International Fashionistas Descend On McArthurGlen's Ashford Designer Outlet

May 10, 2012 - PRLog -- Tourists travelling across the English Channel were today treated to a pop-up catwalk show atop the White Cliffs of Dover. The event, hosted by McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet, coincides with the centre’s newly launched major fashion advertising campaign at Dover Port and celebrates the centre’s growing international fan base.  Latest figures reveal the number of international and domestic tourists - arriving by group travel – has risen by 52% year-on-year with tourists from France and Germany among the top territories.

As tourists and locals looked on, catwalk models paraded up and down the cliff-top runway showcasing the centre’s current designer collections against the stunning backdrop of the White Cliffs of Dover.

Despite having Paris - one of the fashion capitals of the world - on their door step, more and more  international shoppers are flocking to McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet in search of classic British attire from brands including Ted Baker, Kurt Geiger and Jaeger.  Shoppers from Holland to Luxemburg are travelling to the centre via the Eurostar, ferry and Channel tunnel to snap up the very best British and international brands with savings of up to 60 per cent.
           
Sandra Matthews-Marsh, Chief Executive of Visit Kent, says, “The London 2012 Olympics and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations present magnificent opportunities for Kent. We are expecting a substantial increase in the number of visitors to the county this summer, with an extra quarter of a million tourists forecast to pass through the county’s international transport links for the London Olympics alone. Kent’s prime location, home to one of the country’s busiest ports, makes it easily accessible to tourists from across the Channel and thus a vital area from which to showcase the best-of British values and culture, making visitors fully aware of the treasures right here in the county.”

Deborah Eastlake, Style Consultant at McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet, says, “We’ve styled today’s shoot to emulate the look overseas shoppers are seeking when they come to the centre. Many of them are in search of the distinctive British style associated with modern fashion icons such as Kate Middleton, Emma Watson and Ed Westwick.  They’re keen to emulate a look that’s preppy and on-trend, seeking out classic sportswear, tailored coats and the Middleton-esque nude high heels –products that will add an element of je ne sais quoi to their existing wardrobe.”

David Maddison, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen’s Ashford, says, “Following the success of last year’s advertising campaign, which was viewed by over 12 million tourists, the centre has seen a gradual rise in the number of overseas shoppers. In 2011 tourists alone represented 15% of total shopper numbers and 20% of spend. Evidence suggests it is the strong British heritage brands such as Henri Lloyd, Jaeger and Phase Eight attracting visitors from France to Germany, as they seek out quintessentially British style at value for money prices.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS        
           
McArthurGlen Group
McArthurGlen Group is Europe’s leading developer, owner and manager of designer outlets. The Group, which currently has 20 Designer Outlets, introduced the concept of designer outlet retailing to Europe in 1995. The 75 million consumers visiting McArthurGlen’s Designer Outlets annually are attracted by the year-round savings of 30-70 per cent on the top names in luxury, designer and mainstream fashion. McArthurGlen’s portfolio currently offers more than 500,000 sq m of retail space with a further 120,000 sq m under way, including the new McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in Neumünster, near Hamburg, due to open in autumn 2012.

For more information, please visit www.mcarthurglengroup.com