New Chamber patron vows to build more connections

Connections with the community are everything to David Jackson (pictured), centre manager of the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet West Midlands, writes John Lamb.

After its launch was delayed by the Covid pandemic, the 30-acre outlet village in Cannock is now making its mark as a must-visit shopping extravaganza.

But one of David 's biggest ambitions is to continue to cement relationships with the local community and for that reason the outlet has become a patron of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce.

He says: “We want to take full advantage of our membership to build on the already excellent links with have with the local community.

“That extends to other businesses because we feel strongly that by joining the Chamber we will have extra power to work together.

“And those links are doubly important because we are now a major employer in the region.

“Through a partnership with Cannock Chase Council and Staffs Council, we now employ 1,050 people and have significant community partners, including Lichfield Arts Festival, Cannock Pride and a number of schools.

“We have staged a number of events here, largely for the local community, including careers advice and a special event to learn more about autism. ”

The Outlet opened in April 2021 after a three-month hibernation forced on them by Covid restrictions.

“It was a tough start, ” says David. “After Covid, we 've had one national crisis after another - the economy, fuel, cost of living and energy to name but a few.

“But we have come through very well and footfall from 2021 to 2022 is up 20 per cent and turnover has gradually grown.

“It 's been a challenging time but since we opened with 40 stores, 21 more have joined us.

“We have noticed that shopping habits have changed since Covid and between November and Christmas, which we hope are always good times in retail, there was a definite trend of people wanting to get out and enjoy the experience of being here. ”

Richard Brooks, head of the Cannock Chase Chamber, said: “I am really excited to welcome McArthurGlen as Patron of the Cannock Chase Chamber. We will be working closely with David Jackson at McArthurGlen to support and promote the Outlet Centre, its superb community initiatives, and the wider visitor economy for the Cannock Chase region. ”

David has been with McArthurGlen Group for over seven years and has managed the West Midlands Outlet since April last year. He has wide experience across the retail sector, involving experience in retail, marketing, guest experience, soft services and finance/income/budget management.

McArthurGlen worked with its partners and fellow Birmingham Chamber members Richardson, and Aviva Investors and U+I, as well as contractor, Bowmer & Kirkland, to deliver the 285,000 sq. ft. designer outlet.

McArthurGlen Group, Europe 's leading owner, developer and manager of designer outlets, was founded in Europe by the Kaempfer Partners in 1993. The pioneer of designer outlet retailing in Europe, McArthurGlen has since developed 685,000 sq m of retail space.

The company currently manages 25 designer outlets in eight countries: Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK, delivering total portfolio revenues of 5billion euros a year.

The centres are home to the most sought-after luxury and premium brands and offer over 90 million fashion-loving customers year-round savings in vibrant, open-air shopping environments.

In 2013, McArthurGlen became a joint venture between the Kaempfer Partners and Simon Property Group Co. (NYSE SPG), a global leader in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations.

As part of its ongoing expansion, McArthurGlen will open its newest centre in early this year: Paris-Giverny, the first and only luxury designer outlet to the west of Paris.