MARKS & SPENCER ANNOUNCES NEW STORE FOR GRETNA
Marks & Spencer has unveiled plans to open a new outlet store at Gretna Gateway Outlet Village (GGOV) with the creation of 30 new jobs.
The 9,100 sq ft store will provide the anchor for Phase Two of the outlet village which is currently under construction. The company has signed a ten year lease on the unit which will open in October this year.
The high street giant will join names such as Polo Ralph Lauren, TAG Heuer and Rockport at the site which currently houses 36 stores covering 78,000 sq ft. The second phase of development will provide an additional 48,000 sq ft of trading space and the centre management expects to have 85% of this committed by June this year. Gretna Gateway currently employs over 260 people, with an additional 100 jobs expected when Phase Two opens later this year.
The new Marks & Spencer Outlet store will offer a range of clothing for men, women and children, along with homeware, lingerie; footwear and beauty products, with at least a 30% reduction off the original selling price.
Mark Ashman, Head of Marks & Spencer Outlet Division, said: "We are delighted to open our nineteenth outlet store at Gretna Gateway Outlet Village. Our outlet stores have proved a tremendous success and we are pleased to add Gretna to our growing chain. Customers will benefit from a large selection of merchandise at very competitive prices."
Ray Terrafranca, Managing Director of Northridge Capital, owners of GGOV said; "We're really pleased that Marks & Spencer Outlets are coming to Gretna Gateway. Their decision, together with that of our three other new retailers, augurs well for the future of the outlet village and will enhance its appeal to the 20 million annual drive-by catchment. Sales figures at Gretna Gateway increased by over 9% last year, with performance figures for the 11 weeks of 2004 showing a 16% increase on the sale period last year. We're confident that this trend will continue and are delighted that we can announce such a prestigious tenant for Phase Two."