Troyes has been the capital of French hosiery since the 13th century, thanks to its privileged location at a strategic communication crossroads and the protection offered by the Counts of Champagne to merchants. Over the centuries and through technological developments, it has become the largest centre of factory outlets in Europe. This privileged situation gave the famous Champagne fairs a resounding success throughout medieval Europe, allowing the development of numerous industries such as textiles, tanning and dyeing.
Still today, the textile industry is the jewel in the crown of the local economy and has led to a tremendous industrial expansion throughout the Aube department, which has seen the birth of prestigious brands such as Lacoste, Petit Bateau, and Absorba
It is therefore quite natural that the concept of factory and trade shops was born in Troyes in the 1960s. These were originally reserved for the staff of the textile factories and then gradually extended to their family circle, before finally being extended to everyone in the 1970s. Today, the city of Troyes and its agglomeration are home to 3 large brand centres (Mc Arthur Glen, Marques City and Marques Avenue), grouping together more than a hundred shops (ready-to-wear, leather goods, crockery, sports...). Each year, no less than 3 million visitors come to hunt for bargains to take advantage of exceptional discounts of between 30 and 70%...