McArthurGlen booms, says tourist shopping sees strong recovery

Outlet centre giant McArthurGlen Group has announced a “solid” 14% year-to-date rise in total revenues from its portfolio, driven by an 11% rise in footfall.

Clearly, those who are visiting its centres are spending more, and the company said it has seen a 3% increase in average spend per visitor.  

“Our consistently strong performance over the past three years, despite substantial market challenges, demonstrates the resilience of our business and that our retail proposition continues to resonate with consumers throughout Europe and Canada,” said co-CEO Joan Jove.

The company added that with the Christmas trading period still to come, it’s already on track to deliver total sales of approximately €5.5 billion by the end of the year.

The recovery of international tourism has been “particularly strong” at its locations in 2023. Year-to-date tax-free sales are a massive 65% above 2022 levels, with top nationalities including the Middle East, Greater China, the US, India and Southeast Asia. Across the portfolio, tax-free sales have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels. 

The recovery has been helped by the addition of 70 new brand partners to its centres and the opening of over 300 new stores. New-to-the-centres labels include Lanvin, Vivienne Westwood, Sophia Webster, Clarins, Red Bull Racing, Worst Behaviour (WRSTBHVR) and Saucony. 

The year also included the company opening its newest shopping destination, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny. It debuted in April and features both premium and luxury labels including Moncler, Roberto Cavalli and Missoni, as well as Boss, Lacoste, Coach and Tommy Hilfiger.

And June saw it opening its Maison des Métiers d’Art. Called GVRNY, it’s an immersive space dedicated to showcasing the craftsmanship of the Normandy region. 

Its pipeline includes new phases in Canada, the UK, Spain, Italy, and The Netherlands. 

Designer Outlet West Midlands will hit Phase II following the launch of the development’s first phase in 2021. Plans are now underway for an additional 98,000 sq ft, which will add 50 new brands to the centre. Once completed, the project will span 285,000 sq ft with over 100 units over the two phases. The first stage of this new development, featuring an initial 25 stores, is scheduled to open in summer 2025. 

Meanwhile, Vancouver Designer Outlet’s Phase III will add 27 new luxury and premium stores. This phase is set to open in Summer 2025.  There are also developments under way in Málaga, Castel Romano, and Roosendaal.