Chic Outlet Shopping appoints Gulf Reps as travel trade sales representatives

Based out of Dubai, Gulf Reps is one of the most important sales representation companies in the Middle East with many years of experience in the region and in particular, within the travel industry in the UAE.

Chic Outlet Shopping in Europe appointed Gulf Reps in the Middle East for their innovative and effective approach to representation and marketing travel products. Leo Fewtrell and Nazar Musa, both Managing Partners of Gulf Reps hold 29 years experience in the airline, shipping and travel industry in the Middle East and made the following comment on their new appointment.

"The Collection of nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe are conveniently positioned and offer a unique holiday proposition which allows GCC visitors to Europe to stretch their budget further so they can shop in style and never feel they have to 'trade down' on luxury. This is an extremely interesting brand for us and we believe that the Middle East is the perfect market for such a smart concept combining luxury shopping with luxury travel," Leo Fewtrell and Nazar Musa, both Managing Partners of Gulf Reps.

The Collection is home to over 850 outlet boutiques with favourite niche European and international brand names in fashion and lifestyle, at up to 60% off all year round, of which Matthew Williamson, Smythson, Anya Hindmarch, St.Dupont, Jesus del Pozo, Temperley London and Agent Provocateur have chosen to have their only outlet boutique worldwide with the collection. While Theory, Givenchy, Zadig & Voltaire and Lalique have their only European outlet at one of the Villages.

Over 22 million visitors are welcomed at the nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe annually, of whom more than 30% are tourists. The Middle East, in particular Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE is the most important non EU market for the Collection after China. According to 2008 tax free sales, the Middle East showed an increase in volume of sales of 69% with an average spend per transaction of over €300.

For this reason, Value Retail, managers of the nine Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe have invested in building relationships and supporting the Travel Trade through long term partnerships by participating on NTO Sales Missions and Trade Shows over the past 5 years. Going forward, Gulf Reps will help accelerate this strategy with leading Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Airlines and MICE Organisers to further Chic Outlet Shopping in Europe's commitment to the region.

"We anticipate the partnership with Gulf Reps will provide a strong platform to promote the Collection further in the region. Value Retail is committed to working closely with the travel trade and tourism market to help exceed clients' expectations." Desirée Bollier, Chief Executive Value Retail Management (Managers of the Chic Outlet Shopping Villages in Europe).