With a R$ 35 million investment, Dona Lola Outlet enters the final phase of construction in Ilhota (SC), betting on an open-air shopping format to boost the regional economy.
The city of Ilhota, located in the heart of the Vale do Itajaí, is advancing its preparations to open one of the region’s most anticipated commercial projects. The Dona Lola Outlet, a grand venture led by the construction firm Procave, has already reached 80% completion at its site, strategically positioned along the Rodovia Jorge Lacerda.
The new shopping and services hub is set to meet a pent-up demand on one of the most dynamic economic and tourist corridors in Santa Catarina. With a modern structure based on the open-air mall concept, the complex aims to transform the shopping experience by integrating major brands, dining options, and everyday conveniences at a single, easily accessible location.
Robust structure and local economic impact
The architectural design covers more than 10,500 square meters of built area, offering approximately 6,500 square meters of ABL (Gross Leasable Area). In total, the space will host around 130 commercial operations, including retail stores, a variety of dining options, and 300 rotating parking spaces to accommodate visitors comfortably.
One of the key differentiators of Dona Lola Outlet is the inclusion of an exclusive corporate wing, comprising 56 rooms dedicated to offices, health clinics, and service providers. This integration aims to ensure a steady flow of visitors throughout the week, going beyond the typical weekend traffic seen in shopping centers.
The arrival of the project also brings good news for the job market in the Vale do Itajaí. Official projections indicate that the opening and full operation of the commercial and service activities will create more than 400 jobs, both direct and indirect, boosting local families’ incomes.
Regional Connection and New Consumption Trends
The location of the complex was strategically chosen to capture traffic from residents of neighboring municipalities with strong economic presence, such as Blumenau, Gaspar, Brusque, Itajaí, Navegantes, and Balneário Camboriú. It is estimated that the shopping center will directly reach more than 900,000 residents within a 30‑kilometer radius, in addition to a floating population that exceeds 2 million people during peak tourist season on the Santa Catarina coast.
For the board of Procave, the adopted architectural model reflects the evolution of modern consumers’ expectations, who seek airy and multifunctional environments.
The boulevard format responds to new consumption trends identified by market research, combining shopping, gastronomy, convenience, and social spaces to retain the audience, notes Clóvis de Albuquerque Filho, Commercial Director of the construction company.
With the completion of structural interventions approaching, the focus now shifts to confirming the official opening date. Dona Lola Outlet has everything to become a landmark in the urban and commercial development of Ilhota, attracting visitors from across the state and redefining the region’s economic landscape in the coming years.