AN INTERNATIONAL fashion chain has chosen York's McArthurGlen Designer Outlet as a base for its first factory outlet store in Yorkshire.

Global clothes group Karen Millen will sell own brand and Whistles ladies' wear - specialising in evening wear, smart day wear and chic tailoring, with discounts of up to 50 per cent on typical retail prices available for avid shoppers.

It was confirmed today that seven jobs, two full and five part-time, will be created with the arrival.

Sarah Capp, from Karen Millen, said: "McArthurGlen York is one of the largest and fastest growing outlets in the north. It's an ideal springboard to launch Karen Millen into the outlet market.

"Outlet retailing enables us to offer customers excess stock and seasonal ranges at reduced prices, whilst maintaining the quality shopping experience shoppers expect."

Colin Wilding, McArthurGlen general manager, today welcomed the move.

He said: "The centre is continually evolving and developing in terms of the top brand names and designer labels now on offer.

"With over three million visitors to McArthurGlen York each year, there is great potential for both new and existing customers to experience what Karen Millen has to offer."

The Karen Millen store - taking up 1,858 sq ft - joins over 115 other leading names at the centre, including Paul Smith, Levi's, Armani Collections, Timberland, Margaret Howell, Bose and Oakley.

The latest addition comes hot on the heels of jeans giant Levi's opening its first company-owned outlet store in the UK at McArthurGlen earlier this month.

As exclusively revealed in the Evening Press in January, the deal with the international jeans corporation surprised the retail world because, until now, Levi's had been largely a franchise operation. The flagship Levi's store employs 25 people.

The new Karen Millen outlet shop replaces female fashion store Episode, which employed four staff at the Naburn shopping centre.

Its lease ran out at the end of last year.

Updated: 10:42 Wednesday, February 23, 2005