Outlet malls, where India's discount hunters meet top brands

Real estate developers across India are embracing the concept of outlet malls, inspired by the success of similar models in the West, offering clothing and footwear at discounted rates as brands seek avenues to liquidate stocks.

- Suneera Tandon

While retail spaces such as outlet malls are already popular, particularly in Punjab, real estate experts said the trend is emerging as a pan-India phenomenon. Also, foreign outlet developers are also exploring ways to introduce global formats in India, they added.

In February, restate developer Pacific Group unveiled Delhi’s first outlet mall in Jasola. It hosts discounted stores for brands like Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Skechers, Adidas, and Birkenstock, and is running at almost full occupancy. At the launch, the mall had over 74 premium brand outlets and a large cinema hall.

Abhishek Bansal, executive director of Pacific Group, said India always had small catchments with discounted stores, but dedicated, organized outlets were missing from India’s retail landscape.