Latest Retail News

M Core unveils transformation of Birmingham’s Arcadian dining destination

2nd September 2025

M Core has unveiled has unveiled its repositioning of The Arcadian, an oriental dining and entertainment destination in Birmingham. Through a programme of asset and property management led by LCP UK, part of M Core, new operators have been brought in, including: In addition, a number of physical transformations have been undertaken at the destination, including the introduction of new signage, high-tech advertising screens, a redesigned central fountain, and two murals. Barry Flint, director at LCP UK, part of M Core, said: “The Arcadian by M has undergone a remarkable evolution under our management. We saw the opportunity to build something distinctive for Birmingham – a destination rooted in community, culture and cuisine. Through intensive asset and property management, and a deep understanding of the area’s demographics, we’ve curated a tenant line-up and public realm that delivers a truly local and authentic experience.” Located at the hear of Birmingham’s Chinatown and Southside cultural district, The Arcadian comprises 16 restaurants, 121,000 sq ft of retail, dining, and leisure space, and a 500-space car park.

Primark opens first standalone Home store in Britain at Manchester Palazzo

2nd September 2025

Primark has opened its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Manchester Palazzo. The two storey, 12,000 sq ft store features products such as bedding, throws, decorative pieces, and storage solutions. It also features a mezzanine floor with Primark’s travel offering, which includes luggage and travel accessories. Primark’s existing Trafford Palazzo store has also had a makeover, now featuring an expanded womenswear offering, upgraded fixtures across the health and beauty department, and a new beauty studio. Leandra Dwyer, asset manager at Peel Retail & Leisure, said: “Trafford Palazzo is fast establishing itself as the UK’s leading destination for new flagship retail and leisure concepts. The launch of Great Britain’s first standalone Primark Home store at Trafford Palazzo is a fantastic example of how Peel Retail & Leisure partners with major brands to create vibrant spaces where retail and leisure thrive and where consumers want to be. “We are looking forward to seeing the progression of this exciting new store evolve.” Primark’s second Trafford Palazzo store complements its exiting locations across Greater Manchester and follows the debut of the standalone Primark Home concept in Belfast earlier this year.

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Pizza Express takes another slice at Cribbs Causeway

2nd September 2025

Pizza Express is set to join Cribbs Mall in Bristol, opening its second location in Cribbs Causeway. The Italian restaurant operator has signed a 15-year lease for a 3,675 sq ft unit within the food court, formerly occupied by Café Rouge. Pizza Express will add to the existing food and beverage offer at Cribbs Mall, which includes Nandos, Slim Chickens, Chopstix, Burger King, and Patisserie Valerie. The restaurant will become Pizza Express’ second location at Cribbs Causeway, joining its existing venue at Cribbs Venue. This follows YO! Sushi’s lease renewal at Cribbs Mall last year, while Burger King and KFC have recently completed upgrades to their spaces at Cribbs Venue. Iain Minto, senior director of asset management at Sovereign Centros by CBRE, said: “Established restaurant operators are eager to benefit from our affluent catchment area and this letting to Pizza Express is a prime example of that demand. “We are also pleased to see popular brands such as YO! Sushi, Burger King and KFC invest in their spaces, highlighting the confidence they have in Cribbs. We look forward to working with our F&B occupiers as we create an environment that ensures they thrive, whilst looking to secure new arrivals maintaining […]

Deals

Mango to upsize at Guildford’s The Friary Centre

28th August 2025

Mango is set to upsize and relocate its store at The Friary Centre in Guildford. The fashion retailer will be taking on two amalgamated units – including a formerly vacant unit – on a 10-year lease. At 7,000 sq ft, the new store means Mango will more than double the footprint of its current 2,950 sq ft location. This comes amid a period of expansion for Mango, which earlier this year said it will open 20 stores in 2025. Opening in spring 2026, the new store will be located on the lower ground level opposite Søstrene Grene, which has performed well since joining The Friary Centre in May 2024. NewRiver, which jointly asset manages The Friary Centre with M&G Real Estate, said the upsizing of Mango and the positive performance of Søstrene Grene demonstrate its asset management in action, as well as its ongoing commitment to supporting operators’ growth whilst curating thriving retail places for communities. Lunson Mitchenall and Green & Partners are The Friary Centre’s retained agents.

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Completely Retail

Unit 4, Stanier Retail Park

Retail Warehouse unit within establish scheme, comprising ground floor of 6,309 sq ft with mezzanine ancillary accommodation of 663 sq ft. The subject scheme comprises 4 units of approximately 47,650 sq ft including a drive-thru Costa Coffee and Electric Vehicle Charging Bays. The scheme forms part of a large cluster comprising 172,900 sq ft of retail warehousing on Northfield Avenue. The units are of an institutional specification, built with the capability to take mezzanine floors. There are 211 spaces including the drive thru site and 10 EV charging bay.

