I'm back and this time I will be writing some new reviews as well as making some long-overdue update...
I'm back and this time I will be writing some new reviews as well as making some long-overdue updates on my older work.
Member since:11.07.2000
Reviews:82
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‘McArthur Glen Designer Outlets - Cheshire Oaks’, not the most elegant name but, in fact, the flagship of McArthur Glen’s European operation. For those not in the know, McArthur Glen have seven outlet centres in Britain with a further 6 in mainland Europe. Cheshire Oaks is the largest of their group and, they claim, the largest outlet centre in Europe.
‘What is an outlet centre?’, I hear you cry. The basic idea is to bring together a number of discount stores (outlets in the American usage) in a single location. The stores offer end of line, past season, overstock or seconds at significant discounts on their normal retail prices.
Cheshire Oaks has been in operation since 1995 (although it was a lot smaller then) and claims to have had six million visitors last year alone. There are about 150 stores offering goods across a wide range of products. The site is laid out as a ring of stores around a central parking area. There are (apparently) 3300 parking spaces here and in the adjoining multi-storey, but I’ll have to take their word for it. Weekends are very busy and it can be a struggle to find a space, so either start early or park on one of the adjacent areas and walk a few hundred yards. Be aware that this is an ‘outdoor’ centre, so you will need to dress appropriately for the quick dashes between shops.
The emphasis is largely on clothing (presumably because this is where there are most items to be cleared before fashions move on) with many of the best known names having stores here. Probably more than half of the stores are for clothing or footwear. The other ranges include luggage, jewellery, homeware, china and children’s goods.
When your wallet (or purse) is empty there are on site ATMs (cash machines to you and me). When you feet need a rest there is a selection of restaurants and cafes. Most are clustered around the ‘Foodcourt’, but there are a few scattered around the site including the ubiquitous MacDonalds. To keep the kiddies entertained (briefly) there is a play area but I’d suggest this really isn’t the best day out for young children.
When you have finished with your shopping trip, there are more things to do – a multi-screen cinema, bowling alley and nightclub are next door at ‘The Coliseum’.
I won’t list all the stores here; life’s too short. If you are really interested I suggest you check out their website (www.mcarthurglen.com), where you will find a complete store list and a site plan.
The centre is situated next to J10 of the M53 a few miles to Chester. Most of the Northwest of England, North Wales and the West Midlands are within an hour or so by road. I really can’t recommend travelling by public transport. Although I’m sure everyone will tell you there are great links, how will you carry everything?
The centre is open 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. It's open 364 days each year (365 in a Leap Year, before someone corrects me) only closing for Christmas Day.
If you want to find just about everything at a discount price at a single location and you have the time and stamina to get around 150 stores, then check out Cheshire Oaks. Be careful to check all items for flaws, seconds are not always too clearly marked as such, and remember that not every item will be a tremendous bargain. Start early to get a decent parking space and wear comfortable shoes!
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Advantages: Great choice for you and your family or friends. Disadvantages: Can be pricey and walks between are uncovered so bad weather can leave your dancin shoes a tad wet!
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