Shoppers are spending more than ever at Springfields Outlet Shopping, as a drive to attract affluent customers starts to pay off.
Latest figures released by owner UBS Triton Property show that centre turnover was up ten per cent and spend per head rose by seven per cent in the final quarter of 2016.
Last year is described as a “transitional” one, with the centre’s management firm SLR Outlets saying that attempts to reposition the 55-unit site to attract affluent customers was “clearly working”.
It said: “[The] £1m Blue Diamond Garden Centre makeover followed by new lettings is taking the centre more upmarket and attracting a more purposeful, discerning customer.”
Other new brands in Camelgate were Next Outlet (approaching first annivesary on February 4), Ernest Jones, FatFace and Starbucks.
Other headline figures from October 1 to December 31 included record-breaking Boxing Day sales up 17 per cent, a 12 per cent rise in Christmas school holiday turnover and coach numbers up 19 per cent.
There is a promise of “more to come” this year.
“Discussions continue with many upmarket brands plus new leisure attractions planned,” said SLR Outlets.