Out of town shopping (McArthur Glen Designer Outlets)

Member Name: wisemind

Product:	McArthur Glen Designer Outlets
Date:	22/08/09 (184 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Can grab a bargain

Disadvantages: Not so different

For me when I think of designer retail outlet the word phrase sums up a selection of stores that doesn't included the usual high street brands and somewhere to go for something different unfortunately McArthur Glen now renamed East midland retail outlet does not live up to my image.

Where is it?

It is just off junction 28 of the M1 between derby and Mansfield.

Opening hours
Mon, Tues, wed & Friday 10- 6pm
Thursday late opening 10 -8pm
Saturday 9.30 - 6.30pm
Sunday 10 - 5 although some stores don't open till 11am.


What is there?

Customer service
They have a supply of wheelchairs and cars to let your child be pushed around the stores, it contains customer information and cash point machines as well as toilets.

Clothing

There are a few clearance stores
Marks & Spencer's - There are some bargains to be had although this store does not stock children's clothes
Next Clearance
Gap
Mexx. I have been told these are no longer on the high street in the UK and only available from designer outlets.
Calvin Klein jeans
Lee cooper
Levis
Rockport
Roman originals which are a shop more aimed at the middle aged customers.
Suits you
Camille is a lingerie shop and have very helpful sellers who helped me through my pregnancy and do offer a measuring service. They only stock up to a size G though

Designer Kidz which does have the designer price tag. I bought my son an outfit once from here but wasn't over impressed for the price.


Sports shops
Donny- This shop is full of bargains but a nightmare to get round with a buggy. I have bought footwear for both my son and myself and have always found the staff to be helpful.
Adidas
Brand fusion sell a great range in swimwear .I bought a Speedo swimming costume recently which cost £10.
Reebok
Urban
Mountain warehouse
Tog 23 this is one store I have rarely seen on the town centre.

Shoes

Clark's factory outlet. - It has a measuring and fitting service like most clarks but I personally have never felt that the measuring has been very accurate. They do sell heavily discounted shoes though.

Pavers. This is one of my favourite stores it is well laid out but again not great access for buggy's or wheelchairs.
Places to eat.

Jewellery

Chapelle is a lovely jeweller with some unique items at great prices. They also sell designer watches.

Claries accessories does off a discount off the usual range of there items.

Beauty - there are two stores Revlon and perfume point both is quite small.

Baby - A Mama and Papa store has recently opened

Home wares

Kitch n sink is an Aladdin's cave. I have had to return and item once and was happy with the customer service.
Whittard outlet sells a variety of flavoured, tea's coffee's and hot chocolate also carries a range of crockery.
Deny pottery - Sells local pottery from the nearby factory
Pro cook. Sells mostly pans and electrical items
Home, curtains and bedding
Pastimes. A lovely skip back in times also sells some silver jewellery

There is also a Work books outlet which sells discount store

Food court

The food court is a great chance to buy exactly what you fancy for lunch. There is burger king, Spud u like, Harry Rmasden's and Subway
I personally always but fish and chips and Can highly recommend the fish and chips. I buy a large fish and regular chips which is adequate for both my toddler son and me. I do find the curry sauce extremely runny and quite a disappointment.

There is a large seating area that has been recently refurbished. I have never had a problem getting a seat although at very busy times a high chair can be limited.

They have a newly refurbished play area as well which is like a woodland adventure playground. It advises that this is not for under 3 year olds but I take my son on and help him. Although if there are much larger children it does tend to be too chaotic for him.


There are also other café's around which include starbucks and Thornton's.

There is a Dunkin doughnut stall.

Events

They do hold regular events throughout the year and through the summer they are running a series of meets and greet every Friday with children's characters such as Bob the builder and Noddy. It is the final week this week and sportacus will be there.


The parking can be quite difficult on a very busy day.

I do enjoy it for a little trip out. There are no steps so is quite good for anyone with walking difficulties.

You can pick up a bargain but it isn't somewhere amazing to go


For more information see www.eastmidlandsdesigneroutlet.com

Summary: a small change from the norm.