London Designer Outlet (LDO) in Wembley Park started the year with a bang as price-conscious consumers boosted revenues, with the January trading period confirmed as the best month on record for the capital’s leading outlet centre. The centre is celebrating a record-breaking trajectory, having also smashed pandemic revenue levels in the previous month.
January trading sales at the capital’s leading premium fashion and lifestyle outlet destination surmounted to over £6.5m – representing a significant year-on-year increase of 27.6% compared to 2022 and 14.6% on pre-pandemic levels (2019). Mixed fashion made up for the highest percentage of sales (+27%), followed closely by sports (+22%), spurred on by the recent upsizing’s and flagships stores available at the LDO.
The trading figures demonstrate the continued allure of outlets as consumers continue to battle with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, and savvy shoppers hunt for ways to save money on their favourite purchases, with LDO offering year-round savings of up to 70 per cent off RRP.
Average transaction value (ATV) was up 17.8% in January versus pre-pandemic levels, bolstered by the introduction of a number of major store upgrades, including new flagship concepts from adidas, Nike, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, and the arrival of new brands including The Cosmetic Company Outlet.
Matt Slade, retail director at Quintain, said: “It is reassuring to see a continued strong sales performance as we kick off 2023, despite the sustained cost-of-living crisis and continued slew of strikes. This record-breaking January follows an equally record-breaking December, demonstrating the significance of perceived value – shoppers will continue spending on their favourite brands if they are getting good value for money. Over the past year we have introduced a host of new brands and retail experiences to LDO, including the introduction of new flagship concepts from our successful brand partners such as adidas, Nike and Tommy Hilfiger. This gives our guests access to a quality shopping experience, akin to full-price destinations, but with the added benefit of outlet prices.”
LDO sits at the heart of Wembley Park. Situated just 12 minutes from central London, it is the capital’s best-connected outlet centre and is easily reached by three tube lines, two train lines, eight bus routes, plus ample car parking.
LDO is one of only a few outlet centres in Europe that blends retail, F&B, leisure and events in an easy-to-reach urban setting. The centre, managed by Realm – the UK’s specialist outlet operator – provides 265,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, including 70 outlet stores, restaurants and coffee shops.
