high-speed railway's Wuqing Station and half kilometre from Wuqing North (Yangcun) Exit of Jingjin Highway.
What makes it special? It claims the bragging rights as China's first authentic Italian outlet village, which can be gleaned through its architecture, F&B offerings and entertainment events – allowing visitors to experience the fashion, culture and spirit of Florence without leaving Beijing. It has nearly 200 of the most famous Italian and other international luxury brands as well as Chinese fashion premium brands. The 60,000 sqm premium shopping discount outlet is divided into four distinctive shopping zones: luxury, international premium, leisure and sports and outdoors.
MICE offerings: Florentia Village attracts corporate groups through an indirect channel, working primarily with specialised travel agencies. It provides these agencies with a recommended list of hotels and sightseeing spots around the area. When a group is confirmed to visit, Florentia Village can assist in booking car rental and meals at its premises. Depending on negotiations, the village’s VIP card can be made available for corporate group shoppers so that they enjoy extra perks. Meanwhile, the village also runs a “Big Corporation” programme targeted at local area companies.
Minimum and maximum group size: Minimum of 15 people and above.
Recent corporate clients: Corporate groups are booked through travel agencies.
Contact: www.florentiavillage.com/en
JOHOR PREMIUM OUTLETS
Where is it? It stands at the intersection of the North-South Expressway and the Second Link Expressway in the state of Johor, Malaysia. It is about an hour’s drive from Singapore and about three hours from Kuala Lumpur.
What makes it special? Johor Premium Outlets has a distinctive, upscale store mix of leading designer and quality-named brands, providing factory-direct savings of 25 per cent to 65 per cent. Opened in December 2011, it has an area that spans 18 hectares that have yet to be completely developed.
MICE offerings: Complimentary VIP coupon books are available for corporate group guests, who can enjoy additional savings from participating stores.
Minimum and maximum group size: At least 15 people and above.
Recent corporate clients: 8th World Islamic Forum
Contact: www.premiumoutlets.com.my
LAS ROZAS VILLAGE
Where is it? With a majestic mountain range at its doorstep, it is just a little over 30 minutes away from Madrid.
What makes it special? More than 100 international and Spanish labels – from high fashion to home décor – are clustered together within the village that charms with its elegant Spanish ambiance. Discounts are up to 60 per cent off the original price tag. There is also a terrace from which to view the stunning vistas or enjoy afternoon apertiffs.
MICE offerings: Companies can arrange for a VIP Welcome Pack, containing 10 per cent discount on outlet price in the Village boutiques, a gift from Las Rozas Village and a VIP Pass and a voucher for lunch in the Café & Te restaurant. Pre-loaded gift cards can also be arranged. A personal shopper, who can help delegates to refresh their wardrobe for work and leisure, is available when booked in advance. Groups are taken to the outlet via the custom-fitted shuttle bus called “Shopping Express”. Las Rozas Village can help groups to choose complementary activities in the region, such as a day tour of Madrid that combines key art galleries visit, international shows, fashion events, luxury gastronomy and shopping at the outlet.
Minimum and maximum group size: No limit on group size.
Recent corporate clients: L’Oreal Philippines, Hyundai Korea, AIA Insurance Thailand, to name a few.
Contact: www.chicoutletshopping.com
MAASMECHELEN VILLAGE
Where is it? Just one hour from Brussels, Antwerp and Cologne
What makes it special? At the intersection of Europe, spanning several cultures, languages and borders, Maasmechelen Village presents a symbolic union of contrasting styles. This shopping outlet has more than 100 boutiques from big international brands such as Furla and Hugo Boss to local luxury brands such as Marlies Dekker and Lendov Luxury Diamonds. Discounts on merchandise here go up to 60 per cent off the retail price. During a break from shopping, a must-try is a meal at Cellini, voted one of the top 10 Italian restaurants in Belgium
MICE offerings: Event organisers can arrange a luxury shopping experience for their delegates before or after a conference. They can take the journey from the city centre to Maasmechelen Village aboard the sleek and chic coach aptly called the “Shopping Express”.
Organisers can also arrange to get the VIP Day Pass by pre-booking their group. This provides delegates an additional 10 percent discounts in nine boutique of their choice.
Also, companies can heighten the shopping experience by giving their delegates a Maasmechelen Village Prepaid MasterCard gift before they embark on their retail therapy.
Meanwhile, the village can help arrange in booking the 2,000-seat function hall of the nearby cinema comples Euroscoop.
Minimum and maximum group size: No limit on group size.
Recent corporate clients: L’Oreal Philippines, Hyndai Korea, AIA Insurance Thailand, to name a few.
Contact: www.chicoutletshopping.com
MCARTHUR GLEN VENETO DESIGNER OUTLET
Where is it? Located just 40 minutes drive from downtown Venice in Italy, 45 minutes from Treviso and an hour from Padua. Other attractions nearby include the famous beach resorts of Venice Lido and Jesolo.
What makes it special? Designer shopping, lots of it, and at great rates. The wide range of prestigious designer and luxury brands, including Armani, Borbonese, Burberry, Fendi, Ferragamo, Prada and Sergio Rossi, all have savings of 30 per cent to 70 per cent from the normal shop rates.
The design and layout of the Designer Outlet is open and based on the palazzos of Venice itself. On top of the savings, the Veneto Outlet also works closely with Global Blue and Premier Tax Free to make it as easy as possible for further savings with tax refunds.
MICE offerings: There are a number of things on offer for both small and large groups, including group language shopping assistance, tailor-made shopping guide in the group’s dominant language, coaches and coach parking and corporate logos throughout the outlet.
Restaurant vouchers are available for groups staying longer than two hours and meals can be set up in the VIP lunch area. Personalised invitation to each delegate, exclusive offers and a dedicated tax refund service can be arranged as needed. Tailor-made designer gifts from one of the Veneto brands can be done as well.
Minimum and maximum group size: Minimum of 20 to over 2,000 people (the outlet has parking space for 30 coaches. Group arrivals and departures can be staggered at two-hour intervals.
Recent corporate clients: McArthur Glen has 21 outlets across Europe, including five in Italy. In the past year, its Italy outlets have seen large group visits from Prudential (Indonesia), HSBC (China), Michael Page (Asia-Pacific) and Pernod Ricard (China).
Contact: www.mcarthurglen.com/it/noventa-di-piave-designer-outlet/en
Gigi Onag
