Latest news with #BicesterVillage
Forbes
22-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Built To Feel: How The Bicester Collection Became A Benchmark For Experiential Retail
Thirty Years of Bicester Village: So much more than outlets to shop - these are places to be. Few ... More businesses commit when ROI isn't instantly quantifiable. Bicester Village did just this and the Collective has kept that going. In an era where many brands chase 'experience,' only a select few were bold enough to build it into their foundations. The Bicester Collection was among those early visionaries embedding emotion, atmosphere, and local nuance into its villages long before experiential retail became fashionable. Thirty years on, it remains a benchmark for how physical retail can truly connect, not just convert. Bicester Village opened in 1995 in a former Oxfordshire paddock, a modest offering of just 13 boutiques. Today, it welcomes millions of visitors a year and has become one of the most commercially successful retail locations in the world. Yet it has never rested on footfall or fame alone. It is a space where guests (not shoppers) are invited to slow down. Where the average stay stretches to six hours, and where retail is wrapped in carefully considered details: a delicious offering of restaurants for all budgets, sculpted greenery, and a tone of voice that always feels human. It is retail that asks more of itself. Destinations not outlets: Visitors walk the streets of La Roca Store Village, Barcelona, Spain. La ... More Roca Store Village is a shopping center where competition. (Photo by) Experience, here, isn't a tactic, it's the entire infrastructure. From the botanical walkways that change with the seasons to the deliberate use of scent and natural materials, the entire environment feels orchestrated to soothe, welcome, and elevate. And it's not just a charming addition, it's a significant investment. Take the horticulture alone. It's not performative, it's immersive. Carefully curated installations across the UK and Europe often take months to plan and execute. They bring with them a very British kind of beauty: evocative, understated, and seasonal. In the hands of another brand, this might be a social media moment. Here, it's intentional. What sets Bicester Village apart isn't just the brands or boutiques, it's the environment. The design draws deeply from its Oxfordshire surroundings, echoing the soft charm of the Cotswolds and Britain's long-standing love affair with gardens. Seasonal horticultural displays, including a newly introduced scented walk-through, are more than decorative. Fragrances like rosemary and rose gently fill the air, guiding guests through a space designed to be lingered in. These immersive touches don't shout for attention, they earn it quietly, and they stay with you. This sensitivity to place is a hallmark of The Bicester Collection's approach. In a world where many retail environments can feel interchangeable, Bicester's landscaping, materials, and even its pacing reflect a distinctly British rhythm. These details require significant investment and planning, and the commercial payback isn't always instant, but that's the point. They've built a space that feels cared for, and in doing so, they've created one that people care about. What's often missed in is how each village across The Bicester Collection has been developed with local identity in mind, and with such care and attention to detail. These are not replicas. They're regional expressions of a shared philosophy. In Spain, La Roca Village offers Mediterranean hospitality and design. In China, Suzhou Village reflects Eastern aesthetic traditions. In France, La Vallée blends effortlessly with the luxury pulse of Paris. Each site reflects a deep sensitivity to place, requiring more of the brand, more of its partners, and often, more risk. Brands must adapt stock, language, and staffing to meet local needs and that isn't always matched by short-term return. But this is a brand that doesn't trade exclusively in short-term thinking. It never has. Rain or shine: a friendly face is present to greet new visitors to Belmont Park Village. A tribute ... More to New York in design and architecture, I watched visitors walk around face-timing friends "You gotta get here" as the shopping village - and certainly it's future potential is already clear to see The recent launch of Belmont Park Village in New York marks the Collection's most ambitious chapter yet, not just geographically, but culturally. Launching an outlet village in a mature U.S. market could have felt redundant. Instead, Belmont Park has been crafted as a counterpoint to the chaos, thoughtful landscaping, on-trend dining, and a guest-first philosophy embedded into everything from transport to tone. It's a fine-tuned, well thought out, curated new edition, not a copy, and that's the point. Of course, this is still outlet retail. Discounts, accessibility, and branded stock remain part of the offer. But it's what surrounds those transactions that defines the Collection's longevity. Long before we spoke about 'immersive retail' or the 'experience economy,' this was a brand investing in design that would make people feel something. The result? A shift in behaviour. International visitors often now build summer itineraries around multiple villages, enjoying the contrast between destinations. Bicester has become a verb as much as a place. This is physical retail that doesn't try to compete with e-commerce. It competes with time. And it largely it wins. The Bicester Collection has never shouted. It has never rushed. It has never needed to claim 'the future' of anything. Instead, it has built with intention, retail environments grounded in care, culture, and craft. And in doing so, it reminds us that when experience is designed to be felt, not forced, it lasts longer than a trend.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Luxury fashion brand opens new upsized store at Oxfordshire shopping outlet
