Affinity portfolio hits 98% occupancy in H1

Affinity, a portfolio of four UK outlet shopping centres, has welcomed a “standout” half-year performance, with 98% of space now let across the portfolio.

The group said its sites in Devon, Staffordshire, Lancashire and Sterling Mills reported a combination of “strong trading, proactive asset management, and compelling retail and leisure offerings”. 

At Affinity Sterling Mills, the retail destination has seen footfall rise 30% year-on-year, while overall sales were up by 4.14%. This followed a series of key tenant relocations, such as Beauty Outlet, Roman and Klass, as well as the arrival of Skechers in June.

At Affinity Lancashire, the centre remained fully let , with footfall also up by 4.68% year-on-year. Within the scheme, ladieswear has seen a 17.52% year-to-date rise, with the home category also performing well with a 11.64% rise against last year.

Meanwhile, Affinity Devon saw a “particularly strong” performance in its outdoor category, with a 12% uplift against the prior year. 

Finally, Affinity Staffordshire has also seen a strong leasing performance, with the centre fully let and 18 tenants committing to lease renewals, some for terms of up to seven years. 

Across all four schemes, food and beverage emerged as a key growth area, with several operators reporting year-to-date sales increases of up to 18%.

Nicky Lovell, head of Outlets and Business Development at Global Mutual, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the results achieved across all Affinity schemes in the first half of this year. Reaching this level of occupancy, alongside strong trading figures and a flurry of renewals, is a real testament to our team’s partnership-focused approach. 

“What’s more, the continued growth in F&B, in particular, highlights how consumers are engaging more deeply with our centres as multi-purpose destinations – combining retail, dining and community.”