Hammerson is the only UK listed REIT to have strategic exposure to the outlet shopping centre sector.

The outlet village proposition is supported by the increase in global tourism, with Chinese visits to Europe set to grow 72% by 2018³, alongside the expansion of luxury retail brands generating increased merchandise.

VIA Outlet Investments

In September Hammerson invested £70 million into VIA Outlets, a major new venture that will aim to acquire existing European outlet centres with growth potential. Alongside Hammerson, the other partners in VIA Outlets are Value Retail, APG and Meyer Bergman.

VIA Outlets will focus on outlets with large catchments close to major European cities with a strong tourist appeal. VIA Outlets has already acquired two assets in 2014:

• Batavia Stad, Amsterdam: The Netherland’s first outlet centre, the 26,340m² (283,500ft²) scheme is home to over 100 stores, cafes and restaurants and well known brands including G-Star, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss and Polo Ralph Lauren.
• Fashion Arena, Prague: The largest outlet centre in the Czech Republic, and the only one in Prague, the 25,125m² (270,400ft²) centre comprises over 100 brand outlet stores including Diesel, GANT, Tommy Hilfiger and Nike.

VIA Outlets has also identified a series of future acquisition opportunities.

Value Retail

We are invested in Value Retail’s highly successful premium outlet villages which operate in major cities throughout Europe.  Value Retail work directly with major fashion brands to create a bespoke, high-quality  environment for the sale of their original-line goods.