A luxury fashion brand has opened a new upsized store at an Oxfordshire shopping outlet. AllSaint's Bicester Village boutique, which opened on Wednesday, July 2, replaces the company's previous unit in Bicester Village, following 'strong footfall and growing customer demand'. The larger space enables AllSaints to deliver an 'enhanced in-store experience'. The 2,362 sq ft. store, located on the ground floor, is situated in the Village Square, the central hub within Bicester Village. READ MORE: 'Highly intelligent and talented' father found unresponsive in bath, inquest hears It is surrounded by renowned luxury brands, positioned between Paige and Jimmy Choo, and directly across from Coach and Hugo Boss. The new boutique is the first of AllSaints' UK Value Retail locations to feature its 'elevated design concept', which is already in place at stores in Meadowhall and Trafford, and originally launched in Los Angeles in 2024. It features a unique window display incorporating a new hanging mannequin system, and customisation will also be available with any leather product purchased at the store. Customers can also expect to see an expanded selection of products, across apparel, footwear, accessories and handbags, as well as a dedicated fragrance area, which the brand says is a 'key focus' in 2025. The new AllSaints store in Bicester Village (Image: AllSaints) This store will also be amongst the first to introduce mobile till points, as part of a wider store roll-out taking place over the coming months. AllSaints has also expanded its team to support the larger space, hiring six additional staff members and a Visual Merchandising Manager to enhance operations and elevate in-store displays. Opening day saw AllSaints host a launch event at the new boutique, with a live DJ and drinks, in keeping with recent launch events such as for London's St Pancras store. The first 30 customers to arrive also received a gift bag worth up to £150. The celebrations will continue on Saturday, July 19 when AllSaints will be hosting its second 'Sessions at AllSaints', in the Village Square from 12pm. The afternoon will feature three live singers, with music being intrinsic to the brand's identity, and will showcase garments from the latest Autumn collection. Over 300 prizes will also be on offer to attendees. READ MORE: 'Bald man in 30s' exposes himself on M40 overbridge Catherine Jobling, AllSaints' Chief Operating Officer, said: "Our new and improved Bicester Village location reflects our strategic focus on investing in standout stores where we know our brand resonates strongly. "The expansion allows us to elevate the customer experience and showcase more of what makes AllSaints unique. "I'm incredibly proud of the team for delivering such a high-impact store, and grateful to our partners at Bicester Village for working closely with us to help further grow our business.' Frankie Mallinson, AllSaints' Global Retail Director, said: "Bicester Village is a key location for us, and this larger boutique allows us to make a bigger statement across product, presentation and experience. "Its opening reflects the strength of our partnership with Value Retail and the hard work invested on both sides. "We're confident that, with the support of our expanded team and the introduction of a broader product offer, this new space will deliver an enhanced in-store experience and help strengthen customers' connection to the AllSaints brand."
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Bicester Village Has Published Its Own Newspaper Filled With Shopping Tips And Tricks
From where to pause for the perfect cappuccino, to which hotel should serve as a stylish pitstop, let Bicester Village's new guide help you make the most of your shopping sprees this summer… In a charming nod to the golden age of travel, Bicester Village has launched The Villager, an expertly curated print journal that serves as a love letter to local discovery, as well as giving some hints and hacks to making the most out of your shopping opportunities in the UK this summer. Available at The Village News, a chic newsstand tucked within Bicester Village, The Villager is the first chapter in a wider initiative spanning the nine European destinations of The Bicester Collection. The publication celebrates what lies beyond the boutiques and brands to know, from where to enjoy a plate of perfect pasta in Marylebone before hopping on the train, to where to stay in the Cotswolds if you're keen to pair a countryside escape with a chic shopping interlude. Accompanying the inaugural issue of The Villager are three limited-edition travel itineraries: one for fashion lovers, another for foodies, and a third for those who love the great outdoors. Each presents a plan for a two-day escape weaving together London's inner-city flair, Bicester Village's premier retail destination, and the rural glory of the English countryside – think morning coffees in the capital, an afternoon's retail therapy, finished off with a sunset walk through picture-perfect villages. That's not all. A series of summer initiatives will bring the project to life. In partnership with Phaidon Books, The Village News will host a rotating library of literary treasures, shining a spotlight on the best food, garden, and travel writing. Music buffs will also find plenty to enjoy – Summer Sessions every Friday in July will see the Village's terraces transform into vibrant hubs for live music, complete with cocktail and gourmet food menus to match. For Bicester Village members, there is even more to benefit from – expect exclusive access to cultural gems, such as discounts to Blenheim Palaces and ultra-luxe retreats to Daylesford Spa. The