Livingston Designer Outlet is reporting encouraging sales and footfall increases over the Easter holiday period that indicate a return in consumer confidence post-pandemic.
Compared with 2019, sales across Easter Holidays (April 1 to April 18 2022) were up by 27 per cent with footfall down marginally by 7.8 per cent.
The four-day Easter weekend was busy, with footfall up by 8.2 per cent and sales 27 per cent higher than that of the last pre-pandemic Easter trading weekend in 2019.
Shoppers flocked to the outlet over the holidays - several retailers cited foreign getaways and the continuing appeal of ‘staycations’ being the main factor in the rise in sales.
Commenting on their Easter trading period, Karen Stewart, outlet manager said: “Easter has been a huge success for us and we are delighted with the trading figures. “The big takeaway for us is that holidays, both at home and abroad, the return of family gatherings and socialising combined with the relaxation of restrictions in Scotland have driven shoppers into the outlet who are looking to refresh their wardrobes for long awaited holidays and treat themselves.
“Our range of global brands and substantial savings on offer goes some way to explain the resilience and ongoing popularity of Livingston Designer Outlet.
“Having weathered the storm of the last two years of trading through a pandemic, we are extremely pleased to be in such a positive position as we approach the summer season.
“We are constantly reviewing our retail mix and continue to work closely with existing retailers to ensure our offering is first class for our guests.”
Recent developments at the outlet include an extension of the existing Boss store from 2,873 sq. ft to 3,800 sq. ft, plus a new Joules pop-up that opened for spring.
Existing brands at the outlet - including Molton Brown and Sunglass Hut - are about to start refit programmes along with new coffee shop Bakers and Baristas coming soon.
April also saw the outlet return to eventing again with its first large scale event since 2019 taking place.
How to Style Live took place on April 9 and 10 and was developed to bring the outlet’s exclusive How to Style digital series to life for guests.
Over the two-day event four of Scotland’s leading fashion influencers took part in trend talk and live shopping hauls.
In addition, trend pods located through the outlet gave guests the chance to speak to style advisors and see new collections first hand.
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