New factory outlets target border shoppers

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UK-based outlet mall developer Freeport has announced the acquisition of two new European locations aimed at cross-border shopping.

In Roppenheim, eastern France, Freeport has acquired a site north of Strasbourg and west of Baden-Baden on the German border. The site comprises approximately 42 acres and Freeport is proposing to develop a designer outlet mall of at least 25,000sq m (269,000sq ft) retail area. Approximately 6.2 million people live within 60 minutes drive-time of the site which is close to the motorway network.

The company's other major development is situated on the Czech-Austrian border on the main direct road between Vienna and Prague. The site comprises approximately 21 acres and is adjacent to Excalibur City, a duty-free development zone servicing predominantly Austrian customers which already includes a casino, hotel, service station, restaurant and the Burg Duty Free shop. At Excalibur City, Freeport is proposing to construct approximately 25,000 sq m (269,000sq ft) of gross lettable space.

• Freeport operates six factory outlet malls in the UK plus others in Gothenburg and Blindenmarkt, Austria with another in Lisbon scheduled to open 2002. Freeport's existing tenants include many brands familar to airports such as Thornton's, Dartington Crystal, Claire's Accessories, Burberrys, Wedgewood, Aquascutum, Nike and Christian Lacroix.