In 1993 the American concept of “Factory Outlet” retailing was imported to the UK by C&J Clark Ltd. Up until then hundreds of UK manufacturers and Brands had traditional “back door” factory shops which were the preserve of only the most dedicated Outlet shoppers who were prepared to seek out these unsophisticated shops, trading from obscure locations, on industrial estates with limited facilities to deal with the public.

The US had already raced ahead with the development of hundreds of purpose-built "Designer Outlet Malls" giving the Brands the opportunity to liquidate excess inventory direct to the public, in more appropriate environments and locations that were unlikely to undermine mainstream distribution channels.

The UK consumer also responded well to the Designer Outlet concept and, like our American cousins, few could resist the opportunity to buy their favourite Brands at heavily discounted prices (even if the merchandise was often in last season’s colours).


When the pioneering Clarks Village opened its doors to the public on 14th August 1993 it heralded the arrival of the outlet concept in the UK. The centre won the British Council of Shopping Centres Award for innovation in 1995 and the last 10 years has seen the market grow at a rapid pace with nearly 40 self-styled Designer Outlet Centres being built.

Not all developers have had due regard to the fundamental factors which determine the success of such developments resulting in a wide variance between the best and worst performing centres. The next 10 years is likely to see continued consolidation within the Sector as well as the failure of some of those centres that were built on less than sound assumptions.

Unlike traditional retail leases the landlord shares the risk with the tenants through the uniform application of turnover rents. This has meant that the best operators have shared in the success of those centres that have exceeded expectations whilst others have shared the pain in those centres that failed to achieve their original goals.

Paul Knight was instrumental in the development and operation of Clark’s Village and has since had a direct and varying involvement in the following projects over the last 16 years:

…and has worked within the sector with some of the world’s leading brands including Clarks, Polo Ralph Lauren, Versace, Burberry, Versace, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Tag Heuer, Etienne Aigner, Nike, Mandarina Duck, Body Shop, Next, Jaeger, Alexon, Viyella, Windsmoor, Edinburgh Woolen Mill, Reebok, Thorntons, Cadburys, Pilot, claire.dk, Stefanel, Mango, Halhuber, Wedgwood Waterford, Villeroy & Boch, Edinburgh Crystal, Dartington, Denby, Royal Worcester, Royal Brierley, Triumph, Gossard, Playtex, Warners, CK, Van Heusen, Monsoon, Moss Bros, Laura Ashley, Crabtree & Evelyn, Wrangler, Levis, Panama Jack, Black & Decker, Whittards, Ponden Mill, Pierre Cardin, Jane Shilton, Goldpfeil, Bison BQ, John Partridge, Tog 24, Rohan, Esprit, Liz Claiborne, Mexx, Trussardi to name but a few.

We have also provided discreet and confidential consultancy services to a number of other clients either already active in, or planning exposure to, this fascinating sector.

We have expertise from Developer’s, Retailer’s and Investors’s perspectives and are able to provide independent and unbiased advice to all stakeholders in this maturing sector of the retail market.