A host of brands are due to open at the UK’s newest designer retail outlet this year, Retail Week can reveal.
The Cotswolds Designer Outlet will open in summer 2025 and 98% of the site will be let on opening.
Fashion label Boss leads a line-up of a range of fashion, athleisure, beauty, homewares and restaurants, including Marks & Spencer, Adidas, and Levi’s.
For phase one of the opening, 110,000 sq ft has already been let to 44 brands, with more to be announced soon.
Brands confirmed for the line-up include: Boss, Adidas, Animal, Ben Sherman, Denby, French Connection, Radley, Rituals, Dune, Levi’s, Under Armour, Skopes, Guess, Saltrock, The Beauty Outlet, M&S, Weird Fish, Sweaty Betty, Regatta, Puma, Skechers, Mountain Warehouse, ProCook, Cadburys, Lindt, Tefal, Craghoppers, Crew Clothing, Bedeck, Chapelle, The Perfume Shop, Merrell, Pavers, Yankee Candle, and Clinton Cards.
Food and beverage units include: 200 Degrees, Pret A Manger, Five Guys, Zizzi, Wagamama, Caffe Nero, and KNEAD Bakery.
Dobbie’s Garden Centre plays a central role as the unit is at the entrance to the outlet. It opened in 2022 and includes a soft play area and a 10,000 sq ft restaurant.
The outlet has been designed and inspired by the area’s architecture, allowing dog-friendly shopping. Additionally, a focus on wellbeing will be core to its operation.
This includes plans for “motorway-pause” walking routes, seating areas for relaxing, and space for children’s play.
Hundreds of jobs have been created, giving an economic boost to the Cotswolds area. Regional developer and investor Robert Hitchins, along with specialist manager of retail and leisure destinations, Multi-Realm, have been responsible for the brands occupying phase one.
They are expected to bring forward phase two earlier than anticipated, and it will extend the outlet by approximately 50,000 sq ft.
Robert Hitchins property and development director Simon Tothill said: “To launch a new retail scheme that is nearly fully let is a real message of confidence from retail brands who can see the huge potential for a fresh, modern outlet retail destination that sets a new bar for the industry.
“With our own home in this location, we were resolute about creating a development that could be an aesthetically pleasing blend while delivering long term economic benefit for the region. We’ve been able to curate the overall experience in great detail to capture the best of the outlet model, creating a destination that is inclusive and accessible for shoppers with a high-quality guest services experience that will make every visit memorable.”
Multi-Realm leasing director Christine Grace added: “To deliver an almost fully let retail destination of this scale three months ahead of completion is testament to the appeal of the Cotswold Designer Outlet and to the vision and commitment of the team working on this project.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates that there remains strong demand amongst occupiers for high quality sites in convenient locations and highlights the ongoing attractiveness of the outlet sector among brands and investors.
“The success of this scheme proves that there remains a bright future for physical retail, but only if you curate an attractive and compelling space and have the relationships and data-driven approach needed to sign up global brands.”
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