Frasers Plus Braehead is entering a new phase of investment-led growth, with significant new leisure operators, major retailer refurbishment and continued enhancement activity reinforcing its position as one of Scotland’s leading retail and leisure destinations.
The momentum is anchored by the forthcoming arrival of international leisure operator SuperPark, set to open this Summer. The highly anticipated experiential attraction marks one of the destination’s most significant leisure investments in recent years and reflects the continued evolution of its family-focused and experience-led offer.
The opening forms part of a wider programme of investment and enhancement activity taking place across the destination, demonstrating continued confidence in Frasers Plus Braehead’s long-term trading performance and future growth potential. Collectively, recent openings, refurbishments and announced investments represent a substantial commitment to the destination, reflecting continued confidence from both retailers and leisure operators.
Building on the momentum created by the arrival of footwear retailer OFFICE in December, Frasers Plus Braehead has continued to attract investment from leading brands, with several major reinvestments and new store openings already taking place this year.
Primark recently completed a major six-month refurbishment and expansion of its flagship store, increasing its footprint by 20% to 64,645 sq ft. Originally opening at the centre in 2001, the transformed store introduces the retailer’s latest in-store concept across fashion, beauty and homeware, designed to elevate the customer experience.
Further investment from existing occupiers includes a contemporary new-look store from H Samuel and an upgraded travel retail experience from TUI, all contributing to a stronger and more experience-led retail environment.
Frasers Plus Braehead has also welcomed British kitchenware brand ProCook, whose new 2,016 sq ft store introduces an interactive ‘try before you buy’ concept, further diversifying the destination’s home and lifestyle offer.
The centre is also continuing to strengthen the breadth of its retail mix, with the latest arrival of Savers further enhancing its health, beauty and value-led retail offer.
The investment momentum comes as several categories across the destination continue to outperform despite wider pressures on discretionary consumer spending. Health & Beauty, gifting and family-focused retail categories have demonstrated particularly resilient performance – seeing a continued demand for self-care, wellness and affordable treat purchases.
Shopper behaviour increasingly reflects a growing preference for destination-led visits, with customers combining retail, leisure and food & beverage into a single destination trip. This behaviour is continuing to support stronger family-led visitation and longer dwell times across the destination, further reinforcing its position as a leading all-day retail and leisure destination.
Together, these developments reflect the continued demand for high-quality, experience-led destinations and demonstrate the centres appeal to both leading retail brands and leisure operators.
Ashley Bisland, centre director at Frasers Plus Braehead, said: “The continued investment we’re seeing from both existing and incoming brands is a strong reflection of the confidence operators have in Frasers Plus Braehead and the experience we continue to deliver for visitors.
“As consumer expectations continue to evolve, destinations increasingly need to provide more than just shopping. Frasers Plus Braehead’s strength lies in its ability to bring together retail, leisure, dining and entertainment within a single location, creating a destination that encourages longer visits and repeat footfall.
“The upcoming opening of SuperPark represents another significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of the destination and further strengthens our family-focused and experience-led offer. Combined with continued reinvestment from existing occupiers, it demonstrates the long-term appeal of the centre for both retailers and leisure operators.
“We remain focused on continuing to enhance the visitor experience and curating a strong and balanced mix of brands and attractions that supports long-term sustainable growth across the destination.”
Further leasing announcements and openings are expected throughout the year as Frasers Plus Braehead continues to build on its ambitious growth strategy.
