DESIGNER outlet McArthurGlen said it had bucked the gloomy trend among retailers to post increased sales during the first half of the year.
The out-of-town shopping centres reaped the benefit of massive price cuts on top designer brands such as Burberry, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss and Lacoste to lift sales by 3% between January and June.
The company, which was launched in the UK in 1995 and now has 650 stores, including one in York, said sales of designer collections rose by 19% with the average spend per customer increasing by 7%. Its Swindon outlet increased takings by a massive 47%.
Henrik Madsen, UK regional director, said: “Our sales figures are very encouraging, particularly as we enter a period of great uncertainty for retail.
“The behaviour of our customers reflects an overall shift in consumer shopping habits. People don’t want to sacrifice their favourite brands, despite the credit crunch so they are looking at ways to make their money go further.
