Fashion label BOSS has signed for a 4,126 sq ft store at Cotswolds Designer Outlet, which is due to open this summer.
More than 133,600 sq ft of space has now either exchanged or is in solicitors’ hands at the centre, which will bring the scheme to 98% let on opening.
Following the success of the Phase One leasing campaign, developer Robert Hitchins is expecting to bring forward Phase Two of Cotswolds Designer Outlet earlier than originally anticipated, which will extend the outlet by a further circa 50,000 sq ft.
Simon Tothill, property and development director at Robert Hitchins, said: “We have curated the line-up of Cotswolds Designer Outlet to offer the best of British and international fashion brands like BOSS, M&S, Adidas, Levi’s, Radley and GUESS as well as other popular homewares, leisure and lifestyle names, in a classic Cotswolds setting with an elevated customer-focused environment. To launch a new retail scheme that is nearly fully let is a real message of confidence from retail brands who can see the huge potential for a fresh, modern outlet retail destination that sets a new bar for the industry.
“Our ambitions were bold, but we had faith in the demand for a high-quality destination in this location, which is accessible to such an extensive catchment, and able to draw shoppers from across the region and tourists visiting the area from across the globe. With our own home in this location, we were resolute about creating a development that could be an aesthetically pleasing blend while delivering long term economic benefit for the region.
“We’ve been able to curate the overall experience in great detail to capture the best of the outlet model, creating a destination that is inclusive and accessible for shoppers with a high-quality guest services experience that will make every visit memorable.”
Christine Grace, leasing director at Multi-Realm, which has been leading on the leasing activity at the centre and will manage and operate the asset once it opens, added: “To deliver an almost fully let retail destination of this scale three months ahead of completion is testament to the appeal of the Cotswold Designer Outlet and to the vision and commitment of the team working on this project. Together with Robert Hitchins we have worked hard to create a perfect blend of leading names, bringing the very best global labels and brands to the scheme.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that there remains strong demand amongst occupiers for high quality sites in convenient locations and highlights the ongoing attractiveness of the outlet sector amongst brands and investors. The success of this scheme proves that there remains a bright future for physical retail, but only if you curate an attractive and compelling space and have the relationships and data-driven approach needed to sign up global brands.”
