Frasers Group plc announces the acquisition of two major UK retail destinations, York Designer Outlet and East Midlands Designer Outlet, reflecting progress against the Group’s vision of creating a compelling brand ecosystem and platform for growth.

With an annual footfall of almost 7.8 million visitors across the two outlets, these acquisitions highlight Frasers Group’s position as both a landlord and retailer, supporting global brands’ outlet strategies while delivering strong value and brand choice to UK consumers.

• York Designer Outlet (250,000 sq. ft), located just outside York city centre, is home to 120 leading UK and international brands and welcomes 4.3 million visitors annually.
• East Midlands Designer Outlet (170,000 sq. ft), positioned near the M1 motorway, offers over 65 designer brands and has a footfall of 3.5 million visitors annually.

These acquisitions demonstrate Frasers Group’s continued commitment to the outlet sector, enhancing the Group’s property portfolio mix as it delivers against its Elevation Strategy.

Frasers Group plc has acquired York Designer Outlet and East Midlands Designer Outlet, adding over 400,000 sq. ft of retail space across 185+ brands.
With a combined 7.8 million annual footfall, the move strengthens its dual role as landlord and retailer, supports global outlet strategies, and accelerates its Elevation Strategy to grow UK market share and brand ecosystem.

Michael Murray, Chief Executive Officer at Frasers Group, said: “These strategic acquisitions reinforce our vision, leveraging strong partnerships with leading global brands to unlock mutual value – supporting their outlet strategies while driving growth. Today, we own over one-fifth of the UK outlet market and have a clear ambition to grow our share further.”

Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RM)

The Middle East crisis has weighed on India’s industrial performance in early fiscal 2026-27 (FY27), with softening business sentiment and e-way bill growth declining from its near-30-per cent peak in November last year, according to the department of economic affairs (DEA) monthly economic review for April.

A ‘supply shock’ is apparent in the economy, it noted.

Other high-frequency indicators point to a degree of supply-side moderation in March, while demand-side indicators remain reasonably resilient.

The Middle East crisis has weighed on India’s industrial performance in early FY27, with softening business sentiment and e-way bill growth declining, the department of economic affairs said.
A ‘supply shock’ is apparent in the economy, it noted.
Though the crisis has slightly dampened bankers’ optimism regarding loan demand and terms for the Q1 FY27, financial instability is not a threat, it said.

Rising wholesale prices indicate emerging cost-push pressures that could transmit to consumer inflation if supply disruptions persist, said the report.

Though the crisis has slightly dampened bankers’ optimism regarding loan demand and terms for the first quarter (Q1) of FY27, financial instability is not a threat, it noted.

An accompanying demand compression is a serious concern, given high prices, rising inflation, and a reduced pace of economic activity, it added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

US cotton export sales showed a strong recovery in the week ending April 17, 2026, with Upland demand rebounding while Pima sales moderated. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) weekly report, net sales of Upland cotton for the 2025–26 marketing year rose to 162,900 RB (running bales), each weighing 226.8 kg, up 36 per cent from the previous week, but 33 per cent below the prior four-week average.

The demand was led by Vietnam (55,600 RB), Pakistan (33,300 RB), Honduras (29,700 RB), Bangladesh (20,900 RB), and India (9,800 RB), while cancellations from China, Japan, Ecuador, and Switzerland capped gains. Export sales for 2026–27 surged to 105,700 RB, driven mainly by Türkiye, China, and Guatemala.

US Upland cotton sales rebounded to 162,900 RB, led by strong demand from Vietnam, Pakistan and Honduras.
Shipments surged to 384,600 RB, signalling improved offtake from key Asian markets.
Pima sales declined week on week but remained above the four-week average, with steady exports.
Overall, demand recovery in Upland and stable Pima momentum reflect improving export fundamentals.

Export shipments of Upland cotton increased sharply to 384,600 RB, up 30 per cent week on week and 18 per cent above the four-week average. Key destinations included Vietnam (155,000 RB), Pakistan (38,500 RB), Türkiye (37,300 RB), India (34,500 RB), and Bangladesh (26,100 RB), reflecting improved offtake from major Asian buyers.

In contrast, Pima cotton sales declined from the previous week’s high. Net sales for 2025–26 fell to 21,900 RB, down 40 per cent week on week, but still 35 per cent above the four-week average. India (7,200 RB), Vietnam (4,800 RB), China (2,600 RB), and Egypt (2,200 RB) were the key buyers. New crop sales for 2026–27 reached 11,500 RB, primarily to India and Egypt.

Pima exports totalled 17,800 RB, rising significantly from both the previous week and the recent average, with shipments mainly to India, China, Pakistan, Peru, and Türkiye.

Overall, the latest data signal a rebound in Upland cotton demand and shipments after the previous week’s weakness, while Pima cotton eased from its recent peak but maintained healthy export momentum.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)