First designer outlet mall opens in Tagaytay in Aug
The country’s first pure designer outlet mall will soon open its doors to the public, providing local and foreign shoppers a yearround bargain hunting experience for international fashion and gift brands.
The P2.5-billion Acienda Designer Outlet in Tagaytay City is a joint venture between Cathay Land Inc., one of the country’s fastest growing developers, and London- based Freeport Retail, a specialist developer and operator of designer outlets.
The new outlet mall is located along Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, five minutes north of the Tagaytay Rotunda and opposite the new Silangan local government complex. Construction is now on its final stages and units will be handed over to retail tenants starting this March. The grand opening is slated for Aug. 2.
It will provide approximately 20,000 square meters of prime commercial space with over 100 brands all facing onto weather-protected pedestrian plazas. Twenty-five restaurants, cafés, snacks and bars will be situated around a performance plaza anchored by a scenic 40-meter tall French windmill. The overall style is a village environment drawing on themes and special features from Europe. Over 1,400 free parking spaces will be provided.
“We look forward to bringing our dedicated designer outlet shopping experience to the Philippines. Over the past decade, the outlet format has been hugely successful with massive growth worldwide,” said Jeffrey Ng, president of Cathay Land.
“There is a large customer base in Metro Manila that have enjoyed high quality outlet shopping abroad and are keen to have the same opportunity at home. We set out to deliver something truly different and memorable with a look and feel that is unique to the Philippines which will draw customers back time and time again,” he added.
Chris Milliken, co-founder and director of Freeport Retail, shared: “There are now worldwide over 400 international standard outlet centers offering more than 5,000 brands. Outlet is an established and mainstream retail channel that works for brands, retailers and of course the consumers. Since we started back in 1992, Freeport has developed many outlets throughout Europe.”
“In 2012, we started our focus on Asia which is a major outlet opportunity. Our outlet village in Malaysia opened at the end of 2015. Acienda Designer Outlet will open in August this year, followed by our project in Bangkok in September.”
Milliken said successful designer outlets act as regional destinations, with shoppers more than happy to travel long distances. They are assured of a fun day bargain hunting with family and friends in a wonderful environment combined with food and beverage offers to suit all tastes and budgets.
“We provide something for everyone at our centers — from high-end fashion to sports, gifts and affordable fashion. Everyone is looking for a good deal and almost all the retail groups in the market will be represented. On average we see over 90 percent of visitors to our centers making a purchase, which is several times higher than at conventional malls,” he added.