NEWS | Two huge names have confirmed that they will open new stores at Cotswold Designer Outlet with full list of stores and restaurants now available ahead of summer opening - Herefordshire’s Independent Source of News & Information

Cotswolds Designer Outlet confirms leading labels Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger as the latest brands to join the stellar line up. This news comes as retailers and operators commence the important shop-fitting phase of the development ahead of its summer opening.

Following quickly on the heels of the first 44 brands announced earlier this month, the latest commitment from Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brings Phase 1 to 87% exchanged on 119,150 sq ft. With more names to be announced in the coming weeks, this unprecedented interest from British and global premium brands has resulted in an extraordinary pre-letting status with the scheme now on target to be 98% full ahead of opening.

The only new retail scheme opening in the UK this year, Cotswolds Designer Outlet is being brought forward by leading regional developer and investor Robert Hitchins with Multi-Realm, the specialist manager of retail and leisure destinations.

Global fashion label BOSS was announced earlier this month, alongside fashion, athleisure, beauty and homewares brands such as Marks & Spencer, Adidas, Levi’s GUESS, Radley, Sweaty Betty and Under Armour while dining brands include Wagamama, Zizzi, Five Guys, Pret a Manger, Caffe Nero, 200 Degrees and Knead Bakery.

Simon Tothill, Property & Development Director at Robert Hitchins Ltd said: “Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger are an incredible addition to the line-up, and with more names to be shared soon, there is a hugely compelling story for the many retail brands who are already expressing interest in Phase 2.

“This project has been many years in the making, a long-term vision to bring forward an exceptional retail-led development in this strategic location that would provide an economic boost with huge jobs opportunities for the region, and a vibrant retail and dining offer at its heart.

“We’re now at a particularly important milestone in the build programme, as we hand over to retailers and brands to commence their individual shop-fits. With only a few more weeks to opening, all our teams, consultants, contractors and partners are working together to fine tune the details for what will be the go-to shopping destination for visitors from near and far; enjoying a full day out in a beautifully designed, Cotswolds-inspired retail setting.”

Located just off Junction 9 of the M5, Cotswolds Designer Outlet sits right on Tewkesbury’s doorstep within easy reach of the historic and tourist attractions of the surrounding Cotswolds, a key inspiration in the design and landscaping of the new outlet scheme.

Multi-Realm has been leading on the leasing activity at the designer outlet and will manage and operate the asset once it is completed. Christine Grace, Leasing Director at outlet specialist Multi-Realm adds: “There is a phenomenal momentum as we get closer to opening, and welcoming premium brands such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger alongside BOSS, Radleys, GUESS, Rituals and more, is a real testament to the premium quality and elevated experience that we are creating here at Cotswolds Designer Outlet. Having curated this stellar line-up of retail and dining brands that complement a full day out as part of the destination appeal of the Cotswolds, it is no surprise that we are already receiving strong interest from brands keen to be part of the Phase 2 programme.”

With the success of the Phase 1 letting established, Robert Hitchins and Multi-Realm are expecting to bring forward Phase 2 of Cotswolds Designer Outlet earlier than originally anticipated, which will extend the outlet provision by a further circa 50,000 sq ft.

Cotswolds Designer Outlet is the only new retail outlet scheme opening in the UK in 2025 and will offer a premium and affordable shopping and ‘day-out’ experience in an exceptional location. Delivered by Robert Hitchins Ltd, the outlet aims to attract a wide regional and international audience, tapping into the region’s tourism potential while creating hundreds of jobs and driving local economic growth.

Cotswolds Designer Outlet is one part of a long-term holistic vision for the area to deliver a huge injection of investment for the region, centred on the curation of a new place and community with circa 260,000 sq ft of retail, F&B and leisure space being delivered through Cotswolds Designer Outlet and the Dobbies Garden Centre.

Dobbie’s Garden Centre opened in 2022 and includes a Little Seedlings soft play area for children and a 10,000 sq ft restaurant.

Persimmon, Charles Church, Barratt Homes and Vistry are currently delivering more than 1,500 new homes and associated community spaces within the 250-acre development site put together by Robert Hitchins, having secured the necessary planning permissions and invested and procured significant infrastructure and connectivity works completed in advance.

Dog-friendly shopping and a specific focus on wellbeing are central to Cotswolds Designer Outlet’s proposition, with plans for ‘motorway-pause’ walking routes, chill out seating areas and space set aside for children’s play.

The brands confirmed in the Cotswolds Designer Outlet line-up, launching summer 2025 include:

Calvin Klein

Tommy Hilfiger

BOSS

Adidas

Animal

Ben Sherman

Denby

French Connection

Radley

Rituals

Dune