EXCITED businessowners are celebrating a “boom” in sales following a dramatic surge in customers last month.
Traders based at the McArthurGlen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet have reported an eight per cent climb in total sales for the month of June, as well as a five per cent uplift in like-for-like sales.
The centre also experienced a three per cent increase in footfall as shoppers picked up outfits for occasions such as Chester races, trips abroad and summer weddings.
Cheshire Oaks centre manager, Colin Wilding said: “When shoppers have less disposable income and reduced spending power, our proposition comes into its own, fuelling the demand for high-quality products at lower prices. These occasions simulate purchasing reasons for consumers, and increasingly put our centres on the map for tourists, particularly our York, Ashford and Cheshire Oaks outlets.”
Sales of designer collections also soared by more than 25 per cent last month, including brands such as Armani, LK Bennett and Karen Millen.
Retail analyst at Verdict Research, Charlotte Woods, added: “This positive trend is not surprising.
“Despite the prevalence of austerity measures, special occasions such as weddings are still a part of consumers’ lives encouraging them to buy new outfits, and outlet destinations provide an opportunity for shoppers to make these purchases at a discount.
“The success of outlet villages can be attributed to their extensive range of entertainment and services, such as restaurants, which act to enhance consumers’ day out and increase the time they spend shopping.”