The OUTLET in Banbridge has announced that sales were up a record 35% over the six week Christmas period. This figure was undoubtedly helped by the huge increase in traffic from the Republic of Ireland, up 150% year on year. The scheme also released figures stating that average spend rose by 17% year on year and like for like sales were up 31%.

The OUTLET reported in mid December that 55% of weekend visitors were from the Republic of Ireland, resulting in a 21% sales uplift. This upturn in spend and increased Southern traffic accelerated throughout the Christmas holidays as shoppers sought out last minute bargains and took advantage of the Boxing Day Clearance Sales. As a result the designer retail centre experienced the best six weeks of sales since opening in April 2007.

Euan Forbes, Centre Manager at The OUTLET commented: "We have clearly had a successful Christmas trading period. We benefited from a number of factors including the strength of the Euro and the recent VAT reduction. Value is important for all shoppers and these benefits and the fact that we offer up to 70% off every day obviously appealed to Southern shoppers. They come to The OUTLET to take advantage of the value on offer and to shop retailers such as GAP, Timberland, VANS and Fat Face. These retailers, among many others, are not available elsewhere in Ireland in the outlet format.”

Euan goes on to add: “We also registered an increase in local shoppers too. Clearly this is something we are happy with, whilst the retail environment is tough – our offering of designer goods at great value is proving popular with shoppers from all over Ireland.”

The designer outlet centre is strategically positioned on the A1 between Newry and Belfast and was specifically created to cater for shoppers from across Ireland. Euan feels this strategy is paying dividends: “All of Northern Ireland will have felt the benefit of a stronger Euro as it makes sense for Southern visitors to take advantage of better value. They visit The OUTLET because we are easy to get to, offer free parking and they can shop in a relaxed retail environment. Many shoppers also took the opportunity to explore further afield in Northern Ireland and we actively encourage them to visit Banbridge and explore the local attractions in the area. Frankly we are delighted we are becoming such as a popular retail destination.”

Euan concludes: “Our anchor tenants are performing incredibly well, in many cases at the top of their respective UK portfolios. We appreciate the retail sector is facing huge challenges although firmly believe we are well positioned to continue performing in 2009.”

The OUTLET offers free parking for over 1500 cars. The £70 million retail outlet centre comprises 80 retail units arranged in a curved design stretching one third of a mile. The OUTLET is the first phase of the 1.2 million sq ft (111,480 sq m) Bridgewater Park scheme.

Source: www.the-outlet.co.uk, 08 january 2009