As the grand unveiling of the UK’s exclusive new outlet retail destination in 2025 fast approaches, the Cotswolds Designer Outlet has revealed an array of new lettings that are set to impress.
Leading the pack is the global fashion powerhouse, BOSS, alongside a diverse mix of brands spanning fashion, athleisure, beauty, homewares, and dining sectors. Notable names such as Marks and Spencer, Adidas, Levi’s, GUESS, and Radley are already on board, with more prominent brand announcements expected soon.
The team behind The Cotswolds Designer Outlet has received an overwhelming response from brands, ensuring that the outlet will be nearly fully occupied by the time it opens its doors this summer. This surge of interest is seen as a substantial endorsement of the UK outlet market and underscores the enduring appeal of the sector among occupiers.
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The prime location of the outlet, situated just off Junction 9 of the M5 and in close proximity to Tewkesbury, equidistant from Bristol and Birmingham, makes it particularly appealing to brands looking to tap into a sizable regional and tourist catchment for their UK market positioning.
The Cotswolds Designer Outlet is a pivotal element of a grand vision for the region, promising to bring in substantial investment. The project boasts around 260,000 sq ft of retail, food and drink, and leisure space, encompassing both the outlet and the Dobbies Garden Centre, as reported by Gloucestershire Live.
Nestled at the gateway to the Cotswolds, the development has been meticulously crafted, drawing inspiration from classic Cotswold architecture and materials. Emphasizing a focus on wellbeing, the outlet is set to be a haven for nature lovers, featuring a wildflower meadow, native planting, and landscaping that seamlessly blends into its beautiful surroundings.
Shoppers will be delighted to know that they can bring their four-legged friends along, and there will be an emphasis on wellbeing, with plans including ‘motorway-pause’ walking routes, chill-out seating areas, and dedicated play zones for the little ones.
With 44 brands already securing a total of 110,000 sq ft of Phase 1, the outlet is well on its way to reaching 98% of GLA (gross leasable area) before its opening. Alongside renowned brands such as BOSS, Marks and Spencer, Adidas, and Levi’s, numerous national and international brands are currently preparing to set up shop and hire staff.
Following the initial phase’s success, developers Robert Hitchins and Multi-Realm are gearing up to accelerate the launch of Phase 2, which will add approximately 50,000 square feet to the shopping area.
Standing at the grand entrance of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet is the Dobbie’s Garden Centre, a family-friendly establishment that has already welcomed the public in 2022. It features a Little Seedlings soft play area and a spacious 10,000 square foot restaurant.
But that’s not all – top-tier homebuilders Persimmon, Charles Church, Barratt Homes, and Vistry are diligently working on over 1,500 new homes, complete with community facilities. All of these are part of the massive 250-acre master plan helmed by Robert Hitchins.
This ambitious project is unfolding against a backdrop of planning green lights, infrastructural upgrades, and connectivity projects already in place.
This joint venture is poised to give the local economy a substantial boost, creating hundreds of jobs and firmly establishing the Cotswolds as a must-visit destination, appealing not only to locals and regional visitors but also to tourists from all corners of the globe.
Simon Tothill, the Property and Development Director at Robert Hitchins Ltd, expressed his excitement for the Cotswolds Designer Outlet project, emphasizing the careful curation of the outlet’s line-up. He highlighted the outlet’s setting in the classic Cotswolds, elevating the customer experience and offering a diverse range of British and international fashion brands.
Tothill also underscored their faith in the demand for a high-quality destination in this accessible location that is capable of drawing shoppers from across the region and the globe.
Christine Grace, Leasing Director at outlet specialist Realm, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the appeal of the Cotswolds Designer Outlet as well as the vision and commitment of the team working on the project. She highlighted the attractive blend of leading names and the strong demand among occupiers for high-quality sites in convenient locations.