RETAILERS at Cheshire Oaks, near Ellesmere Port, enjoyed a 14% surge in sales in the run-up to Christmas.

The designer outlet, whose retailers offer designer and “premium” brands at discounts of up to 50%, also saw a 4% rise in footfall between November 7 and December 31.

The December period alone was also positive for Cheshire Oaks, which is owned and operated by McArthurGlen.

Year-on-year sales and footfall were up 16% and 8% respectively during the month.

Last year saw the centre welcome new brands such as Hugo Boss, Jigsaw and Armani, bringing the total number of stores at the centre to 145.

Mark Schofield, deputy centre manager, said: “Many brands from accessories to cosmetics and designer fashion, reported strong sales this festive shopping period.

“The centre offers a great mix of brands such as L’Occitane, Molton Brown, Links of London, Armani, Hugo Boss and Tag Heuer, which all saw shoppers in their droves treating themselves, and friends and family to savings of up to 60%.”

McArthurGlen’s seven UK centres enjoyed two record-breaking post-Christmas days on December 27 and 28, when sales increased by near double-digit growth, following increases of more than 22% in the previous year.

Colin Wilding, UK country manager at McArthurGlen, said: “This November and December, we have seen a significant increase in the number of shoppers visiting our McArthurGlen centres to stock up on Christmas presents for friends and family, with sales of typical gift items significantly up on previous years, alongside sales of our fashion offering.

“Gifting played an integral role in our Christmas advertising campaign – we are not just about our fantastic fashion offer, but also have become a gift destination in our own right.”

Retail Analyst, Nick Bubb, added: “At a time when there is a lot of focus on the growth in online shopping, it is very good to see that a bricks and mortar retailer like McArthurGlen is doing well by providing UK consumers with attractive brands and attractive bargains.”