The O2 applauds strong October performance with record-breaking half-term results

The Entertainment District and Outlet Shopping at The O₂, which are owned and operated by Waterfront Limited Partnership, a joint venture between AEG and Crosstree Real Estate Partners, have witnessed a solid trading period throughout October, solidified by a stellar half-term week. It also coincides with the opening of Calvin Klein’s brand new, larger store, which has increased its footprint by a significant 87 percent at the destination, further reinforcing The O₂’s position as the world’s most popular live entertainment, leisure, and retail destination.

Outlet Shopping at The O₂ has witnessed a 19 percent uplift in sales when compared to October last year, and a 51 percent uplift year-to-date vs 2022, strengthened by the recent additions of Carvela, French Connection, and newly upsized stores for Tommy Hilfiger, Lids, and Calvin Klein, which has opened its new 6,576 sq ft store on the outlet’s upper level. It continues to showcase its extensive collections for men and women and has also diversified and expanded its offering to include a dedicated childrenswear section, catering to large customer demand and high footfall experienced at The O₂.

Similarly, the Entertainment District at The O₂ has reported a sales increase of 47 percent vs October 2022, and a 39 percent increase year-to-date vs 2022, coinciding with the recent openings of Afrikana and Chipotle, adding to over 30 bars and restaurants present at the destination. Total footfall across the whole scheme has also welcomed an impressive 22 percent uplift vs October 2022, with year-to-date sales also up a stellar 43 percent, further demonstrating the continuing appeal of The O₂’s  premium tenant mix in attracting local and international visitors alike.

During half term week specifically (21-29 October), there was a 31 percent uplift in sales across the whole scheme when compared to the same period last year, with the Entertainment District leading the way by welcoming an increase of 40 percent, and Outlet Shopping at The O₂an increase of 19 percent. The Entertainment District also experienced a record-breaking Saturday (28 October), boasting the highest-ever sales figures in its history, which coincided with a double show-day in the arena for noughties chart-toppers, S Club.

Janine Constantin-Russell, Managing Director at Outlet Shopping at The O₂ and The Entertainment District, said: “Once again The O₂ has demonstrated its position as a leading retail, leisure and entertainment destination. Our unrivalled 360-degree offering, encompassing a quality tenant mix and matchless visitor experience, is mirrored in the destination’s strong performance and we’re delighted to have surpassed last year’s results across sales and footfall.

In the past few months, we’ve witnessed several upsizes with brands reaffirming their commitment to our destination, most recently demonstrated by Calvin Klein; we’ve seen leisure operators announce their upcoming arrival to The O₂; and we’ve driven our brand alignment strategy forward, reinforcing outlet shopping within the wider destination. We are a destination that never stands still, and these results highlight the efforts that we, our retailers, and operators, have collectively put in to create a compelling and unequalled offer. Excitingly, we are on track to experience one of our most successful years to date, and are looking forward to an even bigger and better 2024.”