Slovenia’s first outlet shopping village set for 2023

The project is being developed by HG Invest in cooperation with FOC Retail Service GmbH and Outlet Evolution Services. On an area of more than 20,000 sqm, 70 shops and several hundred new jobs will be created in two phases. Its first phase will be opened in 2023, phase two is scheduled for 2026.

Fashion Outlet Slovenia will be located directly next to the motorway exit for Šentilj on the Austrian border in the northeast of Slovenia. It is only 30 driving minutes south of Graz, the second-largest city in Austria.

The village atmosphere incorporates modern and typical regional elements of Slovenian construction style and architecture. The category mix is based on international experience and will mostly include fashion brands. A broader brand mix will be completed by segments in outdoor, shoes & accessories, home and kidswear.

The catchment has 2.25 million residents and includes the cities of Graz and Maribor, as well as the centre of the Austrian thermal baths area, with 13 million overnight stays, and those of Slovenia with around 16 million yearly overnight stays. The nearby Šentilj casino resort offers entertainment and overnight accommodation for 400,000 visitors per annum.

The number of overnight stays in Maribor has increased by up to 64 percent in recent years. Overall, it shows the increasing importance of Slovenia as a tourist destination, from which Maribor, among others, is also benefiting in view of a general trend towards city tourism.

Michael Lungkofler, Head of Center Management and Managing Director FOC Retail Service, said: “In combination with up to 20,000 sqm of rental space, 1,500 parking lots and up to 70 sports and fashion brands as well as a specially-configured gastronomy concept, the development will be an attractive and unique shopping destination for a full-day or weekend excursion.”