Sheffield based SLR Outlets celebrate successful 2017 at East of England outlet and grows portfolio in north and Scotland

Sheffield-based Operator and Asset Manager SLR Outlets, are celebrating a 2017 that saw record breaking performance at their major asset Springfields Outlet Centre in Lincolnshire, alongside the acquisition of a new asset, the Loch Lomond Shores development. SLR Outlets – market leaders in the tourist-based retail sector – have also been appointed as Asset Managers to the forthcoming major new Outlet Centre at Scotch Corner, which achieved planning approval in 2017.

2017 saw annual turnover grow at Springfields, the east of England’s premier retail and leisure destination, a 45 acre, 51 unit outlet and leisure scheme, for the thirteenth consecutive year since the centre opened. The scheme was originally developed in 2004 by SLR’s owner, Ian Sanderson.

The festive period at Springfields was no exception with bumper trading reported over Christmas. Customers took advantage of the extended late-night shopping at Springfields from mid-November resulting in record evening sales on weekdays between 6pm and 9pm. The Winter Sale Event got off to an unprecedented start with the highest takings ever seen at Springfields on a Boxing Day. New Year’s Day was also hugely successful attracting over a third more shoppers than last year.

In 2017, SLR Outlets also acquired and asset manages the iconic Loch Lomond Shores Development, 20 minutes from Glasgow, for the Waterfield Group. Loch Lomond Shores, located in a stunning setting, is already Scotland’s second most visited free visitor attraction after Edinburgh Castle, and features a successful House of Fraser “Jenners” department store, alongside retail and catering units, leisure attractions and Sealife Loch Lomond.

SLR Outlets will also Asset Manage the new Scotch Corner Designer Village when it opens late in 2019. The Designer Village, consisting of 92 retail units, will attract leading brands to one of Northern England’s most iconic locations.

At Springfields, the success comes on the back of 12 months hard work strengthening the Outlet’s offer with the introduction of major new brands Betty Barclay, Café Nero and Raging Bull, joining Next Outlet, Fat Face, Ernest Jones the Outlet Collection and Starbucks who opened in 2016. These more upmarket brands are proving popular with customers, meeting the demand of the more discerning affluent shopper. In addition, over ten existing leases have been renewed encompassing major store refits and fascia refreshes. Key renewals during 2017 included Radley London, Weird Fish and Hallmark.

SLR Outlets anticipates further footfall and turnover growth for Springfields in 2018 having secured planning permission for a new £1 million leisure development. This will include the UK’s largest JCB Young Driver’s Zone, Tree Top Hobbit-style Village, covered beach, new Mini Golf, Gold Panning and American Diner, which will boost the family appeal of Springfields.

Ian Sanderson of SLR, commented:

2017 has seen SLR Outlets strengthen our reputation as leaders in the outlet leisure sector. The performance of Springfields continues to be phenomenal. This year’s success is testament to the way we mix the quality retail brands and unique leisure offering. And we are constantly striving to enhance the centre at every opportunity. With more high-quality brands on the horizon, introduction of tech based initiatives and our £1 million leisure investment about to commence, we are anticipating significantly strengthening footfall and turnover growth in 2018.

At Loch Lomond we’re already seeking to deliver incremental improvements to enhance the overall visitor experience and 2018 will be a very progressive year for that scheme.

For SLR Outlets the opportunity to add the new Scotch Corner Designer Village to our asset management portfolio is extremely exciting. This high quality development offers premium brands an opportunity to trade in a fantastic new location. Research shows it will become a top 5 outlet centre in the UK.

Notes to editors:

 Sheffield based SLR Outlets are specialists in retail parks, outlet shopping centres, town centre regeneration, food stores, hotels, food and beverage departments, garden centres and leisure destinations. The SLR Outlets team has over 100 years of combined retail and development expertise.

 Springfields Outlet Centre is the premier retail and leisure destination in the East of England.  Our catchment stretches from Norfolk to Nottinghamshire.

 Springfields Outlet Centre is set in a 45- acres, over 50 top brands including M&S Outlet, Fat Face, Radley, Skechers and Gap, all offering discounts of up to 70% off RRP all year round.

 2017 saw some exciting store openings including Raging Bull, Caffe Nero, Betty Barclay.

 The centre is unique by design, with a huge refurbished Blue Diamond Home and Garden Centre, and outdoor leisure attractions creating a broad appeal, providing a unique shopping experience, Springfields attracts over 2.3 million visitors and has delivered 13 consecutive years of turnover growth since opening.

 Whilst performing increasingly well year-on-year in a competitive market nationally, Springfields continues to support the local economy through staffing, the supply chain and working alongside local groups and charities.

 Springfields’ mixed offer makes it one of Lincolnshire’s most popular tourist attractions, with over 2.3 million visitors annually. From its VIP membership, it’s clear that regular visitors come from as far west as Northampton and as far east as Norwich. These are people visiting Lincolnshire and spending their money to help sustain local jobs.

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