There are going to be quite a few contenders for the ‘best year ever’ winner in the shopping centre category. Entering the field is Caledonia Park, Scotland, with the premium designer outlet village’s owner/operator Railpen saying it experienced a “record-breaking year for sales and performance” in 2024. 

The path to success was helped by the destination introducing seven new brands and securing a series of long-term renewals, “demonstrating the success of [our] strategic asset management”.

Surpassing 2023 levels, footfall rose 8%, “underlining the impact of its targeted leasing strategy tailored to evolving consumer demands” and standout categories included Health and Beauty, which saw a “staggering sales growth of 26%”. It said this was bolstered by the continued success of Rituals.

Also, the Black Friday weekend was “particularly successful” with a 19.1% uplift in sales vs the same period last year.

Last year’s key arrivals included Ben Sherman, which opened its first outlet location in Scotland there at the end of last year, taking a 1,500 sq ft space adjacent to fellow Scottish outlet debutant Moss, which recently opened its refurbished store, and kate spade new york.

The venue’s “targeted and considered leasing strategy” also resulted in several lease renewals for long-standing tenants, including  Polo Ralph Lauren, who has now committed to another five years at the destination, as well as Berghaus, and Levi’s, “signifying appeal for both brands and visitors across the country”.

Maria Averkina, asset & development manager at Railpen, said: “2024 has been a standout year for us as we remain strong in our position as the go-to place for outlet debuts in Scotland.

“[The] record footfall and sales, [puts] us on a positive trajectory as we kick off 2025, and our portfolio of brands is continuing to excel, catering to our visitors tastes. Our focus will remain on supporting existing tenants as well as attracting new ones, with several discussions already under way with leading retailers.”