Clarins opens at London's successful Icon Outlet, mall names new leasing director

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Dec 8, 2021

London shopping destination Icon Outlet at The O2 is “celebrating three milestones” — a strong trading performance, new stores, and the appointment of new leasing director.

Greenwich’s Icon Outlet, adjacent to the O2 entertainment arena, recorded a 6% jump in October sales versus pre-pandemic 2019. And for the wider April-October period, the premium outlet centre’s sales were up 5% on a like-for-like basis, compared to two years ago.  

“The figures demonstrate Icon Outlet has bounced back very positively from the height of the pandemic”, its operator said.

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According to CACI analysis, between May and July, Icon Outlet achieved 50% of its turnover from domestic tourism outside its principal catchment area, up from 25% before the pandemic.  

The report also found that spend from customers within the centre’s immediate local catchment area north and south of the Thames also increased.  Visitors from areas such as Greenwich, Bexley, Lewisham, Newham, Barking and Dagenham contributed 50% of domestic tourism spend, up from 38% between August and December 2019.

It said the centre’s ability to attract high quality brands has been a factor and that includes its latest arrival, Clarins. The French beauty giant has opening a 1,500 sq ft boutique featuring the brand’s skincare and make-up products.

Its arrival reflects the growing success of physical beauty retail in the UK and Clarins’ commercial director of its Independent Division said: “Since reopening in April [Icon Outlet] achieved some brilliant initiatives to ensure they remain a go to shopping destination, attracting engaged customers and creating a place in which we are confident the Clarins brand will thrive.”

The Clarins store joins the centre's strong fashion, beauty and accessories line-up, which also includes Tommy Hilfiger, Ted Baker, Calvin Klein and, newest of all, US sportswear brand Lids, which also opened this month.

Completing the trio of milestones, Louisa Dalgleish has joined Icon Outlet as leasing director. Formerly a director of property adviser Nash Bond’s Central London retail team, she has over 14 years’ experience in the property sector. Her new role will “build on Icon Outlet’s success in attracting leading UK and international brands to create a unique outlet offer in the capital”, the centre said.