Realm lets over 34,000 sq ft of outlet space

Outlet operator Realm has completed a flurry of lettings to a number of retailers, securing over 34,000 sq ft of space.

At the London and Livingston Designer Outlets, Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, The North Face and Levi’s have signed a total of 17,247 sq ft for major upsizes. New arrivals at the schemes include Carvela, Lyle and Scott, Timberland, and Sole Trader.

Meanwhile, footwear brand Skechers and Radley London have signed new leases at Lakeside Village in Doncaster.

Realm said that many retailers are looking to capitalise on the ongoing strong performance at outlet centres, with fashion houses choosing to relocate or upsize allowing them to increase their offer and introduce new product lines.

Brands are also choosing to invest in their stores to create a ‘flagship experience’, Realm said. As a result, retailers are opting to invest in visual merchandising, digital screens, and in-store technology.

Christine Grace, leasing director at Realm, said: “We are clearly seeing both a desire for growth and consolidation behind these deals as brands have become increasingly at ease with the outlook for the outlet sector. Outlet shopping as a concept in the UK has been maturing; greater investment and sophistication in stock packages, promotion and general store presentation is tangibly paying off and customers whether new or existing are wholeheartedly embracing the change. Whilst consumer confidence may currently be low, faith in outlets from brands, and shoppers, is very much the opposite.”