RMC hires General Manager for landmark North American McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
McArthurGlen, Europe's leading owner, developer and manager of Designer Outlets, is set to bring its signature design and vibrant style to Vancouver later this year with the launch of the very first designer outlet of its kind in North America - McArthurGlen Vancouver Airport.
In keeping with the European style and approach to designer outlet shopping, McArthurGlen Vancouver Airport is designed in an open-air village style, with pedestrian-friendly walkways, tree-lined streets, gentle landscaping, a dancing fountain, a luxury piazza and a variety of façades.
Created as a ‘day out’ destination, the centre’s restaurants and cafés, and year-round programme of activities, will complete the leisure experience, while a children’s playground will cater to families.
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport is a joint venture between McArthurGlen, Europe’s leading owner, developer and manager of designer outlets, and Vancouver Airport Authority, a community-based, not-for-profit organization that operates Vancouver International Airport.
McArthurGlen Vancouver Airport is easily accessible via the Canada Line’s Templeton Station; just 3 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
The difficult task of finding someone to head-up this landmark development was given to Retail Management Consultants - and we are delighted to announce the appointment of Rob Thurlow, General Manager of McArthurGlen Vancouver Airport.
Mr Thurlow, a Canadian national and veteran retailer, has spent much of the past two decades working in international markets - UK, Europe and the US - with leading brands including Gap, Benetton, Molton Brown and Calvin Klein.
Commenting on the new venture, Mr Thurlow explained, "It’s a concept that has proven very popular in Europe and I know Vancouver will embrace it as well. We pay tremendous attention to every detail and our goal is to create the ultimate fashion and leisure destination in the Lower Mainland.
"Retail Management Consultants are advisors to some of the world’s leading retailers and mall operators and has supported McArthurGlen on senior search and selection assignments for over 20 years.
James Logie, Managing Director of Retail Management Consultants, had this to say: "We were quick to engage with the designer outlet industry back in the 90’s and we've become experts in this field over time. Our expertise in this sector, alongside our activities in the wider retail industry in global markets, really came to the fore in this project. I'm very proud of our relationship with McArthurGlen, and I feel we've made a big contribution to our partner over the years. This is another great outcome and I can’t wait to see the place open to the public later this year!"
Update (19/11/2015): Just four months after it opened, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver has won the prestigious 'Best Outlet Centre' Award at MAPIC 2015, the leading international retail real estate show which takes place annually in Cannes, France.
Congratulations to Robert and all the team at McArthurGlen on their success!
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