Jack Wills is set to open its first outlet store in Lincolnshire at Springfields Outlet, the leading shopping and leisure destination in the East of England. Sanderson Leisure and Retail (SLR) has secured the retailer, the scheme’s fourth new signing in as many months.
The British-heritage inspired clothing retailer, known for its high-quality wardrobe classics is set to open a 1,500 sq ft unit at Springfields Outlet. It will boost the fashion line-up at the centre, joining other top brands including Joules, White Stuff, GAP, Next and Fat Face.
Ian Sanderson, Director of SLR, said: “The importance of an integrated, experiential, f&b and leisure offer, alongside a strong retail provision is increasingly attracting customers from further afield and encouraging visitors to stay for longer, to the benefit of retailers. The expectation of being able to shop at discount all year round has positioned the outlet sector as offering the best of both worlds: year-round discounts and the opportunity to try a product before making a purchase. Consequently, the outlet sector is increasingly becoming part of retailers’ strategies, resulting in new, premium, signings at Springfields.”
Home to 54 outlet stores, the retail offer at the destination is complemented by a comprehensive and integrated, casual dining and leisure offer. As outlet continues to go mainstream and attract more customers, the importance of creating a day-out destination that appeals to the whole family increases. Research by Pragma Consulting shows that the inclusion of leisure is increasingly important in driving footfall to a scheme and the combination at Springfields has increasingly attracted visitors looking for a memorable day out.
Owned by the Triton Property Fund, managed by UBS, £1.2 million has recently been invested into the expansion of the centre’s innovative leisure offer, Springfields Adventure Land. The new attraction, which opened this summer, has played a key role in defining Springfields Outlet as a destination. The leisure offer has contributed to a significant rise in both like-for-like footfall and revenue.
Located in south Lincolnshire, the scheme is easily accessible, and sits close to the junction of the A16 and A17, near three major arterial roads providing easy access to Peterborough, Stamford, Nottingham, Lincoln and Kings Lynn. The catchment of 1.24 million is expected to increase by a faster rate than the UK average, up +8.1 per cent to 2025, compared to +6.5 per cent nationally.
Since launch, Springfields Outlet has an average occupancy rate above 98 per cent and has achieved 13 years of consecutive turnover growth since opening in 2004. The scheme includes 54 outlet stores, nine restaurants, a 58,000 sq ft garden centre and a 43-bedroom hotel.
Agents for Springfields Outlet are SPACE Retail Property Consultants and Knight Frank.