project is underpinned by admirable altruism – all proceeds from The Village News will go to The Bicester Collection's Do Good initiative, continuing its long-standing commitment to philanthropy. Making every trip even more enjoyable is Bicester Village's Apartment offering, which offers six dedicated lounges complete with complimentary drinks and refreshments, all designed to feel like an Old-English haven. Whether its the Hands Free Shopping, valet parking, home delivery, priority boutique entry, or concierge, its list of VIP services will ensure a seamless day's shopping, while its private client services include personally tailored experiences – from previews of seasonal collections and intimate lunches with designers to guest speaker events. What's more, Bicester Village also partners with a range of airlines on their loyalty programmes, including Emirates Skywards, Etihad Guest, Qatar Privilege Club, Saudia Al Fursan, and Turkish Airlines, among others, bringing extra rewards to every shopping trip.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Hero firefighters who died in Bicester inferno are named: Female officer, 30, and male crewmate, 38, died alongside man, 57, in horror blaze
Two hero firefighters who died in an inferno that ripped through a former RAF base near Bicester Village have been named. Brave firefighters, Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, of Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Service, passed away in yesterday's blaze. 57-year-old David Chester, from Bicester, also perished in the horrifying fire which engulfed Bicester Motion on Thursday. It is believed to be the first time a firefighter has been died in the line of duty since January 2023 and 19 have been killed since the turn of the century. This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Bicester fire: Multiple explosions heard as blaze rips through former RAF base - with smoke seen for miles as police boss describes 'awful situation'
Witnesses described hearing multiple explosions as a huge blaze ripped through a former RAF base near Bicester Village last night. Clouds of dense black smoke could be seen for miles - with the local police chief describing the inferno at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire as an 'awful situation'. Fire and ambulance crews rushed to the motoring and aviation heritage site, which is home to around 50 specialist businesses, at around 6.40pm last night. Around 10 fire crews are understood to have been fighting the blaze, which is now 'under control' but remains ongoing this morning. Locals were urged to avoid the area, as well as being advised to remain indoors and close their windows 'until further notice'. It is unclear if anyone has been injured in the blaze with South Central Ambulance Service saying in its latest statement that crews remain on the scene. Sharing a video of the blaze, Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley Matthew Barber posted on X: 'An awful situation in Bicester this evening at Bicester Heritage. 'Officers from Thames Valley Police are assisting Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service in dealing with the significant incident.' A social media user also shared snaps of the plumes of dark smoke coming from the site, claiming to have heard 'multiple explosions'. Around ten fire crews are understood to have been fighting the blaze at the motoring and aviation heritage site since 6.30pm last night Kieran McGurk, a product director who lives opposite Bicester Motion, also reported hearing 'multiple bangs' as he saw clouds of dark smoke fill the sky. 'As we walked home and got closer to the smoke it seemed to get blacker and we heard the sirens,' he said. 'Multiple fire engines and police cars went past us and as we got to the corner at the bottom of the road ash started to fall and you could see the sheer scale of what was happening. 'Loud bangs have been constantly going off and multiple helicopters are still circling the site.' Bicester Motion, formerly known as Bicester Heritage, is home to over 50 specialist businesses, which focus on classic car restoration and engineering. Historic England say the iconic airfield is 'the most complete and strongly representative example of an RAF airbase' in the country. Molly Pipe told the BBC that the smoke could be smelt 'from perhaps half a mile away'. Local councillor Sam Holland said he saw the blaze 'from a distance' adding: 'There's lots of emergency vehicles. 'Bicester Motion were meeting there earlier. I had spoken to someone as they were leaving. I hope there is nobody hurt or worse.' A Bicester Motion spokesperson said: 'Further to the incident, emergency services have been called and are attending on-site. 'We appreciate the concern from local residents and wish to communicate that the company is working with the emergency services and a further statement will be made as appropriate.' Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Four fire and rescue crews remain in attendance at an ongoing serious incident at Bicester Motion having been called out at 18:39 yesterday evening (15 May). 'The fire is still ongoing but is under control. Other support appliances remain on scene including a hydraulic platform, a water carrier, a command unit and a high volume pumping unit 'Advice for local residents to remain indoors and shut all windows has been lifted. Roads that were previously closed are now being opened but traffic is heavy.' A South Central Ambulance spokesperson said: 'We were called at 18.57 this evening to reports of a serious incident at Bicester Motion. 'We sent a robust command structure to support staff and are currently on scene as the incident is ongoing'. MailOnline has approached Thames Valley Police and Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service for comment.
