Tourism Breaking News
Twenty-five years ago, McArthurGlen Group changed the rules of shopping in Italy. As it marks the 25th anniversary of its first Italian Designer Outlet in Serravalle near Milan, the Group celebrates its journey of growth, international vision, and a deep connection to surrounding territories. With record results, new openings, and an established luxury experience, McArthurGlen confirms its position as a benchmark in the sector.
The Italian side to the McArthurGlen story began in September 2000 with the opening of the Serravalle Designer Outlet, a pioneering project that transformed Italy’s shopping experience connecting the fashion capital of Milan with the surrounding territories. The centre has been hugely successful as a place where the Milanese come to shop their luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Versace, which then reaffirms the centre’s credentials as a fashion must when connected to the city of Fashion itself, Milan. Since then, the Group has expanded by launching additional outlets in Italy of Castel Romano in Rome (2003), Noventa di Piave near Venice (2008), and La Reggia (2010) near Naples now celebrating its 15th anniversary. The latest addiction in McArthurGlen’s portfolio include Malaga in Spain and Paris-Giverny successfully opened in 2023.
The strength of McArthurGlen’s model is confirmed by the performance of the Italian market, which has always been one of the group’s pillars. Here, steady growth had continued and was further bolstered by highly positive projections for 2025. The first half of the year has already shown an increase of around 5% compared to the same period in 2024.
Serravalle continues to be a favourite of GCC visitors, one of its strongest source markets fuelling growth. Tourism from the region has driven a 12% rise in tax-free sales, building on the +23% growth recorded in 2024 with GCC travellers led by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE. This momentum is powered by expanding air connections, targeted promotional strategies across the Middle East, and a continually evolving offer of quality and experiential luxury shopping.
A prime example is the inauguration of the new Guest Lounge at Designer Outlet Castel Romano centre near Rome. The new 300-square-metre lounge is dedicated to premium hospitality, including a 145-square-metre hall, a private bar, and a panoramic terrace. Designed for today’s sophisticated international traveller, it transforms shopping from a quick pit stop to a full day luxury experience.
McArthurGlen continues to stand out for its focus on customer experience, creating welcoming environments and enriching the shopping experience with an evolving portfolio of prestigious brands. In Serravalle, recent openings include Tory Burch, Marc Jacobs Birkenstock, and Carhartt, while Ami Paris will debut in the fall. Noventa di Piave welcomed Starbucks, Victoria’s Secret, and the beauty shop of Pinalli (also opening soon in La Reggia), while Castel Romano will soon see the arrival of Manuel Ritz.
“The ability to constantly renew itself is the foundation of the group’s success,” explains Donatella Doppio, Managing Director, Italy, McArthurGlen. “We have invested in all our centres through continuous upgrades and expansions, but also by enhancing the overall experience with new services, attractions, and a distinctive retail offering. This approach has allowed us to strengthen our positioning as a dynamic, forward-looking player.”
McArthurGlen Designer Outlets are not just shopping destinations, they are economic and social engines committed to giving back to the communities in which they operate. “All of our centres are open to dialogue with their surrounding contexts,” emphasises Doppio, “supporting cultural initiatives, showcasing local excellence, and promoting projects that intertwine art, music, and tourism. Over the years, we have hosted exhibitions, installations, concerts, and open-access events, transforming our outlets into vibrant spaces that merge experience, entertainment, and culture.”
Serravalle will mark its official anniversary on the 7th of September and will treat its visitors to an additional 25% off outlet prices on over a thousand products.
2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year of initiatives. In Serravalle, the 25th-anniversary celebrations feature Toni Thorimbert’s photography exhibition ‘Star System, 25 Years of Fashion Connections’—25 images exploring fashion ties with music, art, and identity. Among other initiatives are a ten-episode podcast on fashion, music, travel, local culture, and accessible luxury, available on major platforms.
La Reggia Designer Outlet is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a calendar of events that strengthen ties with the local community to draw more international guests each year; through artistic projects, a summer play area and gourmet pizza offerings to entertain guests of all ages.
Globally, 2025 is also a milestone year: 30 years of Cheshire Oaks, McArthurGlen’s first-ever outlet; the 25th of Ashford; 10 years in Vancouver; and the 5th anniversary of Málaga. These anniversaries not only honour the past, but they also reaffirm the Group’s commitment to a future driven by connection, experience, and shared growth.
