Shoppers have welcomed plans for a Christmas market at Ashford Designer Outlet – but there are fears it could lure even more customers away from the town centre.
Bosses have pitched their idea to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for stalls to be put up over the festive period.
If given the green light, the plans would see nine wooden market stalls in the extension of the site, near Starbucks and Polo Ralph Lauren, from November 18 to December 31.
They would be open from 9am until 9pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10am until 6pm on Sundays.
But some shoppers have raised concerns over parking at the centre, which is home to more than 100 shops.
Debbie Jones, who was shopping with friend Christine Falzon, said: “I’d definitely come along if there was a Christmas market.
“I think it’s a great idea but the only issue could be with extra people coming down. It’s already quite crowded down here, so it could become more crowded.
“This could end up making it even more difficult to park.”
Lindsey Baxter, a teacher at Highworth Grammar School in Ashford, says she would certainly welcome a Christmas market, but says a recent hike in parking charges could have an impact.
“I’m a German teacher so I love them,” she said.
“It’s a great idea but what about parking? When I first moved to Ashford about 15 years ago it was £1, now it’s £2.50 so this could put people off.
“Having a market could help shops which are at the outlet, but I don’t think it will help the town centre because there is nothing there for people to want to go to.
“The outlet is geared toward tourists rather than residents and I think this is why it’s so popular and why they’ve decided to do a market.
“I anticipate it could be overpriced though.”
Bosses at the McArthurGlen-owned site say the market will “support the role and function of the wider Ashford Designer Outlet as a retail and leisure destination during the important pre-Christmas shopping period”.
Their planning application submitted to ABC adds: “Notwithstanding the temporary nature of the facilities, the proposals are extremely small scale.
“The majority of trips would be linked to customers already visiting the Designer Outlet and would not draw away trade from the town centre.”
It comes as the site, which is at 97% capacity, is set to welcome shoe store Crocs back after seven years.
The company is set to fill a unit now occupied by Tog24, with the outdoor clothing store moving into the former Patisserie Valerie.
It is hoped Crocs will be welcoming customers by July 15.
Centre manager Peter Heritage said: “Crocs used to trade here about seven years ago so we’re really delighted to have them coming back.
“It’s a hugely popular brand and really on trend at the moment and has a really loyal following.”
Although the Patisserie Valerie unit has been empty for some time, Mr Heritage says his team prioritises getting the right brands over filling any empty units quickly.
He says the centre had its best trading year ever last year.
“We are talking to brands about every single one of those empty units,” he said.
“We’re in a really positive position, especially given the current economic climate.”
Following recent closures at Ashford’s County Square shopping centre, including Body Shop and Peacocks, Mr Heritage says he hopes his team’s efforts at the outlet will have a positive impact on the town centre.
“We’ve got a very different offer than what’s in the town centre,” he said.
“We are a Designer Outlet with designer brands so I’d like to think we do complement what’s in the town centre. It’s great we’re successful but we want the town centre to be successful as well.
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.
“It’s also important to know that our customers generally travel from further afield and about half of our sales come from outside of Kent so we are bringing people into the area which will hopefully go on and benefit the town centre as well.”
A decision on the application will be made by planning officers at ABC.