Like-for-like sales at McArthurglen’s seven UK designer outlet centres rose 10% in January compared to the same period last year.

All the McArthurglen centres, which offer discounts of up to 60% off high end fashion labels such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Armani and Ted Baker, recorded like-for-like sales rises. The York centre was the best performing, with like-for-like sales up 17%, followed by a 13% rise in Swindon and a 10% increase at Cheshire Oaks, just outside Chester.

McArthurglen said that its more premium brands were among the strongest performing categories.

Total sales across the McArthurglen centres were up 12% and footfall rose 9% in January.

McArthurglen’s UK and northern Europe managing director, Henrik Madsen, said the sales growth followed a record Christmas for the company.He said: “This increase comes despite strong competition from heavy discounting by retailers on the high street. Our centres are also benefiting from more affluent customers experiencing our designer and fashion brand offer, which in turn is helping push up sales.”

McArthurglen’s other UK centres include Ashford in Kent, Livingstone in West Lothian, the East Midlands in Derbyshire, and Bridgend in South Wales.

The group has 17 outlet centres across Europe. Sales across all 17 of its centres rose 8% on a like-for-like basis last month.

By Marino Donati

Source : www.drapersonline.com, 19 February, 2009