Uni Hill Factory Outlets in Melbourne’s Bundoora is showing a significant increase in both foot traffic and sales, despite a negative trend across the retail sector.
Uni Hill Factory Outlets centre manager Marina Vitali says the recent success at the centre can be attributed to three key factors – an overhaul of the brand mix at the centre, a focus on discounted shopping and a rapidly growing local community.
“Since the arrival of 25 new brands and an official re-launch in March, Uni Hill Factory Outlets has seen an impressive shift in trading figures,” says Vitali.
“April foot traffic increased by 27 per cent compared to April last year and an impressive 83 per cent across the Easter trading period. Sales figures show a similar upward trend.
“With strong activity and investment in the local area, we anticipate that our market share will continue to grow.”
Uni Hill Factory Outlets continues to expand its offering with international lifestyle brand Esprit opening shortly.
Vitali welcomes the new addition. "When shoppers visit Uni Hill Factory Outlets, they will find an impressive line-up of international, national and local brands. Esprit further strengthens this impressive line-up.”
Big brands such as Nike Factory Store, Decjuba, Politix, Birkenstock, Simone Perele, Tony Bianco, Skechers and Jetty Surf are playing their part in attracting shoppers to the factory outlet in Bundoora.
“Monthly sales figures were up 38 per cent in April when compared to last year and total sales for the year-to-date (Jan to April end) were up by 41 per cent over last year. This is a great result.”
December 2011 was the best month on record since the centre opened.
“With the introduction of new retailers – and a focus on continued growth – Uni Hill Factory Outlets is going from strength to strength,” says Vitali.
The positive outlook has created a sense of excitement and confidence amongst retailers.
“For the first three months of this year, we have seen a 115 per cent increase in turnover against the corresponding period last year,” Milu Shoes strategic development manager Renee Canzoneri says. “There is a real buzz amongst customers and retailers.”
Skechers Australia national retail manager Matt Hapgood echoes that sentiment.
“Since our store opened in November 2011, we have seen a steady increase in customers and sales,” he says. “The store is performing above expectations and we are forecasting this solid growth to continue.”