LONDON: Frasers Group plc today announced the acquisition of two major UK retail destinations, York Designer Outlet and East Midlands Designer Outlet, reflecting progress against the Group’s vision of creating a compelling brand ecosystem and platform for growth.
With an annual footfall of almost 7.8 million visitors across the two outlets, these acquisitions highlight Frasers Group’s position as both a landlord and retailer, supporting global brands’ outlet strategies while delivering strong value and brand choice to UK consumers.
● York Designer Outlet (250,000 sq. ft), located just outside York city centre, is home to 120 leading UK and international brands and welcomes 4.3 million visitors annually.
● East Midlands Designer Outlet (170,000 sq. ft), positioned near the M1 motorway, offers over 65 designer brands and has a footfall of 3.5 million visitors annually.
These acquisitions demonstrate Frasers Group’s continued commitment to the outlet sector, enhancing the Group’s property portfolio mix as it delivers against its Elevation Strategy.
Michael Murray, Chief Executive Officer at Frasers Group, said: “These strategic acquisitions reinforce our vision, leveraging strong partnerships with leading global brands to unlock mutual value – supporting their outlet strategies while driving growth. Today, we own over one-fifth of the UK outlet market and have a clear ambition to grow our share further.”
Frasers Group was advised by James Keany, Executive Director, Head of National Agency at CBRE on these acquisitions.
Editor’s Commentary: This isn’t just a real estate play—it’s a power move. By acquiring York and East Midlands Designer Outlets, Frasers Group is blurring the line between brand operator and landlord in a way only a handful of global retailers can. Michael Murray’s “brand ecosystem” vision is becoming tangible: owning the physical spaces where premium and luxury labels sell excess stock gives Frasers unparalleled control over pricing, brand adjacencies, and customer data.
What’s striking is the timing. While many legacy retailers are shedding physical footprint, Frasers is doubling down on outlet real estate—a sector that thrives in a cost-of-living-conscious market. The risk? Managing conflicting interests as both host and competitor to other brands in-centre. But if Murray pulls this off, Frasers won’t just be a sports-fashion giant; it will be the gatekeeper of UK off-price retail.