Gloucester Quays celebrates festive sales surge following a series of new arrivals

Peel Retail & Leisure has announced exceptional trading performance at Gloucester Quays, underpinned by robust sales growth and increased footfall throughout the festive period.

Following a ‘Super’ Black Friday, coinciding with November’s payday in 2025, Gloucester Quays recorded a 6.5% year-on-year (YOY) increase in retail sales for the month. F&B operators also delivered positive results, achieving a 2% YOY uplift and reflecting continued consumer appetite for Gloucester Quays’ diverse offer. 

This momentum carried into December, with footfall for the month rising by 5.5% YOY. The arrival of Gloucester Quays’ free-to-attend Christmas market, now in its 13th year, was a significant draw to the destination, featuring 100 stalls and an accompanying ice rink set alongside the waterside public realm.

The attractions contributed to a weekend footfall spike, averaging at +15% YOY across the seven weeks leading up to Christmas, whilst the ice rink also celebrated its busiest year to date. Both activities complemented the destination’s diverse tenant mix, and contributed to a rise in retail sales in December of 1.1% YOY. Homeware and gifting led the way, surging by 66.3%, alongside strong growth in menswear of +31.2%, the top-performing categories for the festive season.

The standout category growth is indicative of the success of Gloucester Quay’s recent leasing activity. Throughout 2025, the Outlet welcomed new arrivals that included Søstrene Grene, Ben Sherman, Label Yard, and Men Kind, alongside the relocation and upsize of Crew Clothing. Festive pop-ups from Calendar Club and Gloucester Docks’ own Gloucester Brewery further enhanced the seasonal offer, achieving full retail occupancy for the festive period, whilst the total centre occupancy currently stands at 96%.

The positive trading has continued into 2026, with the first week of the year delivering strong YOY growth across retail (+13.5%) and F&B (+5%), resulting in an overall sales increase of 10.7%. Further momentum is expected as leasing activity continues, including the forthcoming opening of leisure operator Clip ‘n Climb, and several upcoming F&B signings.

Paul Carter, Asset Director at Peel Retail & Leisure, commented: “These results highlight the strength of our diverse tenant mix and the impact of targeted new arrivals, introduced throughout 2025 in direct response to changing consumer demand. Our emphasis on being a ‘crossover outlet’ has provided this platform for success, bringing together an offer, environment, and experience that makes Gloucester Quays stand out.

“As we look ahead to what 2026 has in store, we’re focused on further broadening our leisure and F&B offer to complete an environment in which our retail brands can continue to thrive. Gloucester Quays is resonating with visitors seeking a full day-out experience in a unique historic waterside setting, and we remain committed to evolving the scheme to set a new benchmark for the outlet model, and reinforce our position as a leading regional destination.”

This announcement follows the news that five leading fashion brands have reaffirmed their commitment to Gloucester Quays, with lease renewals secured for M&S, Adidas, Asics, and Eden Menswear, alongside a significant store refit for Jou