Which factory outlet centre? The UK consumer's selection criteria

Factory outlet centres are the fastest growing retail format in Europe. This is at a time when many ‘traditional’ shopping centres are suffering from consumer caution and have responded by differentiating their offer. Factory outlet centres are part of this response. There has, however, been little academic research that focuses on this new style of shopping centre. This paper examines what is important to the UK factory outlet centre shopper, and ranks a range of choice criteria to better understand why this consumer visits one such centre in preference to another. Implications for retailers and directions for future research are provided.