Feature: Christmas at McArthurGlen

The huge arch at the McArthurGlen entrance is adorned with a green wreath. Christmas is here.

Throughout the vast space of the designer outlet, there are many Christmassy additions including a giant Christmas tree which had to be craned in, a real-size Santa’s sleigh (sans the reindeers) and a bubble tent decorated in red. The time of giving is in full swing and the designer outlet is doing its part to the local community.

Earlier this year, McArthurGlen entered the Cannock Town Centre Partnership, an independent committee of business owners coming together to support the growth of the town centre, including the Christmas lights switch-on.

The designer outlet at Eastern Way, Cannock, is now 100 per cent let, with 33 stores operating; the latest of them being The Body Shop, Barbour, The North Face, Swarovski and Meli, which is due to open in January. This in return has created 1200 job opportunities including plans for apprenticeships and career development schemes.

The outlet’s exclusive light switch-on event was also a success, with over 250 people and three local primary schools attending. Another partnership with Lindt saw all attendees receive free mini-Lindt hot chocolates and “night before Christmas” books for the school children.

McArthurGlen’s Christmas workshop is running until 24 December with 4660 slots available to book. Children (and the young at heart) can take a peek at the grotto of Father Christmas and see how he always adds that extra bit of magic.  Each child will receive a chocolate gift and a photo of their experience will be available to purchase.

This experience costs £2.50 per child and all funds gathered through the workshops will be donated to Action for Children charity.

The charity protects and supports children and young people, providing practical and emotional care and support, ensuring their voices are heard, and campaigning to bring lasting improvements to their lives.

With a lot happening during these months, centre manager David Jackson is a happy man. He said: “‘We are delighted that Designer Outlet West Midlands has reached a fully let status, just over two years after opening.

“All 73 stores will be trading from early January ,2024, and will offer well over 1200 jobs to the local community, as well as career progression into the retail sector for many

“We look forward to the Centre developing further, more job prospects and opportunities, and our continued imbedding into the local community.”