Easter‘a huge success’for Designer Outlet
Livingston Designer Outlet is reporting encouraging sales and footfall increases over the Easter holiday period that indicate a return in consumer confidence post-pandemic.
Compared with 2019, sales across Easter holidays (April 1 to April 18) were up by 27 per cent with footfall down marginally by 7.8 per cent.
The four-day Easter weekend was busy, with footfall up by 8.2 per cent and sales 27 cent higher than the last pre-pandemic Easter trading weekend in 2019.
Shoppers flocked to the outlet over the holidays – several retailers cited foreign getaways and the continuing appeal of‘ stay cat ions’ being the main factor in the rise in sales.
Commenting on their Easter trading period, Karen Stewart, outlet manager, said: “Easter has been a huge success for us and we are delighted with the trading figures.
“The big takeaway for us is that holidays, both at home and abroad, the return of family gatherings and socialising combined with the relaxation of restrictions in Scotland have driven shoppers into the outlet who are looking to refresh their wardrobes for long-awaited holidays and treat themselves.
“Our range of global brands and substantial savings on offer goes some way to explain the resilience and ongoing popularity of Livingston Designer Outlet.
“Having weathered the storm of the last two years of trading through a pandemic, we are extremely pleased to be in such a positive position as we approach the summer season.
“We are constantly reviewing our retail mix and continue to work closely with existing retailers to ensure our offering is first class for our guests.”
Recent developments at the outlet include an extension of the existing Boss store from 2873 sq. ft to 3800 sq. ft, plus a new Joules pop-up that opened for spring.
Existing brands at the outlet – including Molton Brown and Sunglass Hut – are about to start refit programmes along with new coffee shop Bakers and Baristas coming soon.
Events also returned with How to Style Live taking place on April 9 and 10.