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My name is Rhys, a first time dad blogging about my adventures and experiences of being a parent. [email protected]

Looking back at 25 years of Bridgend Designer Outlet

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet in 2001

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend, the leading destination for unforgettable shopping experiences, is thrilled to announce its 25th anniversary this month. For a quarter of a century, the Bridgend Designer Outlet has been the go-to destination for fashion-conscious shoppers across Wales, offering a curated selection of designer and premium brands at unbeatable prices.

To mark this milestone, Bridgend Designer Outlet is hosting a series of activities:

Thursday 19th – Friday 20th October, Bridgend Designer Outlet is also creating a moment to give back to the local community by joining forces with 2023 Charity Partner Tenovus, for a Bike Challenge to raise awareness and funds for their October Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities. 

In the spirit of supporting this fantastic cause, retail staff from the Bridgend Designer Outlet will be completing a number of “25 miles for 25 years” challenge on a static bike located within the Centre, with each round of 25 miles completed by a team of volunteers over the course of two days. To boost morale and bring encouragement to those competing in the challenge, Tenovus Cancer Care Patrons and Rugby Union players, Rupert Moon and Dafydd James will also be visiting the Centre on the 19th October, encouraging guests to get involved, cheerlead the volunteers and make donations in support of the cancer care charity.   

To round off the week, the Tenovous Cancer Care “Bridgend Sing with us Choir” will be performing in the Centre on Saturday 21st October, joined by special guests. 

The retail park in 2001

In 1998, Bridgend Designer Outlet opened its doors to the public, with the addition of its food court in 2011 and refurbishments in 2014 with the addition of a new play area back in 2015.  

In terms of retail success, the Centre welcomes over 3 million guests every year to over 90 stores, restaurants and ODEON cinema complex. Some of the Centre’s most well-loved brands, like Calvin Klein and Levi’s, have been with the Bridgend Designer Outlet since opening in 1998, with other popular brands opening over the years including M&S, Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, Barbour, adidas, Ted Baker, Nando’s, Wagamama, Radley and The North Face. 

Looking back over the years, the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend, conveniently located for easy access from the M4 motorway, off Junction 36, created thousands of new jobs for people in the area and supported countless charities and community groups.  

It continues to attract new brands with a number of planned openings in the coming year to offer local and tourist visitors even more choice for a great day out experience. 

How the retail park looked in 2021

Richard Garratt, Centre Manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend, said: “We are excited to be celebrating a quarter century as Wales’ largest shopping outlet, providing our community the opportunity to invest in high-quality staple items from brands they love at up to 60% off RRP. Looking back on the past 25 years, it only felt fitting that we used this milestone to bring awareness and raise funds for our 2023 Charity Partner, Tenovus Cancer Care, who has for so many years supported those affected by cancer in our local community. As we get ready to compete in the charitable bike challenge, I want to encourage all our guests to drop by and join in on the anniversary celebrations, all for a fantastic cause.”  

Elin Murphy, Regional Fundraising Manager at Tenovus Cancer Care, said: “When McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Bridgend reached out about dedicating their 25th anniversary celebrations to our cause, we knew immediately we wanted to collaborate on a fun, engaging and unexpected way to raise funds for our beneficiaries. The bike challenge for Breast Cancer Awareness Month felt like a great opportunity to spread our message and show Centre guests how easy it is to get involved with Tenovus Cancer Care, as every penny helps.”