Lower Saxony: Fight Over Outlet License

Since the grand opening of the Designer Outlet Centre (DOC) in Wolfsburg (see our print issue 2/08 for more details), a fight over the authorisation to build another outlet centre in Lower Saxony has ignited. Within six weeks of opening in mid-December, the DOC attracted more than 250,000 visitors to downtown Wolfsburg – a result that is undoubtedly motivating. In mid-May, the selection and decision process will begin for the allocation of the second DOC announced for Lower Saxony. The cities of Soltau, Bispingen and Bad Fallingbostel have all made a bid. This project is associated with expectations for a boost in tourism to the Lüneburg Heath. Whatever the final decision might be, it will surely lead to a positive effect for the Heide-Park located nearby in Soltau. At the moment though, the only thing that seems important is that a decision is made before other locations discover such options. (eap)