The future for factory outlet centres in the UK: the impact of changes in planning policy guidance on the growth of a new retail format

Abstract

Explores the potential impact of recent changes in planning policy on the growth of a new UK retail format ‐ factory outlet centres. Factory outlet centres are a new out‐of‐town shopping genre which has been imported from the USA. In 1993, there were two such centres in the UK; by 1994, there were proposals for 18. During the same time period, government policy towards out‐of‐town shopping developments changed, with successive guidance notes aimed at restraining out‐of‐town developments in a bid to enhance the vitality and viability of town centres. Examines the impact of changing policy on the development strategies of factory outlet centre developers and outlines the current and potential future shape of factory outlet centre retailing in the UK.

Citation

Fernie, S. (1996), "The future for factory outlet centres in the UK: the impact of changes in planning policy guidance on the growth of a new retail format", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 24 No. 6, pp. 11-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/09590559610127001