What: Landsec’s outlet centres achieved record-breaking sales and footfall during Black Friday week, highlighting the ongoing strength of the outlet format.

Why it is important: This performance demonstrates the resilience of outlet centres and the enduring appeal of value-driven, in-person retail during key shopping periods.

Landsec’s outlet destinations, including Gunwharf Quays, Braintree Village, and Clarks Village, posted exceptional results during Black Friday week, with sales up 8.1% and footfall rising 8.6% year on year. This surge builds on a record-breaking 2024 and reflects the sustained momentum of the outlet model in attracting value-conscious shoppers. Gunwharf Quays and Clarks Village both achieved their highest-ever sales days, while Braintree Village saw its busiest Saturday since the pandemic, underscoring the renewed strength of physical retail. The week’s success was widespread, with 25 brands at Gunwharf Quays alone reaching record sales, and notable category growth in health & beauty, gifts, toys, books, and accessories. These results highlight the enduring relevance of brick-and-mortar retail, particularly when paired with strategic promotions and compelling in-person experiences. As consumers increasingly seek discounts and experiential shopping, outlet centres have proven their ability to capture demand and drive growth, even in a highly competitive and promotional retail landscape

IADS Notes: Recent IADS database sources confirm the sustained momentum and strategic importance of outlet centres in the UK and globally. The Economist (June 2025) and Forbes (July 2025) highlight how Value Retail’s Bicester Village and The Bicester Collection have set benchmarks for experiential outlet retail, reporting double-digit growth and projecting 50 million visitors in 2025. These outlets have outperformed full-price retail, especially during periods of contraction in the luxury sector, by offering immersive experiences, premium services, and a curated mix of brands. Landsec’s acquisition of Liverpool One, as reported by Fashion Network in December 2024, underscores the confidence in high-performing retail destinations, with Liverpool One achieving 22 million annual visitors and 5% sales growth. Simon Property Group’s December 2024 results (WWD) demonstrate that strategic investments in redevelopment and experiential retail can drive significant increases in footfall, with a 6.4% Black Friday weekend traffic boost. BCG’s September 2025 analysis further confirms that the 2025 holiday season saw a resurgence in brick-and-mortar and outlet shopping, with experiential retail and hybrid shopping patterns attracting younger consumers and driving growth. Collectively, these sources illustrate that outlet centres, when paired with strong operational execution and experiential strategies, continue to outperform broader retail trends and remain resilient, even in a value-driven and highly promotional environment.

Landsec said UK outlet centres had "record-breaking" Black Friday