Heritage British fashion label Belstaff has been confirmed as the latest brand to join Caledonia Park, the premium designer outlet village at Gretna, in a move described by the destination’s owners as central to their long-term vision for the site.
The signing builds on a multi‑million‑pound investment and rebrand programme that has repositioned the former Gretna Gateway Outlet Village as Caledonia Park, Scotland’s “premier designer village”, and continues a strategy of securing world‑class fashion and lifestyle names.
Caledonia Park, owned and managed by Railpen, the investment manager for the railways pension schemes, has spent recent years curating a roster of international labels including Polo Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Nike, Kate Spade New York and adidas, alongside a growing selection of British brands.
Railpen’s real estate team has consistently highlighted the importance of “attracting brands of this calibre” to differentiate the Gretna scheme in a competitive outlet market, with Belstaff’s arrival seen as further proof that the destination can secure labels with strong global recognition and loyal followings.
Belstaff, founded in Stoke‑on‑Trent in 1924 and renowned for its waxed cotton and leather motorcycle jackets, adds a heritage fashion dimension to Caledonia Park’s mix, complementing existing premium casualwear and sportswear offers.
The addition comes amid a period of strong performance for the outlet village, which recently reported record‑breaking sales and increased footfall, supported by seven new brand openings and renewed long‑term leases from key tenants such as POLO Ralph Lauren.
Belstaff’s own brand story has undergone change in recent years, with the label now part of British sportswear group Castore following a deal with Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos, and industry observers noting the need for fresh routes to growth. For the company, a presence at Caledonia Park offers access to cross‑border tourist traffic and Scottish domestic shoppers, in a setting that promises year‑round savings on recommended retail prices and a curated shopping experience.
Alex Luker, senior asset manager at Railpen, said: “Belstaff is a legendary British brand, and securing it is a significant endorsement for Caledonia Park and a sure sign of its sustained appeal among leading retailers.
“Belstaff will elevate the line-up for menswear and womenswear, and attract a broad and engaged customer base from far and wide.
“As we continue to invest in the long-term success of the destination, attracting brands of this calibre is central to our vision for Caledonia Park, enabling us to assert our position as a leading outlet location within Scotland and the wider UK.”
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Since unveiling its new vision and completing its refurbishment, Caledonia Park has been vocal about its ambition to serve as a gateway destination for Scotland, with over 45 stores and discounts of up to 60% off RRP.
The designer village’s leasing drive has already brought in names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Under Armour, and outdoor specialist Mountain Warehouse, which recently upsized its store on site.
As Railpen continues to refine the mix, the message from management is clear: premium and heritage brands like Belstaff are not a one‑off coup, but part of a deliberate strategy to anchor Caledonia Park at the top of Scotland’s outlet hierarchy.
