Realm, the UK’s market-leading operator of outlet retail, has secured a flurry of lettings at Livingston Designer Outlet. The deals bring the total volume of retail space exchanged in the past year to 25,335 sq ft, with brands including Barbour, Timberland and Hugo Boss all committing to the scheme.
Barbour, the iconic British manufacturer of wax jackets, will be bringing its rich heritage of countryside wear to Livingston Designer Outlet in July. The retailer will be taking a 1,601 sq ft unit. Hot on its heels, iconic American footwear manufacturer Timberland has signed to take 3,181 sq ft, with the brand offering discounts on its distinct boots as well as outside wear, watches and sunglasses.
In addition to these new names, luxury fashion retailer Hugo Boss has committed to a long-term lease at the scheme, following the success of its initial pop up. The news is testament to the solid trading platform the Outlet provides and will see the brand commit to a 5 year lease term in a 2,873 sq ft unit. To cater for the increased demand for the Hugo Boss brand from the Livingston consumer, the designer favourite will undertake a significant shop refit. This will enable the introduction of an enhanced range of men’s wear to the designer outlet.
These results are the outcome of Realm’s proactive asset management strategy on behalf of its client La Salle Investment Management. Since Realm was appointed in 2013, occupancy rates have increased by ten per cent to 95 per cent let.
Colin Brooks, Managing Director of Realm, commented: “The last year has seen an impressive mix of premium and high-street retailers introduced to Livingston Designer Outlet. These complement the diverse brands already at the scheme and are evidence of our strategy to secure high quality tenants that enhance the retail experience. Despite the current trend for more prudent spending habits in full-price retail, retailers are recognising the growing popularity of discount shopping among consumers, and the attributed turnover that can result from this.
“As a result, we are seeing different brands breaking the market. This has had a positive impact on existing players who are making the additional investment to bring shop fit-outs in line with full-price stores, as evidenced by Hugo Boss’ additional outlay at Livingston. As we continue to see UK and international consumers favouring the premium sector, we expect this to continue.”
A total of 14 new brands have committed to the 299,177 sq ft scheme, which is largest designer outlet in Scotland, during this period. These include Lindt Chocolate Shop, Skopes, Vans, Playtex, White Stuff, Original Penguin, Graham & Brown, Hamley’s and Prezzo, which are all trading well alongside the existing line-up that includes Ted Baker, Fred Perry, Lacoste and The North Face. Livingston Designer Outlet welcomes 6.5 million customers on an annual basis, including increasing numbers in international visitors thanks to the Outlet’s adjacency to key transport hubs in Scotland.
The outlet sector is enjoying unprecedented levels of growth in the UK, with outlets managed by Realm seeing footfall increase by 10.7 per cent this year, testament to the increasing appeal of discount shopping to consumers and the high calibre of retailers that Realm has secured.