The designer discount centre in Rathdowney, Co Laois has reported trading figures comparable to Grafton Street levels in its first week of business. Morrison Outlets, the developers of the £42 million (€53.3 million) Brand Central development, which opened its doors on November 7th, claims turnover figures of around £1,000 (€1,270)per sq ft. It expects to exceed its initial annual turnover expectations of £1.5 million (€1.9million).

Agent Hamilton Osborne King says it has had a number of enquiries for the few remaining vacant units in the centre. Planning permission has been granted for a second phase of 32,000 sq ft. Rents start from £215 per sq m (€273 ) or 12 per cent of the turnover. Over 12,000 people visited the centre within the first three hours, and it had a footfall of 70,000 in first week of trading. Initial curiosity about the outlet should be taken into account when assessing these figures.

Morrison Outlets, which operates the B5 Designer outlet in Berlin, predicts an average footfall of 20,000 per day over the busy shopping period coming up to Christmas. Discounts range from between 30 and 70 per cent on designer branded ladies wear, menswear, footwear, sportswear, homeware and jewellery. Discount designer brands include Bond Street retailer Joseph, Pringle, Wrangler, Hugo, Sherman, French Connection and Tylor .