AROUND £7 million is to be invested in Livingston Designer Outlet, which has reported a solid increase in like-for-like sales and a rise in shoppers.
The owner-investment, which the centre says will transform the retail outlet to “create a new guest experience”, comes on the back of a rising number of brand names choosing to open stores in the designer centre, it said.
Calvin Klein, GUESS, Reiss and Under Armour have taken up residence in the last year and have “contributed to significant sales increase over the festive period”.
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The company said the investment move follows a strong performance in quarter four, which saw like for like sales grow by 5.4 per cent and footfall rise by 3%.
The centre was acquired by Blackstone in September 2017.
It opened in October 2000 and was rebranded in 2013 by retail asset management company Realm Ltd, who continue to manage the centre.
The refurbishment and rebrand aims to elevate the outlet’s proposition and “create a premium shopping experience for local, UK and international customers”.
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The revamp of its external and internal areas will include new flooring, lighting, social areas and an interactive customer services area, as well as enhanced lobbies and entrances.
Karen Stewart, manager at the centre, said: “The growing appeal for premium discount shopping and the introduction of several global designer brands at Livingston Designer Outlet, coupled with the significant investment will allow us to bring to life our ambition to be Scotland’s leading designer shopping destination, giving our customers an outstanding, truly unique experience and help us attract even more premium brands to join our growing portfolio.”
The centre has over 80 boutique shops, restaurants and cafés including Kurt Geiger, Ted Baker and Tommy Hilfiger, athletic labels Nike, New Balance and Adidas, and high street outlets such as M&S and Next.
Leisure facilities include a Vue Cinema with 3D screen.
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