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Factory outlets
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 public 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 plan.
Paul Knight was instrumental in the development and operation of Clarks Village
and has since had a direct and varying involvement in the following Projects over
the last 11 years:
- Clarks Village Designer Outlet (UK)
- K Village Designer Outlet (UK)
- The Yorkshire Designer Outlet (UK)
- Royal Quays Designer Outlet (UK)
- Loch Lomond (UK)
- Rolling Stock (UK)
- City West Designer Outlet, Dublin Republic of Ireland
- Peak Village, Derbyshire (UK)
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- Atlantic Village Designer Outlet (UK)
- Gretna Gateway Designer Outlet (UK)
- Arlandastad Designer Outlet (Sweden)
- Zweibrueken Designer Outlet (Germany)
- Ardennes Designer Outlet, Verviers (Belgium)
- Rathdowney Designer Outlet (Republic of Ireland)
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…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 are unique in that we have expertise from Developer’s, Retailer’s
and Operator’s perspectives and are able to provide independent and unbiased
advice to all stakeholders in this fast evolving area of the retail market. |
