The North Face to launch at Ashford Designer Outlet as Wagamama to open bigger restaurant on Bank Holiday Monday

Bosses at a Kent shopping centre have confirmed one of its “most requested” brands is set to launch at the site.

Ashford Designer Outlet has revealed The North Face will open what will be only its second dedicated store in the county this summer.

The centre’s deputy manager Peter Heritage says customers have long called for the American firm to take on a unit at the Outlet.

“They are one of the most requested brands we get, and they are going to be opening, hopefully in June,” he said.

The North Face, which specialises in outdoor recreation products, has a store at Bluewater and a presence within other retailers in Kent – at Blacks in Tunbridge Wells, Cotswold Outdoor in Maidstone and CF Hoads in Sevenoaks.

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It is the latest big name to invest in the designer outlet, which bosses say is weathering the impact of rising living costs better than most.

“We’re in quite a healthy position considering there is a cost-of-living crisis and people are being conscious about what they spend,” said Mr Heritage.

“Around 90% of the centre is currently occupied and those big brands help drive additional footfall.”

Mr Heritage is also hopeful that the launch of a “bigger and better” Wagamama restaurant tomorrow will attract more people to the outlet.

The chain, which serves Asian food based on Japanese cuisine, was already in one of the centre’s largest premises but won planning permission earlier this year to create a bigger venue.

Other brands including Levi’s, Kurt Geiger, Mountain Warehouse, Nike and Adidas have also expanded recently.

“They are all in bigger and better units so there is loads going on in a brand perspective,” Mr Heritage said.

“It is a combination of giving our best brands more space and new shop fits to make it the best possible experience for our guests.

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“It is important we bring new brands to the centre too; for example, Levis and Wagamama were two of our most popular brands in the centre, so for us to give them more space is fantastic.

“To bring in exciting brands like North Face, Sweaty Betty, Nandos, is so important too.”

Asked if McDonald’s could ever make a return at the outlet, he added: “It is not something we are working on at the moment, but never say never.”

The centre will host a late-night shopping event on Thursday, with stores open until 11pm and some offering 20% discounts.