McArthurGlen sales up 8 percent over Christmas

Designer outlet group McArthurGlen, which has 6 outlets across the UK, has reported an 8 percent increase in like-for-like sales over the Christmas period. With sales in three of its UK shopping centres recording its “strongest ever” trading figures as shoppers hit Ashford,

Cheshire Oaks and York stores to take advantage of up to 60 percent off on designer brands.

Sales at Ashford Designer Outlet, which has more than 80 stores, including Kurt Geiger and Reiss, saw an increase in like-for-like sales of 14 percent from October to December 2013, compared that period in 2012.

With post-boxing day sales increasing by 18 percent in the week December 26 to January 2, helped by more than 70,000 shoppers.

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet also recorded a year-on-year sales’ increase of 21 percent and attracted 162,000 shoppers over the seven days. While York Designer Outlet recorded its highest ever sales on Boxing Day with an uplift of 21 percent.

Categories that did particular well included sportswear and kidswear, both of which increased by 17 percent.

McArthurGlen’s UK managing director, Sven Gaede, said: “To build on our successful trading, as the trend for smart shopping rises, this year we are investing 35 million pounds into expanding Swindon Designer Outlet and we will be submitting planning permission to double the size of Ashford Designer Outlet, as well as carrying multi-million pound enhancements of Cheshire Oaks, Bridgend, East Midlands and York Designer Outlets.”

Swindon Designer Outlet gets 35 million pound extension

The expansion of the Swindon outlet will see the shopping centre adding 30 new stores, and 50,000 square feet of new retail space, bringing the total to 250,000 square feet.

This will be the third extension of Swindon Designer Outlet since it opened in 1997, it is hoped that the work will be completed in early 2015. The expansion will create 350 new jobs upon completion, increasing the total number of people employed at Swindon Designer Outlet to 1,100.

Image: McArthurGlen - Christmas at Ashford Designer Outlet