Sicilia Outlet Village has dismissed speculation that it is planning to open an outlet in Malta, following reports from multiple business sources that the popular Italian retail complex was in talks with leading Maltese businesspeople.

Sicilia Outlet Village, part of Arcus Real Estate’s portfolio, spans 30,000 square metres and hosts 170 stores featuring top Italian and international brands, offering year-round discounts of up to 70 per cent.

Its high-end lineup includes Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Boss, Hugo, Polo Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Trussardi, Michael Kors and Moschino.

Extremely popular with Maltese shoppers – who make up a visible presence on any given day – the outlet’s ties to Malta are already well established. It regularly targets the Maltese market with dedicated marketing campaigns, promotions and sales, including special discounts tied to Malta’s Independence Day for shoppers who present a Maltese ID card.

Many local travel agencies also organise dedicated shopping trips, and its branded bags are a familiar sight on ferries between Sicily and Malta.

Persistent speculation in business circles suggested that Arcus Real Estate, which also operates designer outlets in Rome, Turin and Lombardy, was exploring a partnership with Maltese investors to launch a local outlet.

However, speaking to WhosWho.mt, a representative for Arcus Real Estate was unequivocal: “We must deny that there is any interest from Sicilia Outlet Village in Malta.”

While the company acknowledged that Malta remains “one of the most important tourist markets” for Sicilia Outlet Village, it confirmed there are “no expansion plans by our company in this regard.”

Sicilia Outlet Village recently completed a €35 million expansion, solidifying its position as one of Italy’s largest shopping destinations. Any entry into the Maltese market would likely have posed serious competition to local fashion retailers and importers, given its strong brand recognition and reputation for offering significant discounts on premium labels.