McArthurGlen, a leading designer outlet group with 24 centres across Europe and Canada, continues to make strides in supporting the LGBTQ+ community and promoting inclusivity.
As an active member of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), McArthurGlen is committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their true selves.
At the heart of McArthurGlen’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, Evolve. This framework is built on three core pillars: minimizing the environmental footprint, maximizing positive community impact, and embedding sustainability throughout the business. The ‘Our Communities’ pillar is where the Inclusion, Equity & Diversity (IE&D) efforts are particularly emphasized, reflecting McArthurGlen’s dedication to creating welcoming spaces for all.
The company’s internal affinity group, PROUD! LGBTQ+ and Allies, has been a driving force behind these efforts. This year’s theme, “PROUD! to be my true self,” celebrates individuality and the belief that equality and self-expression should be fundamental to everyone. Over the past two years, the group’s initiatives have gained widespread support, reinforcing McArthurGlen’s role as a champion for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Celebrating Pride Across the Globe
McArthurGlen centres across Europe and Canada have embraced Pride with creativity and enthusiasm. These celebrations are not just about colorful decorations but about fostering a deeper connection with the LGBTQ+ community through various events and initiatives:
•Italy: The Serravalle Designer Outlet hosted the “District of Joy” event and the “The Magnificent Five: Pills of Uniqueness” project, which celebrated LGBTQ+ culture through music, art, and storytelling.
•Northern Europe: The “Dress To Be You” initiative highlighted individuality in fashion, showcasing unique styles from influencers and promoting fashion as a form of personal expression.
•United Kingdom: The Designer Outlet Bridgend partnered with Pride Cymru and participated in the Cardiff Pride parade, demonstrating the company’s ongoing support for LGBTQ+ rights.
•Across Europe & Canada: Centres in locations such as Roosendaal, La Reggia, Castel Romano, Neumünster, Parndorf, Ashford, Ochtrup, and Vancouver featured vibrant visual displays of support, including rainbow-themed decorations and installations that created an inclusive atmosphere for all visitors.
Beyond Pride: A Year-Round Commitment
McArthurGlen’s dedication to diversity and inclusion extends well beyond Pride celebrations. By actively creating spaces that welcome everyone and supporting a variety of LGBTQ+ initiatives, McArthurGlen is making a lasting impact on the communities it serves. This ongoing commitment to inclusivity is a key part of the company’s ethos, ensuring that every visitor to their outlets feels embraced and accepted.
With over 90 million visitors annually, McArthurGlen’s outlets are not just shopping destinations; they are places where diversity is celebrated, and everyone is encouraged to express themselves freely. Offering more than 3,000 stores featuring world-renowned luxury, premium, and lifestyle brands, each McArthurGlen centre is uniquely designed to reflect local architectural styles and provide easy access for all.
