India is powering one of McArthurGlen’s strongest performance years, driven by higher spending, rising group travel and growing demand for experience-led shopping. As luxury retail becomes an integral part of Europe itineraries, the brand is deepening India-focused trade partnerships and developing tailored products for 2026.
By Janice Alyosius
India’s appetite for luxury shopping continues to influence Europe’s retail tourism landscape, with McArthurGlen reporting robust performance from the market despite broader macroeconomic headwinds. Strong long-haul travel confidence, closer collaboration with the Indian travel trade and a shift towards experiential travel have pushed India into the brand’s top-performing source markets in 2025. For Indian tour operators, the trend opens up opportunities to integrate retail, gastronomy, culture and MICE into multi-city European programmes.
The change is most visible in traveller behaviour. Indian visitors are moving beyond short, transactional shopping stops and spending more time across McArthurGlen’s outlet villages, seeking curated experiences and convenience-led services. This evolution is positioning luxury outlets as a core element of India-to-Europe travel planning rather than a peripheral add-on.
Strong growth from India despite headwinds
Sabina Piacenti, International Market Manager, McArthurGlen, said 2025 marked a milestone year for the brand in India.
“2025 has been a landmark year for McArthurGlen in India,” she said, noting that Tax-Free Sales rose seven per cent year-on-year, in line with budget expectations. “Despite geopolitical tensions and visa delays, Indian travellers showed remarkable resilience. We also saw a 66 per cent increase in group travel, both leisure and MICE, which reflects our strengthened trade partnerships.”
She added that familiarisation trips and deeper engagement with Indian agents have played a key role in driving demand. “Many partners are now keen to include a shopping stop in their itineraries, having experienced the excitement and rewards of luxury shopping first-hand,” Piacenti said.
Experience-led retail gains traction
The shift towards experience-led travel is becoming increasingly evident across McArthurGlen’s European portfolio. Indian guests are spending longer durations at outlet destinations and engaging with dining, architecture and seasonal events.
“Curated experiences such as hands-free shopping, VIP lounges and private transfers are increasingly in demand,” Piacenti said, highlighting how convenience and premium services are influencing purchase behaviour.
Trade-focused expansion planned for 2026
Looking ahead, McArthurGlen is targeting further growth in India through product innovation and expanded trade collaboration.
“We are forecasting a further increase in Tax-Free Sales from India. The McArthurGlen Distribution Hub has been a game-changer, offering shuttle connections to our outlets at net rates discounted up to 30 per cent, and India is now our third most active market on the platform,” Piacenti said.
Planned initiatives for 2026 include enhanced B2B offerings, luxury transfer options, curated shopping packages and FIT bundles combined with complimentary attraction tickets. Co-branded campaigns with OTAs, DMCs and MICE operators, supported by digital and influencer marketing, will target late spring and post-Diwali travel periods.
Lifestyle positioning resonates with Indian travellers
McArthurGlen’s repositioning as a lifestyle destination is also resonating strongly with Indian visitors. Outlet villages now feature region-inspired architecture, immersive dining concepts, seasonal festivals and flagship attractions such as Europe’s largest Nike Outlet in Roermond, alongside VIP lounges and dedicated group services at key locations.
“Our villages have become part of a wider experience,” Piacenti said. “Travellers are combining shopping with wine tours in Monferrato or Veneto, olive oil tasting near Malaga, lakeside stays close to Vienna, or cultural visits such as Monet’s house in Giverny. This off-the-beaten-path tourism is helping local communities grow.”
MICE demand strengthens retail tourism
MICE travel from India is emerging as a strong growth driver. McArthurGlen is hosting larger Indian groups, with tailored offerings including additional discounts through Fashion Passports, branded signage, dining vouchers and personalised welcomes.
For 2026, the top-performing centres for Indian travellers are expected to include Serravalle near Milan, Noventa di Piave near Venice, Roermond in the Netherlands, Parndorf near Vienna and Malaga in Spain. Improved connectivity, easing visa flows, growing interest from tier II cities and multi-generational travel are expected to further support growth.
As India’s outbound momentum strengthens, McArthurGlen’s performance highlights a broader trend — retail tourism is becoming a powerful anchor for Europe-bound itineraries, with Indian travellers shaping demand through higher spending, experiential preferences and lifestyle-led travel choices.
