Joules to open at Caledonia Park and Festival Place

Landlord Railpen has announced the signing of Joules for its first Scottish outlet at Caledonia Park, alongside the earlier-flagged opening of Belstaff.

The Next-owned fashion brand will open a 1,745 sq ft store at the major Scottish outlet destination, offering its womenswear, menswear, and kidswear.

Joules was acquired by Next and founder Tom Joule a few years ago after a tough time that saw it on the ropes. Next has been steadily rebuilding it and that has included opening physical retail stores. For instance, a few days ago it said it would return to Basingstoke’s Festival Place mall with a new 2,000 sq ft store. That will be early next year, more than four years after the store there was shuttered.

Back with Caledonia Park, Belstaff has also now launched its 2,500 sq ft unit, sitting adjacent to Crew Clothing and Moss to add a high-end name to the mix.

Railpen said the arrival of two established British names reflects its “commitment to supporting British businesses, while continuing to strengthen Caledonia Park’s retail offer with brands that resonate and align with its varied customer base”.

It added that recent leasing momentum has been matched by “strong commercial performance at Caledonia Park, with year-on-year sales up 3.8% in August”. Recent openings, including Superdry & Co’s first outlet and Crocs, “have helped drive a particularly strong period for fashion and accessories, with category sales up 11.7% YoY in August”.

And Alex Luker, senior asset manager at Railpen, said: “Belstaff and Joules both reflect the calibre of brands we look to attract to Caledonia Park. They align closely with our long-term vision for the scheme and our understanding of a customer base seeking premium yet accessible brands. Securing Joules’ first outlet store in Scotland is a strong endorsement of the destination and its position as a leading outlet destination in the region.”