Designer outlet books sales rise

Livingston Designer Outlet has highlighted a solid rise in sales against a backdrop of “prudent consumer habits”.

The West Lothian shopping mall said it had experienced a 6.4 per cent rise in like-for-like sales, with Boxing Day proving to be its busiest day of 2017.

The centre, which opened in October 2000 as Mcarthur Glen before being acquired and rebranded in 2013, plays hosts to more than 80 bou- tique shops, restaurants and cafes including fashion brands Kurt Geiger, Ted Baker and Tommy Hilfiger, athletic labels Nike and New Balance, and-high-streetstalwart sm&s and Next.

Karen Stewart, Livingston Designer Outlet centre manager, said: “Despite current prudent consumer habits, we’re pleased to report a continued period of growth at Livingston Designer Outlet as we enter into the first months of 2018 on a high-note.

“Boxing Day was our busi- est day of 2017 and with outlet shopping really beginning to gain acceptance, we’re seeing a positive impact from both brands and consumers.”

Figures this week from the Scottish Retail Consortium pointed to a “final flourish” for retail sales during the festive period after a tough year.

Total sales in December rose by 0.8 per cent compared with the same period in 2016, when they had grown by 0.7 per cent. This bucked the trend over the negative three-month and 12-month averages.