QTU, the very first shopping center in Albania, revolutionized the way Albanians shop and spend their leisure time. Since its opening, it has introduced international standards of retail and entertainment to the country, while maintaining a strong local identity and connection with its community. Over the years, QTU has undergone refurbishments and extensions, ensuring that it remains modern, relevant, and the most popular destination for families who value convenience, affordability, and a wide mix of international and local brands in one place.
With over 8.2 million visitors annually, QTU enjoys one of the strongest brand recognitions and the strongest brand connection theough generations in the market. Its enduring success lies in the strong emotional connection it has built with generations of loyal customers and in its ability to consistently adapt to sector changes and new players, always with the right offer for families and smart shoppers.
This October, QTU celebrates its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of innovation, growth, and customer loyalty. The celebration, designed as a month long jubilee, opened with a powerful launch weekend featuring spectacular offers, festive activities, and a unique balloon-themed campaign. Balloons, chosen as the central creative symbol of festivity and memory, filled the mall with color, joy, and anticipation. The highlight was an extraordinary balloon drop activation, during which 1,500 discount vouchers were released, encouraging visitors not only to enjoy the opening weekend but also to return and shop throughout the entire month.
The results were remarkable: the anniversary opening weekend generated the highest footfall since the center’s last extension in 2018, creating record-breaking crowds both inside the mall and on the highway entrance leading to it. The balloon drop became a national talking point, gaining organic coverage across Albanian media portals – with headlines noting how “Albania prefers QTU” over other leisure and entertainment options.
The campaign combined emotional storytelling with strategic commercial objectives, resonating with all generations while significantly boosting sales and conversion rates. More than just a celebration, QTU’s 20th anniversary reaffirmed its role as Albania’s most beloved, family-oriented, and future-ready shopping center.
As part of BALFIN Group, QTU continues to lead the sector as a benchmark in customer experience created throuth the camapign, brand communication, and retail innovation in the country and the wider region.