VIA Outlets has opened the extensively expanded Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet on 18 November, underscoring its commitment to strengthening its footprint in the dynamic Iberian outlet market. As Northern Portugal’s only premium outlet destination, the center is a strategic asset whose performance has consistently mirrored the region’s economic ascent.
The expansion adds additional 10,000 m² of GLA bringing the total offer to 31,000 m² and creating capacity for 31 new stores and 4 restaurants. Including the openings of new brands such as Lottusse, New Era, Pandora, Pedro del Hierro, Tommy Hilfiger Kids, Vans, Volcom, Urban Project, Boutique dos Relogios, and Zara Home, alongside renovated spaces for Armani, LINDT, Rituals, and Tommy Hilfiger.
The project forms part of VIA Outlets’ wider multi-year investment programme, through which the company has committed over €100 million to upgrading and repositioning key assets across its European portfolio.
Otto Ambagtsheer, CEO of VIA Outlets, said:
“Our investment in the major expansion of Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet reflects our confidence in the continuing strong performance of the centre as the dominant premium outlet destination in northern Portugal. Rising numbers of visitors and brand sales have been bolstered by the region’s dynamic local economy and the growing attraction of the city of Porto as a European tourist hotspot. This opening represents the latest materialisation of our strategic vision for our centres across Europe. We create spaces that combine memorable experiences for our guests with attractive platforms for our brandpartners through our ‘3Rs strategy’ of Remodelling, Remerchandising, and Remarketing.”
Iberia’s Outlet Sector Continues to Outperform
Northern Portugal has seen robust economic fundamentals supported by strong domestic demand and sustained tourism flows – factors that have bolstered sales and footfall at Vila do Conde. Under the leadership of CEO Otto Ambagtsheer, VIA Outlets has established itself as one of Europe’s leading premium outlet operators, reporting €1.4 billion in brand sales across its 11 destinations last year.
Iberia, in particular, continues to stand out: outlet centers in Spain and Portugal are outperforming full-price retail, as value-driven consumers and international visitors shift further toward the premium outlet proposition.
Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet benefits from excellent multimodal accessibility, including a direct 30-minute metro link to Porto, motorway connections across the northern region, and strong cross-border reach into Spain. Construction, which began in Q2 2024, was carefully phased to ensure uninterrupted trading, supported by a temporary metro-side entrance to maintain guest experience.
Efficiency, Performance and Sustainability
The Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet project, conceived by renowned international architects L35 studio, embraces a contemporary and sustainable design, with spacious and bright areas, green spaces, natural materials, and a clear focus on local architecture and culture, matching VIA Outlets’ vision that it should be inspired by the beauty of the Porto region.
The expansion was designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, aligned with VIA Outlets’ Beyond Sustainable strategy and the centre has achieved the highest BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ sustainability rating, by incorporating features such as rainwater harvesting, solar panels, low-consumption LED lighting, and smart energy efficiency processes.
David Kervyn de Lettenhove, Business Director Iberia of VIA Outlets, adds:
“This expansion marks the next step in a journey that began in 2017 when VIA Outlets acquired Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet. With a major refurbishment in 2021 and now this expansion, we’ve created a destination where brands can thrive and guests enjoy an experience defined by quality, architecture, and attention to detail – while incorporating sustainability initiatives that support our goal of achieving net zero emissions target by 20250 across our portfolio.”
Art and culture play a central role in the new conception of Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet with the Women Art Fellowship gallery showcasing works by emerging female artists, and installations by leading designers Joana Astolfi and Cristina Rodrigues. The new Zara Home For&From store also introduces an inclusive employment programme in partnership with VilacomVida.
Dining options have been broadened with the Vila 953 restaurant, offering refined Portuguese cuisine with Mediterranean influences, and Delfina, presenting creative, informal dining. A new VIP Lounge enhances th
While the expansion strengthens commercial performance, VIA Outlets continued to embed sustainability measures that enhance the outlet center’s operational efficiency and asset resilience. From energy efficiency to ecological materials, everything has been designed with respect for the environment and local architecture.
This includes:
- 962 photovoltaic panels producing 680 MWh/year, powering the equivalent of more than 200 homes.
- 30% reduction in purchased energy and 670 tonnes of CO₂ savings annually.
- 5,000 m² of solar film generating 12.3% annual energy savings.
- 11,000 m² of polyurea-treated roofing for improved energy behaviour and durability.
- Center-wide LED lighting, presence-detection sensors, and optimised HVAC infrastructure.
- Water-saving technologies across the asset
These measures are aligned with VIA Outlets’ overarching sustainability strategy, which focuses on sustainable buildings, informed consumers, resilient communities, and engaged stakeholders.
New Benchmark for Outlet Growth in Iberia
The upgraded Vila do Conde Porto Fashion Outlet exemplifies VIA Outlets’ strategy of targeted investment in high-potential locations, strengthened by efficiency-driven asset management and aligned with the needs of a broadening international customer base. Large, bright areas, green spaces and gardens that make every visit more pleasant and welcoming. According to VIA Outlet CEO Otto Ambagtsheer 300 new jobs are being created by the expansion.
With a larger retail footprint, improved infrastructure, and a value proposition that continues to resonate, the center is well positioned to reinforce its role as one of Iberia’s most competitive outlet destinations – and to contribute meaningfully to a market that continues to outperform and reshape the wider retail landscape.
