We are fairly certain that there is no need to introduce the hugely popular Designer Outlet in Parndorf, Austria, to anyone who loves shopping. Here, you can find your favourite designer pieces at significant discounts. From 20 September, a direct bus service will connect Budapest with the Parndorf outlet.
Designer Outlet in Parndorf is popular among Hungarians
As Telex writes, the Designer Outlet in Parndorf, a well-known shopping destination for Hungarians, attracts around one-sixth of its visitors from Hungary each year. Opened in 1998 and located in Burgenland, Austria, the outlet is a major employer in the region, with 48% of its 2,000 staff coming from Hungary or Slovakia, and three-quarters of its workforce being women. Managed by McArthurGlen, the Designer Outlet in Parndorf features 160 designer brands spread over 37,000 square metres and is currently undergoing expansion. Despite its popularity, the company plans to strengthen its engagement with Hungarian media in the future.
Covid’s effects are wearing off
The manager of the Designer Outlet in Parndorf told *Telex* that despite the arrival of well-known brands in neighbouring countries and the impact of Covid, the proportion of Hungarian visitors, at 15-18%, has remained stable. This suggests that as the outlet grows, interest from Hungarian shoppers increases in line with overall visitor numbers. Before Covid, Parndorf saw a peak of 6.2 million visitors in 2019, followed by a decline. However, in 2023, the Designer Outlet in Parndorf achieved a record-breaking 6.8 million visitors.
What’s behind the outlet’s success?
McArthurGlen, Europe’s leading designer outlet operator, manages 24 outlets across eight countries, including the Designer Outlet in Parndorf, which is its easternmost location. With an annual turnover of EUR 5 billion, McArthurGlen has a strong presence in Western Europe and even Canada. What sets the Designer Outlet in Parndorf apart is its proximity to three capitals—Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava—all within a 90-minute drive. While some outlets serve larger populations within this range, Parndorf’s unique location adds to its appeal.
The number of Hungarian shoppers at the Designer Outlet in Parndorf grew by 27% last year and by 12% in the first half of this year. While the exact spending by Hungarians has not been disclosed, it was noted that Middle Eastern and Asian shoppers, who often seek luxury goods, tend to spend more per visit. To attract more Hungarian visitors, the company is introducing shuttle buses from Budapest. However, Parndorf is also accessible by rail and is located near hotels and entertainment venues.
Exciting new developments ahead!
From 20 September, the Designer Outlet in Parndorf will launch a direct shuttle bus service from Budapest. The 20-seater bus will depart from Báthory Street at 9 am, with tickets priced at EUR 29. Shoppers will have around five hours to explore the outlet, with the return bus leaving at 4:30 pm and arriving back in Budapest by early evening. Parndorf is also expanding its offerings, with popular overnight shopping events and new luxury brands like Alexander McQueen joining in September, alongside Spyder, Red Bull World, and Tommy Hilfiger Kids.
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