European owner, developer and manager of designer outlets, McArthurGlen Group, has announced that it has seen footfall across its portfolio stabilise, with almost 45 million guests visiting the group’s centres globally in the six months from 1 May to 1 November 2021.
The group attributes the recovery to effectively activating its local catchments and seeing resilient performance from domestic and European tourism.
McArthurGlen also noted a significant change in consumer spending habits. Across all 26 of its centres, customers have come back with a much stronger intent to purchase which is also driving performance. Since the centres re-opened, each guest is spending over 11% more during their visit vs 2019, and at the same time, they are spending 9% more in each individual store vs 2019.
“After the pandemic we have benefitted from a renewed desire from customers to enjoy the emotional connection of shopping, and the demand from our local catchment has been stronger than ever,” said Susie McCabe, co-CEO.
“Throughout this time, we have focussed on delivering a safe and enjoyable open air shopping experience for our guests. We are consistently evolving to address changing consumer shopping habits and have therefore invested in enhanced services and facilities, including digital shopping capabilities, sustainability initiatives and elevated leisure offerings.”
“Our centres have always been home to the world’s most prestigious luxury, designer, and premium brands, and this year we have further elevated our offering, welcoming Givenchy, Off-White, Valentino and Celine to name a few,” she continued.
“The all-important Christmas period is still to come, and we feel positive about 2021 and beyond. We’re pleased to report that despite lengthy centre closures due to Covid-19 lockdowns, we are on track to exceed our sales expectations for the second half of this year.”
