Discount outlet opens new fashion store ahead of busy Christmas period

One of Derbyshire's busiest and largest shopping destinations has bolstered its roster of shops as it looks ahead to the busy festive period. French Connection will provide a wide variety of men's and women's clothing at McArthur Glen East Midlands Designer Outlet, near Junction 28 of the M1, after a grand opening was held on Saturday (November 16).

The brand was founded in the early 1970s and is also known as FCUK - an abbreviation that often makes you look twice after reading. Over the last five decades, it has grown to become a worldwide operation with more than 200 stores and more than 2,000 employees.

A spokesperson for East Midlands Designer Outlet said: "Renowned for creating design-led, fashionable clothing since 1972, French Connection offers accessible, quality products that stand the test of time, giving you the confidence to look and feel your best every day. From signature dresses to responsible denim and relaxed staples, French Connection offers a complete wardrobe for both men and women."

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The designer outlet is known for its discounts on high-quality and sought-after brands, including Nike, Adidas, Levi's, Denby, and Le Creuset. Back in July, the outlet relocated and revamped its existing Adidas store to a new unit that housed the former Nike store, which itself upgraded and opened a new store at the site.

Plans have also been unveiled for a new food court to open at the outlet. The proposal is part of the centre’s £12 million transformation, which includes the addition of US Polo, Molton Brown, Puma, and Rituals. The redevelopment will see Slim Chickens open at the food court, while Chopstix noodles will return following a refit.

The centre will also offer dining within The Village Square, an outdoor, heated seating area with three new food vendors offering sweet treats, drinks, loaded fries, and a Burger Box with burgers, hot dogs, chicken wraps, and other street food dishes on the menu. Over the summer months, the area will become a "hub of entertainment" with street-style entertainment and live music.

Despite the new food court being set to bring a smile to the faces of shoppers around the outlet, disgruntled workers said they were "devastated" over the closure back in May, with some workers being forced to leave their jobs of more than a decade.