Ros Retail Outlet Shopping recently became a part of the French Frey Group, marking a significant development in the retail outlet industry. This transaction has strengthened the market position of both entities, with Frey gaining access to its first outlet project through the acquisition. The Malmö Designer Village in Sweden, set to open in the second half of 2026, will be the largest shopping center in Scandinavia, featuring over 135 national and international brands.
The addition of Ros Retail Outlet Shopping to the Frey Group’s portfolio provides the company with access to the European outlet market, further solidifying its position as a leader in the European retail and shopping space. Antoine Frey, the CEO of Frey, expressed his excitement about the strategic operation, emphasizing the benefits of acquiring Ros as the fourth largest operator of outlet markets in Europe.
Founded in 2011 by Thomas Reichenauer and Gerhard Graf, Ros Retail Outlet Shopping is an Austrian company managing 12 outlet centers in 7 countries. The partnership with Frey is seen as a strategic move to continue growing in the European outlet market and develop new, unique, and innovative shopping destinations. Both companies share a vision of creating sustainable, socially responsible, and attractive retail spaces that cater to the needs of current and future generations.
While traditional shopping centers faced challenges during the pandemic, outlet centers and retail parks proved to be resilient, attracting customers with their outdoor shopping experiences. The collaboration between Ros and Frey is expected to bring about synergies in various areas, including financial strength, asset management, geographical diversification, and digitalization of the retail real estate sector.
Frey Group, a publicly traded company in Paris, specializes in developing and operating shopping centers across Europe. With a focus on environmentally friendly retail parks and innovative shopping concepts, Frey is committed to creating sustainable and socially beneficial environments for both ecosystems and stakeholders. The company’s mission revolves around revitalizing retail as a service tailored to the needs of local communities and fostering urban diversity, social cohesion, and economic growth.
The acquisition of Ros by Frey signifies a strategic move to strengthen the management of external assets, leverage expertise and reputation, and build a dedicated portfolio for outlets. The collaboration between the two companies is expected to lead to the creation of innovative outlet concepts and the development of new projects in the retail real estate sector.
The first outlet investment by Frey, the Malmö Designer Village in Sweden, is a testament to the synergies between the two companies. Located in a prime area with a large population and tourist influx, the project is set to become the largest shopping center in Scandinavia, hosting a wide range of popular brands. With a focus on sustainability and ESG principles, the Malmö Designer Village aims to set a new standard for outlet developments in Europe.
In conclusion, the partnership between Ros Retail Outlet Shopping and the Frey Group represents a significant step towards enhancing the European outlet market and creating innovative retail experiences for customers. The collaboration is expected to bring about mutual benefits, drive growth, and set new standards in the retail real estate industry.