Bargain hunting at The O2’s Outlet Shopping

Situated just 15 minutes from central London, and easily accessible by tube, road or boat, The O2 offers something for everyone – not only during the festive season but throughout the year.

The iconic dome structure is home to over 60 designer brands, including Reiss, Calvin Klein, Clarins, Levi’s, Nike, Superdry, The Cosmetics Company Store, Le Creuset and ProCook, providing discounts of up to 70% off RRP all year round.

Outlet Shopping spans two expansive levels within contemporary surroundings, all beneath the world-famous roof of The O2. Visitors can discover the latest in athleisure, tailoring and footwear for every occasion, along with an impressive array of beauty products, homeware and gifts.

We were invited to experience Outlet Shopping’s renowned Black Friday event, running from 13-19 November. Naturally, we couldn’t wait to step inside and commence our quest for bargains.

Our initial stop was at French Connection, where there were plenty of chic winter bargains to be had, from cosy padded gilets to leather accessories. Our first pick was a new checked shirt. This timeless flannel design, incorporating bold hues of red and blue, was on sale for £19.20, providing an impressive saving of £19.80. 

On the lookout for kitchenware, we ventured into ProCook and purchased a range of utensils, as well as a stylish kettle that was originally priced at £99, but available for £69. Crafted from premium stainless steel, the gunmetal design fulfilled all our expectations.

A convenient blue light illuminates to indicate the kettle is on, eliminating the guesswork when wondering why your kettle isn’t boiling. Meanwhile, the 360-degree swivel base allows for accessible placement and provides useful storage to hide any extra cables.

We couldn’t resist a visit to Le Creuset. Having previously bought items from the company, including its renowned cast iron casserole dish, we were excited to explore more. My attention was immediately captured by a heart-shaped mini cocotte from the coveted L’Amour range, created in a stunning cerise palette.

This 10cm pot is ideal for serving nibbles, condiments and dips, and its versatility allows it to be used in the oven, microwave, freezer and dishwasher. Additionally, it comes with a ten-year Le Creuset guarantee. Priced at £19.50, instead of the RRP of £26, this purchase resulted in a saving of £6.50.

Inevitably, the shopping helped us work up an appetite, prompting a welcomed lunch break at Zizzi. We indulged in a delicious three-course meal, featuring the restaurant’s award-winning pizzas. We selected the non-gluten Primavera pizza – a goat cheese lover’s dream and the Sticky Pig, a slow-cooked pulled pork and mozzarella dish with Roquito hot honey.
Despite the bustling atmosphere of a Sunday afternoon, the service was excellent, and our food arrived promptly. Once our stomachs were sufficiently lined, we took a final stroll through the shops, spotting party-ready bargains at Reiss and must-have sportswear at Nike.

Should you wish to make it a full-day affair, there are plenty of activities to explore at the venue. In addition to over 30 bars and eateries, you can embark on a roof walk climb with Up at The O2, experience indoor skydiving at iFLY, or try your hand at axe throwing in Boom Battle Bar.

I spoke to The O2’s managing director, Janine Constantin-Russell, who provided a glimpse of what’s in store this Christmas.

“We are seeing the arrival of some super winter collections from all the stores now that the cosy season is here. I am especially excited about the silver trend, particularly from Carvela – the brand’s heels are certainly delivering on the sparkle element.

“Pairing silver ballet flats with looser, vintage style 501 jeans from Levi’s and an oversized jumper from French Connection is the look I am most excited about wearing.”

When it comes to accessories, the quiet luxury trend will continue to reign supreme this season. Janine revealed that numerous handbags embracing this craze are on the horizon.

“The bag is back and whether you are clutching, cross-bodying or tote-wielding, it needs to be a statement and you need to wear it with confidence. We have received amazing collections from Radley, Osprey and Kurt Geiger to power up the seasonal look.”

The managing director also noted the importance of looking after our skin during the cooler months, noting The Cosmetic Company as her go-to choice for skincare.

“As we transition into the cooler months, we need to take care of our skin by using moisturisers with SPF, to ensure protection from the winter sun, alongside vitamin C. My favourite skincare product is the Origins GinZing™ Refreshing Eye Cream sold at The Cosmetic Company. It’s an absolute game-changer for keeping the skin around your eyes hydrated on colder mornings.”

Meanwhile, Janine recommended heading to Murmur if you’re in the market for cosy furnishings and home fragrances:
“Home is where we have also seen trends taking shape. Throws and home fragrances at Murmur are beautifully calming and inviting, making those longer evenings something to look forward to.”

For more information on Outlet Shopping at The O2, click here.

Rebekah Absalom