‘Man dash’ thanked for rise in sales

The outlet store has thanked the traditional ‘Man Dash’ in the run-up to Christmas as driving particularly strong sales in the popular gift choices.

Perfume and cosmetics were up 15 per cent, lingerie (up 8 per cent), sportswear (up 19 per cent) and entertainment sales also proved to be a winning category with an increase of 36 per cent like-for-like sales.

Kenny Murray, centre manager, said: “Our Christmas trading results yet again highlights that a visit to McArthurGlen’s East Midlands Designer Outlet continues to become an increasingly popular way to shop.

“Year-round savings of up to 60 per cent on the most sought-after designer and lifestyle brands in a premium shopping environment makes the centre irresistible to those living in the East Midlands.”

The outlet has more than 70 stores, including the likes of Jaeger, Kurt Geiger, Fossil, Watch Station and Calvin Klein, Lacoste, Gap and Ben Sherman.

International shoppers also contributed to strong pre-Christmas trading with tax free spend up 35 per cent year on year for November and December figures expected to show strong growth.

Nick Bubb, retail consultant, said: “In what was a very promotional environment in December in clothing retailing, McArthurGlen’s distinct package of designer brands and savings in an attractive environment stood out to both domestic and overseas shoppers.

“McArthurGlen’s designer outlets give consumers access to aspirational fashion brands that aren’t widely available, and at discounts that seem more genuine than during the Christmas promotional frenzy seen at many multiple retailers.”