Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo (Ryuo-cho, Gamo-gun, Shiga Prefecture), currently moving forward with its second phase development plan, will open on July 11th in an expanded format.

The second phase will see the addition of 70 stores, including five stores making their Japan debut, such as JOSEPH, Lily Brown, and Lindt Chocolat Cafe, and 14 stores making their Kinki debut, expanding the total store count from 167 to 237 stores. It will evolve into one of the largest outlet malls in the Kinki region in terms of number of stores. In addition to existing domestic and international fashion brands and lifestyle shops, it will offer a full lineup of trend-conscious select shops, sports, food, and kitchen goods.

The first phase will also see the sequential opening of 15 stores, including 14 new stores, including five stores making their Japan debut and two stores making their Kinki debut, as well as one store undergoing floor expansion and renovation, starting late next month. New stores will include American Eagle Outfitters, Paul Smith, and Universal Language.
The design concept for the opening portion of this fiscal year's facility is "FLOWERS." It was designed by Nonscale, the architectural firm behind many Mitsui Outlet Parks. In keeping with the "LEAVES" concept of the first phase, the design is based on earth tones, evoking the colorful flowers blooming in Ryuo Town's abundant nature. The first and second floors will be parking lots, and the third floor will be retail, with a total floor area of approximately 10,000 square meters.
Expanding on the facility's concept of an "environmentally symbiotic outlet mall," a new 100kW solar power generation system has been installed in addition to the first phase. LED lighting has been actively introduced in the common areas and retail areas. Additionally, the "Berry Garden," featuring a lawn plaza and fountain, will feature disaster relief furniture that can be used as a kitchen stove in an emergency. The garden will have more play equipment for children.

Mitsui Outlet Park currently operates 12 facilities across Japan. It is currently promoting the second phase of development in Kisarazu and Sapporo Kitahiroshima. It is also focusing on its outlet business overseas, having opened a facility in China in September 2011, with plans to open in Malaysia and Taiwan in the future.