Brands land at Cotswolds Designer Outlet ahead of summer opening
The Cotswolds Designer Outlet, the UK’s major new shopping outlet, has confirmed a flurry of new lettings three months before it launches.
Over 133,600 sq ft of space is now either exchanged or in solicitors’ hands, bringing the scheme to 98% let ahead of the Phase 1 opening. The average lease length is five years.
Developed by investor Robert Hitchins and asset managed by Multi-Realm, Cotswolds Designer Outlet forms part of a broader long-term plan for the area, aimed at driving significant investment into the region.
The Cotswolds Designer Outlet, the UK’s major new shopping outlet, has confirmed a flurry of new lettings three months before it launches.
Over 133,600 sq ft of space is now either exchanged or in solicitors’ hands, bringing the scheme to 98% let ahead of the Phase 1 opening. The average lease length is five years.
Developed by investor Robert Hitchins and asset managed by Multi-Realm, Cotswolds Designer Outlet forms part of a broader long-term plan for the area, aimed at driving significant investment into the region.
This project includes the creation of circa 260,000 sq ft of retail, F&B, and leisure space through both the outlet site and the adjoining Dobbies Garden Centre.
To date, 110,000 sq ft of Phase 1 has been taken up by 44 brands, with more set to be announced soon. Fashion brand BOSS has signed for 4,126 sq ft, Marks & Spencer has agreed for a 7,845 sq ft. While Adidas and Levi’s have committed to stores of, 8,474 sq ft and 4,455 sq ft respectively.
The full line-up of confirmed brands set to launch at Cotswolds Designer Outlet in summer 2025 includes:
Fashion brands: BOSS, French Connection, Ben Sherman, Dune, Levi’s, Skopes, GUESS, Crew Clothing, Saltrock, Weird Fish, Marks & Spencer and Radley
Athleisure and outdoor brands: Adidas, Under Armour, Sweaty Betty, Regatta, Puma, Skechers, Mountain Warehouse, Craghoppers and Merrell
Lifestyle and homeware: Denby, Rituals, The Beauty Outlet, Tefal, ProCook, Bedeck, Chapelle, Perfume Shop, Yankee Candle, Clinton Cards and Animal
Casual dining and eateries: 200 Degrees, Pret A Manger, Five Guys, Zizzi, Wagamama, Caffè Nero, KNEAD Bakery, Cadburys and Lindt.
Adjacent to the entrance of Cotswolds Designer Outlet is a Dobbies Garden Centre, which opened in 2022. At the same time, housebuilders including Persimmon, Charles Church, Barratt Homes, and Vistry are all in the process of delivering over 1,500 new homes along with community facilities across the 250-acre site.
The wider development has been planned by Robert Hitchins, who secured planning consent and invested in extensive infrastructure and connectivity works, much of which has already been completed.
Simon Tothill, property & development director at Robert Hitchins, 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.
“Our ambitions were bold, but we had faith in the demand for a high-quality destination in this location, which is accessible to such an extensive catchment, and able to draw shoppers from across the region and tourists visiting the area from across the globe.
Christine Grace, leasing director at Multi-Realm, said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates that there remains strong demand among 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.”
Image from Robert Hitchins
