Outlet centres appear to have been among the big winners of the festive trading period with McArthurGlen having already reported strength across its properties. Now another outlet operator has hailed its own November and December sales.
Image: Ben Sherman
Peel Retail & Leisure has announced an “exceptional trading performance at Gloucester Quays, underpinned by robust sales growth and increased footfall throughout the festive period”.
It cited a “super” Black Friday, coinciding with November’s payday in 2025, and said Gloucester Quays recorded a 6.5% year-on-year (YOY) increase in retail sales for the month.
This momentum carried into December, with footfall for the month rising by 5.5% YOY.
This was helped by the addition of attractions such as the free-to-attend Christmas market, now in its 13th year, which the company said was a “significant draw to the destination, featuring 100 stalls and an accompanying ice rink set alongside the waterside public realm”.
We’re constantly being reminded how experiences are a major boost to retail destinations and the Christmas market has clearly been performing that role for 13 years on the trot.
Peel said that the attractions contributed to a weekend footfall spike, averaging at +15% YOY across the seven weeks leading up to Christmas, and the ice rink also celebrated its busiest year to date.
That said, retail sales rose but only by 1.1%. There’s no getting away from the fact that the UK retail sector remains hugely challenged. But in a festive season when many destinations reported both YOY footfall and sales declines, a 1.1% uplift has to be seen as a win,
The company said homewares and gifting led the way, surging by 66.3%, alongside strong growth in menswear of 31.2%. They were the top-performing categories for the festive season.
Their success reflects the leasing activity during the year with new arrivals having included Søstrene Grene, Ben Sherman, Label Yard, and Men Kind, alongside the relocation and upsize of Crew Clothing. Festive pop-ups from Calendar Club and Gloucester Docks’ own Gloucester Brewery further enhanced the seasonal offer, achieving full retail occupancy for the festive period, while the total centre occupancy currently stands at 96%.
Importantly too, the positive trading has continued into 2026, with the first week of the year delivering 13.5% growth across retail YOY.
It’s to be hoped that performance can continue as the centre remains a magnet for major name brands. In fact, Peel said five leading fashion brands have reaffirmed their commitment to Gloucester Quays, with lease renewals secured for M&S, Adidas, Asics, and Eden Menswear, alongside a significant store refit for Joules.
Paul Carter, asset director at Peel Retail & Leisure, said the results “highlight the strength of our diverse tenant mix and the impact of targeted new arrivals, introduced throughout 2025 in direct response to changing consumer demand. Our emphasis on being a ‘crossover outlet’ has provided this platform for success, bringing together an offer, environment, and experience that makes Gloucester Quays stand out.
“Gloucester Quays is resonating with visitors seeking a full day-out experience in a unique historic waterside setting, and we remain committed to evolving the scheme to set a new benchmark for the outlet model, and reinforce our position as a leading regional destination.”
