Affinity outlet shopping portfolio reaches 98% occupancy
Affinity, a portfolio of four outlet shopping centres owned by Frasers Group and asset managed by Global Mutual, has reached 98% occupancy after a strong start to 2025.
At Affinity Sterling Mills in Scotland, footfall increased by 30% year-on-year and overall sales were up by 4.14% during the first half of 2025. These results were aided by a range of tenant relocations from the likes of Beauty Outlet, Roman and Klass, as well as the arrival of Skechers in June.
Affinity Lancashire in Fleetwood remains fully let, with footfall also up by 4.68% year-on-year. Within the scheme, womenswear has recorded a 17.52% year-to-date increase, with the home category also performing well, at 11.64% up compared to the same period in 2024.
Meanwhile at Affinity Devon in Bideford, performance in the outdoor category has been particularly strong, with a 12% uplift compared to 2024. This was boosted by good weather which led to more visitors and tourists heading to the retail centre.
Finally, Affinity Staffordshire in Stoke-on-Trent has also seen strong leasing performance, with the centre fully let and 18 tenants committing to lease renewals, some for terms of up to seven years.
Across all four schemes, food and beverage has continued to emerge as a key growth area, with several operators reporting year-to-date sales increases of up to 18%.
Nicky Lovell, head of outlets and business development at Global Mutual, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the results achieved across all Affinity schemes in the first half of this year. Reaching this level of occupancy, alongside strong trading figures and a flurry of renewals, is a real testament to our team’s partnership-focused approach. What’s more, the continued growth in F&B, in particular, highlights how consumers are engaging more deeply with our centres as multi-purpose destinations – combining retail, dining and community.”