Prevue March-April 2014 - (Page 80)

Chic Outlets Europe The shopping excursion is a complete destination experience A [ON LOCATION] GREG OATES A totally adorbs pair of pointy, midnight-gloss Jimmy Choo slingback pumps at La Vallée Village outlet mall near Paris goes for almost half what you'd pay in SoHo. La Vallée is one of nine shopping experiences operated by Chic Outlet Shopping, on the outskirts of major European cities from London to Milan. Unlike many outlet stripmalls in America, they are calm, spotless, glamorous, devoid of teenagers, and easy to navigate with one lane winding through the luxury and trendy lifestyle boutiques. A Burberry trench in Dublin might set you back $800, but that's $400 less than the same coat retail. Men's Camper shoes, which sell in U.S. stores for over $200, cost $140 in Madrid. But that's only half the story. Chic Outlet provides the services of a DMC, packaging retail experiences with VIP transportation, exceptional restaurants, and customized half-day cultural tours in the cities and surrounding countryside. When you book with Chic Outlet, your attendees are automatically dialed into the most fashionable, insider-y places in each destination. "We know all the best hotels, restaurants, spas and attractions in the area, so we love to share that with planners," says Lee-Ann McCarthy, tourism manager at Kildare Village outside Dublin. "We can customize any guest experience-that's how we market the brand." Planners can book either a ﬂeet of private limos or luxurious black coaches depending on group size. The villages also have small VIP spaces for wine and cheese welcome receptions. The best part, you can reserve the services of personal shopping assistants who know the best deals, explain who received the latest shipments and point out hot emerging designers and commend your clients on their fabulous taste. Chic welcomed a record number of international arrivals in 2013, in part due to new partnerships with area DMCs and PCOs, boosting its sales force up to 14 international reps that are attracting more MICE business. "We offer tailor-made programs for US groups beginning with a VIP welcome reception," says Marcelo Molinari, tourism director at Las Rozas. "The hospitality experience begins in the coach with special treatment and a VIP card for additional discounts at the village. We can also customize the village with company colors and logos." Molinari says groups typically come from the tech, ﬁnance/ banking, pharma, insurance and cosmetic industries, working with DMCs and PCOs in both Madrid and Barcelona. MADRID There are about 200 brands represented at Las Rozas Village, with about 40% of those based in Spain. The local designers range from newcomers like Custo Barcelona to Carolina Herrera and other heavy hitters. The experienced American shoppers in 72 | prevue magazine 72-75_CHIC.indd 72 2/28/14 4:14 PM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue March-April 2014

Planner's Pick: Dallas
Fresh Meets: Marriott Hotels
Bureau Buzz: Montreal
Good Business: Sandals Foundation
Sea Shores: State of the Cruise Industry
Incentives, Golf + Spa
Special Section: California
Florida
On Location: Loews Don CeSar St. Pete
On Location: Chic Outlets
On Location: New Zealand
On Location: Los Cabos
On Location: Scottsdale
On Location: Aruba Hyatt Regency
On Location: Dolce Silverado
On Location: St. Croix
On Location: Hilton Bomonti Turkey
On Location: Aruba Marriott
Checkout: Conrad Pune, India
Meetings, incentives and Corporate Events, Club Med 2014 Edition

Prevue March-April 2014