Outlet shopping was not always available in Germany. But now, thanks to Value Retail, the only company in Europe developing luxury outlet shopping destinations, outlet shopping is becoming commonplace throughout Germany and even Europe. Since 2003, Value Retail has developed three outlet centres serving the German Market:Ingolstadt Villagenear Munich,Wertheim Villagenear Frankfurt andMaasmechelen Villagenear Cologne, all of which have enjoyed tremendous success.
Besides carrying a carefully selected array of international brand name items, there is also a significant difference in the shopping experience: less a bargain-barn feel and more luxury. Outlet centers, or villages as some of them are called in Germany, pride themselves on offering a high-end shopping encounter with elegant boutiques, trendy cafes and cozy restaurants. More than a trip to the store, this is an event par excellence. The focus may be upscale, but the conveniences of outlet shopping are not to be undersold. Two of the largest outlet centres in Germany are:
Ingolstadt Village, situated just outside the gates of Munich, opened in September 2005 and has already undergone extensive expansion since then. This ‘Art Nouveau’-styled shopper’s paradise, with over 70 elegant boutiques and 75 designer brand names such as Bogner, Calvin Klein Jeans, Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, Miss Sixty/Energie, Wolford, Mandarina Duck, Champion, Tom Tailor, Pepe Jeans, Stefanel and Rosenthal to name a few, has something for everyone in the family. Visit Ingolstadt Village’s cozy Stifl restaurant or stop for a latte at the trendy San Francisco Company café. Ingolstadt Village is located along the A9 between Munich and Nuremberg at the Ingolstadt-Ost exit.www.IngolstadtVillage.com
Wertheim Village, situated near Würzburg approximately one hour from Frankfurt heading east, and one hour from Nuremberg if you heading west. Wertheim Village has been a key shopping attraction since it opened in November 2003. This retail wonderland hosts 85 tempting boutiques and over 100 designer brand name treasures such as Baldessarini, Lacoste, Rene Lazard, Bally, Billabong, Pepe Jeans, Nike Factory Store, Puma, Quiksilver, Timberland, Oakley and Samsonite to highlight a few. Wertheim Village can fill your every shopping need and invites you relax and indulge at La Piazza Italian restaurant or to grab a java in the charming San Francisco Coffee Company’s café. Wertheim Village is conveniently located right alongside the A3 Autobahn with over 1000 parking spaces waiting to be filled.www.WertheimVillage.com
Both Outlet Shopping villages offer the following conveniences:
- Opening Hours, Monday-Saturdays: 10 am – 8 pm
- Superb Autobahn accessibility
- More than 1000 free parking spaces
- Professional and knowledgeable staff and service in English
- Tourist Information Centres
- All major credit cards accepted
- Wheelchair access and free loan of wheel chairs
- VIP club membership benefits (see websites above)
Further conveniences in Ingolstadt Village during the Christmas period include:
- Childcare services, free childcare in Ingolstadt on Saturdays during the Christmas season from 11 am until 7 pm
- Shopping shuttle service to Ingolstadt Village from Munich central station (Karstadt) every Thursday and Saturday at 10 am (except bank holidays) for 10 Euros return
