Free chocolate as Cotswolds Designer Outlet launches

The Cotswolds Designer Outlet opened its doors for the first time earlier this week on Wednesday, July 16.

With most units taken a month ago, excitement was at fever pitch for its grand opening with expectations that it will rival Bicester Village in Oxfordshire.

From 10am on Wednesday, shoppers were allowed to browse over 50 new stores and eateries with a selection of well-known brands to choose from.

The final touches have been made to the Cotswolds Designer Outlet (Image: Cotswolds Designer Outlet) Among them is chocolate shop Lindt & Sprüngli, which offered bars, hot cocoa, milkshakes, ice cream and coffee.

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The Swiss brand’s 26th UK retail store, the first 100 customers at the shop – who purchased a unique Lindt product worth £10 or more – received an extra special goodie bag, filled with treats.

Lindt offered free chocolates to its first 100 customers (Image: Patrick Bannon /Cotswolds Designer Outlet) Faythe King of Lindt said: “The Cotswolds is a highly sought-after destination for visitors and tourists from across the UK and beyond, so to have a permanent presence at the brand-new Designer Outlet felt like a natural next step for us.”

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Other food and drink venues in the shopping centre include Five Guys, Wagamama, Zizzi, Pret A Manger, Caffé Nero and 200 Degrees.

Meanwhile Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Reiss, Hobbs, Jack & Jones, Rituals, The North Face, and The Body Shop are also at the Cotswolds Designer Outlet.

In addition, the outlet features indoor and outdoor play areas for families, picnic areas and a bespoke dog walking route.