Strong, H1 performance drives continued retailer confidence across Dalton Park and Livingston Designer Outlet

Strong first half trading performance has supported continued brand investment across two outlet destinations managed by Global Mutual, Dalton Park and Livingston Designer Outlet. More than ten leasing transactions were completed during H1 2026, including new lettings, store expansions, lease renewals and store refits, reflecting continued commitment from both new and existing retail partners.

The leasing activity has been accompanied by another strong period of trading across both destinations. Dalton Park achieved year-on-year sales growth of 4.7% during the first half of the year, while Livingston Designer Outlet recorded a 3.8% year-on-year increase in sales alongside a 3.1% year-on-year uplift in footfall, providing a strong commercial foundation for continued brand investment, leasing momentum and destination evolution.

At Dalton Park, a series of strategic lettings has continued to strengthen the destination’spremium fashion offer while giving customers even greater choice from sought-after brands. The arrival of Hobbs, Whistles and Phase Eight, alongside Belstaff, reflects continued investment from leasing retailers and further enhances the destination’s appeal. This has been complemented by ongoing lease renewals and retailer reinvestment, reinforcing Dalton Park’s long-term proposition.

Alongside leasing activity, Dalton Park has continued to invest in customer experiences that directly support commercial performance. Wellness Week generated a 27.8% uplift in health and wellbeing sales, bringing together brands and community partners through free activities, expert-led sessions and exclusive offers. The campaign demonstrated how destination-led initiatives can strengthen customer engagement while delivering measurable commercial benefits for brands.

Livingston Designer Outlet has also seen continued investment from both new and existing retail partners throughout H1. Existing brands have continued to reinvest in the destination, with Nike committing to a significant expansion, alongside lease renewals including Lindt and store refits including Castore and NEXT. The destination has also welcomed Hamilton & Brown and Tikka Nation, further strengthened the retail and food and beverage offer.

Investment has also continued to support commercial performance. Livingston Designer Outlet’s four-day April Discount Event delivered the strongest trading period of the year, with sales increasing by 72% year-on-year and footfall rising by 37% year-on-year. Momentum continued beyond the event itself, with sales remaining almost 30% ahead of the previous year and footfall increasing by 31% the following week, demonstrating that the campaign’s commercial impact extended beyond the event itself.

Nicky Lovell, Head of Outlets and Retail Business Development at Global Mutual, said: “Strong trading performance creates confidence, but it’s the decisions brands make to invest, expand and renew their commitment to a destination that really demonstrates long-term success.Across Dalton Park and Livingston Designer Outlet, we’ve continued to see that confidence translated into action, with brands investing through new stores, upsizes, lease renewals and refits.

Our focus is not simply to fill units. It is to strengthen the retail offer, create stronger reasons to visit and help retailers trade successfully over the long term.”

The first half of 2026 demonstrates Global Mutual’s long-term approach to active outlet asset management, combining strategic leasing, retailer partnerships and destination investment to support sustainable growth. With further leasing activity planned across both destinations, Dalton Park and Livingston Designer Outlet remain well positioned to build on this momentum during the second half of the year.