The countdown is on for the much-anticipated opening of Cotswolds Designer Outlet, with excitement growing further as its retail operations manager Multi-Realm reveals a major designer clothing label has secured space at the brand-new shopping venue.
Cotswolds Designer Outlet is the only major new outlet planned for the UK in 2025, set to open in July, with global fashion label BOSS joining a lineup of fashion, athleisure, beauty, homewares and dining brands that includes M&S, Adidas, Levi's and GUESS – with even more still to be announced in coming weeks.
Regional developer and investor Robert Hitchins Ltd teamed up with Multi-Realm to successfully deliver the Phase One lineup of stores.
Property and development director at Robert Hitchins, Simon Tothill, said: 'To launch a new retail scheme that is nearly fully let is a real message of confidence from retail brands who can see the huge potential for a fresh, modern outlet retail destination that sets a new bar for the industry.
'Our ambitions were bold, but we had faith in the demand for a high-quality destination in this location, which is accessible to such an extensive catchment and able to draw shoppers from across the region and tourists visiting the area from across the globe.
At its location just off Junction 9 of the M5, its setting is 'at the gateway to the Cotswolds', with the scheme following a carefully designed plan inspired by classic Cotswolds architecture and materials – which will incorporate a wildflower meadow and other indigenous planting.
Simon added: 'With our own home in this location, we were resolute about creating a development that could be an aesthetically pleasing blend while delivering long term economic benefit for the region.
'We’ve been able to curate the overall experience in great detail to capture the best of the outlet model, creating a destination that is inclusive and accessible for shoppers with a high-quality guest services experience that will make every visit memorable.'
This method of thinking has led to the impressive pre-letting status of Phase One, with a total of 110,000 sq ft committed by 44 brands to date — and the outlet is also on target to have let 98 per cent of the gross leasable area ahead of the July opening.
Alongside BOSS and the aforementioned fashion brands, the other national and international brands currently fitting out and recruiting include Rituals, Tefal, The Perfume Shop and ProCook, alongside F&B brands such as Wagamamas, Five Guys, Zizzi, Pret a Manger and Caffe Nero.
Independent Gloucestershire brand KNEAD Bakery is expanding with its first outlet location, too.
The success of Phase One has brought Phase Two forward, with Multi-Realm and Robert Hitchins expected to extend the outlet provision by a further circa 50,000 sq ft.
Christine Grace, leasing director at Multi-Realm said: 'To deliver an almost fully let retail destination of this scale three months ahead of completion is testament to the appeal of the Cotswold Designer Outlet and to the vision and commitment of the team working on this project.
'This announcement demonstrates that there remains strong demand amongst occupiers for high quality sites in convenient locations and highlights the ongoing attractiveness of the outlet sector amongst brands and investors.
'The success of this scheme proves that there remains a bright future for physical retail but only if you curate an attractive and compelling space and have the relationships and data-driven approach needed to sign up global brands.'
