DEZ

DEZ is a shopping center located in the Amras district of Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria. It holds the distinction of being the first shopping center ever built in Austria, opening its doors on 24 September 1970. The center was founded by Walter Hess, who pioneered the shopping center concept in the country. Initially known as the Vita-Center, it started with 11,000 square meters of retail space, 700 parking spaces, and anchor tenant Interspar. Over the decades, DEZ has undergone numerous expansions and renovations, growing to approximately 36,000 square meters of retail space spread across more than 130 shops. It attracts around 7.5 million visitors annually and serves as a key retail hub for both locals and tourists. The center is currently owned by a partnership between ECE Projektmanagement G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, which holds a 50.1% stake, and the Hess Privatstiftung, which retains 49.9%. ECE, a German shopping center operator, initially acquired a 25% stake in 2005 and increased its ownership to 50.1% in 2012, taking over management. The operating company is DEZ-Einkaufszentren GmbH. Under the leadership of Hannes Hess, son of the founder, who took over management in 1986, DEZ has continuously modernized to remain a top retail location. DEZ features a diverse mix of tenants, including large-format retailers such as Interspar, Ikea, C&A, MPREIS, Müller, Hofer, H&M, TK Maxx, and Zara, alongside more than 80 small-scale tenants under 150 square meters and over 70 regional tenants. The center is also a significant employer, with around 1,500 people working within DEZ and its immediate surroundings. It offers a range of services including a children's play area, free Wi-Fi, parking, and various amenities. DEZ positions itself as a vibrant meeting place for shopping, experience, and enjoyment in Innsbruck.

DEZ opened on 24 September 1970 as Austria's first shopping center, founded by Walter Hess. Initially called Vita-Center, it had 11,000 square meters of retail space, 700 parking spaces, and Interspar as its anchor tenant. The center was a pioneering project that set new standards for Austrian retail. In 1979, a Woolworth department store was integrated into the center. In 1986, Hannes Hess, son of the founder, took over management and has since driven continuous modernization. A major general renovation took place in 2004, during which the Woolworth store was acquired. In 2005, ECE Projektmanagement acquired a 25% stake through a capital increase, while the Hess Privatstiftung retained 75%. Further renovations, conversions, and expansions followed until 2008. On 1 January 2012, ECE increased its stake to 50.1%, taking over the center. On 1 July 2016, the building was evacuated after being flooded during a storm. Today, DEZ spans approximately 36,000 square meters with over 130 shops and attracts around 7.5 million visitors annually.

• DEZ opens as Austria's first shopping center.

• Woolworth department store integrated into DEZ.

• Hannes Hess takes over management.

• General renovation; Woolworth store acquired.

• ECE Projektmanagement acquires 25% stake.

• Further renovations and expansions completed.

• ECE increases stake to 50.1%, takes over DEZ.

• DEZ evacuated due to flooding from a storm.

A pioneering shopping center in Austria, offering a comprehensive shopping, dining, and entertainment experience for locals and tourists.

• Shopping center with over 130 shops

• Kinderland children's play area (220 m²)

• Food court and restaurants

• Services: free Wi-Fi, parking, lockers, stroller rental, wheelchair rental

1. 1DEZ | Einkaufszentrum in Innsbruckdez.at
2. 2Services | DEZ Einkaufszentrum Innsbruckdez.at
3. 3Über uns | DEZ Einkaufszentrum Innsbruckdez.at
4. 4ÖPNV | DEZ Einkaufszentrum Innsbruckdez.at
5. 5DEZ (Einkaufszentrum) - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org
6. 6DEZ | Einkaufszentrum in Innsbruckdez.at
7. 7DEZwikidata.org