Chic Outlet malls chase Chinese
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European chain Chic Outlet Shopping Villages believes embracing the Lunar New Year festivities will boost engagement with Chinese tourists.
The European-based network, which chose China for its 10th outlet centre and its first outside Europe, will celebrate Chinese New Year in partnership with China payment system UnionPay International throughout February.
The nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe will join the 10th – branded Village by Value Retail – in Suzhou Village in offering guests the chance to share wishes across the world, along with exceptional offers for Chinese guests.
The Suzhou mall will also host a full calendar of Lunar New Year events, tailored to the local populace.
The Chic Outlet Shopping Villages welcome thousands of Chinese guests every year, who are drawn to the Villages’ distinctive selection of brands, authentically European ambience, and exceptional value. In 2014, China accounted for 44 per cent of all tax-refunded (non-EU) sales in the Villages across Europe, with an increase in sales of 29 per cent year on year.* UnionPay International is now accepted at many boutiques in the Villages across Europe, making transactions easier than ever for international guests.
Chinese guests of the European Villages can register their details online at ChicOutletShopping.com to receive a special Chinese New Year red envelope, which they can collect from the Welcome or Tourist Information Centre on arrival at their chosen Village. The envelope will include offers for participating boutiques in the Village, in addition to UnionPay International ‘wish’ tag for guests to add their very own wish to the Wishing Tree. These wishes will not stop at the Villages – they will travel the world via social media, as guests are invited to share their wishes and Wishing Tree photos with a dedicated hashtag for each Village.
“A time for family, gift-giving, fireworks and festivities, Chinese New Year is celebrated by one in six people around the world,” the company said.
“The festival is associated with the colour red and it is good luck to give and receive red packages during this time. Traditionally, those celebrating will cast red ribbons or tie wishes to a ‘Wishing Tree’, in the hope that their wish will come true and bring them good fortune in the coming year. The Villages in Europe each feature their own Wishing Tree for guests to cast their wishes for the coming year.”
“A time for family, gift-giving, fireworks and festivities, Chinese New Year is celebrated by one in six people around the world,”
Suzhou Village in China is also helping make some of its visitors’ wishes come true with a lucky draw held in partnership with Suzhou TV. Guests will be invited to submit their wishes for the Year of the Ram while visiting the Village, and stay tuned for a film crew from the channel surprising them on their doorstep. Each week, one lucky winner will receive 5000 RMB and 50 runners up will receive 500 RMB.
A second Village by Value Retail China, Shanghai Village, will be located in the Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone, which includes the Shanghai Disney Resort, and will open in the autumn of 2015.
The existing 10 malls are home to more than 1000 boutiques of international fashion and luxury brands – all offering savings of up to 60 per cent on the recommended retail price.
Chic Outlet Shopping is a unique concept in outlet shopping created by Value Retail, the only company to specialise in the development and operation of luxury outlet shopping destinations. The European malls are located within easy reach of some of Europe’s major gateway cities – London, Dublin, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Bologna, Brussels, Antwerp, Cologne, Frankfurt and Munich.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the purpose of celebrating Lunar New Year at Chic Outlet Shopping Villages?
What is the purpose of celebrating Lunar New Year at Chic Outlet Shopping Villages?
Chic Outlet Shopping Villages believes celebrating Lunar New Year will boost engagement with Chinese tourists. This includes special offers, events, and a chance for guests to share wishes globally with UnionPay International.
Q.How significant are Chinese tourists to the European Chic Outlet Shopping Villages?
How significant are Chinese tourists to the European Chic Outlet Shopping Villages?
Chinese guests are very important, accounting for 44 per cent of all tax-refunded sales in the European Villages in 2014. Sales to these guests also increased by 29 per cent year on year.
Q.Which payment system is now accepted at the European Villages to assist Chinese guests?
Which payment system is now accepted at the European Villages to assist Chinese guests?
UnionPay International is now accepted at many boutiques in the Villages across Europe. This makes transactions easier for international guests, including those from China.
Q.Where is Chic Outlet Shopping Villages planning to open its next Chinese location?
Where is Chic Outlet Shopping Villages planning to open its next Chinese location?
The company plans to open a second Village by Value Retail China, named Shanghai Village. It will be located in the Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone and open in autumn 2015.
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