New boss for Kildare Village as it targets major French and Italian fashion houses

Former Dunnes Stores executive Maria McGovern has departed as the director of Kildare Village, the luxury outlet centre currently undergoing a €50 million expansion.

Andrew Marshall, a British executive with a background in luxury goods retailing, has replaced her as the most senior executive at the centre, owned by international operator Value Retail.

Mr Marshall said the centre, which is adding about 36 new outlets and two new restaurants, bringing the total of designer shops to 100, is on schedule to open the extension in November.

“Our marketing focus will be on a luxury retailing experience, ahead of price,” he said. Mr Marshall said it is in talks with a number of high-end fashion businesses to open new outlets in the extension.

“They are the sort of names you will find on Via Monte Napoleone in Milan or Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris.”

He said the extension should open with at least 70 per cent occupancy, and indicated Kildare Village is also close to a deal with a “well-known” luxury European food operator to take over the new restaurant.

He said it will also target more US customers than previously, as the dollar strengthens against the euro.