The outlet center in Hatě near Znojmo is undergoing a reconstruction for 40 million

"Secession" outlet center Parndorf

Hatě - The outlet center in Hatě, Freeport Fashion Outlet, has begun construction work on a new exterior and partially also on the interior at a cost of 40 million crowns. Its appearance will thus fundamentally change for the first time since it opened 15 years ago. It is set to feature elements of the Art Nouveau style, which is more commonly known as secession, stated the center's director Jan Procházka in a press release. Nearly two million customers head to one of the two Czech outlet centers each year, which houses 75 stores.

The center will remain open during reconstruction, which is expected to be completed by the end of September. "We want to attract even more customers. That’s why we decided to innovate the exterior, and at the same time we want to better present the represented global fashion brands inside. Therefore, we will create an atmosphere of a shopping street," Procházka stated.

The exterior with elements of secession was chosen by the architects and the center’s management also because it is a unifying element with the partner Austrian outlet center in Parndorf. Its owner is the holding Fashion Outlet Parndorf Beteiligungs-GmbH, which bought the center in Hatě two years ago. "This will further enhance the significance of our center as a regional hub for customers from both the Czech Republic and Austria," Procházka stated. The center offers 250 fashion brands and strives to acquire more.

The center is also expanding its accompanying services. By the end of the year, a coffee chain and a fast-food chain will open here.

Daily, between 4,000 and 10,000 customers visit the center, and during shopping events, even up to 20,000. Last year, revenues increased to a record 1.7 billion crowns. Last year, the center invested in increasing parking capacity and constructed a roundabout to make it easier for drivers to exit from the main road to Austria.

The phenomenon of outlet centers has spread to Europe from the USA, and their principle lies in offering fashion from leading global brands at least 30 percent cheaper than in regular stores. However, the offer includes goods that are no longer produced or are sold out in regular stores.