London Designer Outlet sees record-breaking Christmas trading

Wembley Park’s London Designer Outlet (LDO) has recorded its best December performance since the shopping centre opened in 2013, with sales totalling £10,464,749.

Despite the rail strikes hampering travel, Boxing Day 2022 sales were up 89% on 2021 and up 2.9% on pre-pandemic 2019 – making it the second-best Boxing Day in the outlet’s history, only surpassed by 2018 when performance was boosted by the North London football derby between Arsenal and Tottenham at the neighbouring Wembley Stadium.

Many of LDO’s most recognisable brands, including Levi’s, Puma, New Balance and Kurt Geiger experienced record trading days on Boxing Day.

The average transaction value (ATV) was up 17% in December versus pre-pandemic 2019.

Overall December 2022 sales saw a 2.6% increase from the same month in 2019, and +32% on 2021. Trading in between Christmas and the New Year was particularly strong, as shoppers took advantage of additional discounts with sales increasing by 49.5% compared to 2021, and by 3.6% compared to pre-pandemic 2019.

LDO’s positive results demonstrate the appeal of outlets as the cost-of-living crisis takes hold and shoppers look for ways to save money on discretionary purchases, with LDO offering year-round savings of up to 70% off RRP, and at up to 85% off during seasonal sale periods including the Boxing Day sales.

Matt Slade, Retail Director at Wembley Park owner Quintain, said: “This has been a record-breaking December in more ways than one, demonstrating the significance of outlet centres as consumers tighten their purse strings amidst the cost-of-living crisis.

“It is encouraging to see that both the month of December as a whole and the period in between Christmas and New Year are the strongest on record, despite a slew of national rail strikes during the Christmas period. It is clear that people are increasingly seeking out greater value to save money on their Christmas shopping.”