Requirements

Restaurant backed by YouTube troupe seeks new sites

14th August 2025

SIDES, the fried chicken restaurant backed by YouTube collective The Sidemen, has released its latest requirements as it looks to open more sites. The concept – which is headed up by YouTube stars including KSI, Miniminter, and Zerkaa – was launched in 2021, and now has locations in Manchester Arndale, Lakeside, Merry Hill, Bluewater, and Box Park Wembley. SIDES is now seeking self-contained or kiosk units ranging between 1,000 sq ft and 1,500 sq ft in size in high footfall locations. Extraction is required in any potential units. Priority locations include: SPACE Retail Property Consultants have been appointed to find suitable locations.

Insights

Comment: Why outlet retail isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving

6th August 2025

For years, outlet retail was seen as a secondary option, a place for brands to offload end-of-line stock or for bargain hunters to pick up last season’s leftovers. Today, that perception is outdated. In fact, the outlet sector has not only weathered economic uncertainty but is a resilient and strategic channel in the UK retail mix.

Advice

Finding the right retail property for you

20th March 2024

Every business is unique, and for those who want to enter the world of physical retail, finding the right property is no different.

Indoor golf venue tees up Salford Quayside opening

28th August 2025

A new indoor golf venue founded by a PGA professional is set to open at Salford’s Quayside this autumn. The 4,500 sq ft space will provide seven Trackman simulators, taking players to over 450 world-famous courses including St. Andrews and Pebble Beach. TeeClub will also launch with a partnership with sports equipment brand TaylorMade, so guests can either use their own clubs or make use of the venue’s own equipment. The concept is designed for both individuals and businesses and will offer memberships and corporate packages. Semi-private bays and interactive gaming modes will look to provide an ideal venue for team-building events or evenings with friends. TeeClub will also feature a bar serving coffee, pizzas, snacks, wine, and beers, as well as a club shop. Nick Holmes, PGA professional and director of golf at TeeClub, said: “Our vision for TeeClub is to create an indoor golf experience that combines the authenticity of the sport with modern luxury. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn, a corporate group hosting an event, or an experienced golfer, TeeClub will provide the tools, technology, and atmosphere.” Ben Hey, asset director at Peel Retail and Leisure, added: “TeeClub’s combination of sport, technology and lifestyle is...

News

Property trade body members vote in favour of RE:UK merger

2nd September 2025

The formation of Real Estate: UK (RE:UK), a representative organisation for the real estate sector, will go ahead after members of three trade bodies voted in favour of a merger. All members of the Association of Real Estate Funds (AREF), 99.5% of British Property Federation (BPF) members, and 92% of members from the Investment Property Forum (IPF) who voted expressed their support for the merger. RE:UK will look to serve as a unified voice for the entire real estate sector, comprising institutional and private investors, property companies, developers, asset owners, managers, and advisers. The group said its activities will be based around six key pillars: advocacy; research and data; thought leadership and innovation; networking and events; upskilling and training; and standards and guidance. RE:UK will launch on 1 January 2026. Members will initially have dual membership and 2026 will serve as a transitional period as the organisations are fully integrated. This follows the recent appointment of British Land’s chief executive Simon Carter as president of the BPF. Anne Breen, AREF chair, said: “The response from the memberships of AREF, BPF and IPF has been overwhelmingly positive and a strong endorsement of our vision for a single, amplified voice for the […]

More Latest Retail News

Former Chelsea restaurant acquired by property group

1st September 2025

A property at 49 King’s Road in Chelsea, London formerly owned and operated by McDonald’s has been acquired by property investment company Martin’s Properties. The acquisition increases Martin’s Properties’ holdings on the south side of the King’s Road, with the group now looking to invest further in upgrading and extending the asset before securing a high-end tenant for the property. The group is aiming to expand the current footprint of the property through planning consent, upgrading the entire building – including the upper floor residential – and improving its ESG credentials. Martin’s Properties has previously repositioned such assets, having delivered similar work at 33 King’s Road, 44 King’s Road, 13 Radnor Walk, 111-115 King’s Road, and 197-209 King’s Road. Richard Bourne, CEO of Martin’s Properties, said: “Chelsea is renowned as a vibrant and sought after location, with its great footfall demonstrating its enduring appeal. The opportunity to acquire another prime block on the King’s Road was compelling and we will use our experience to add value and attract an occupier that will match the carefully curated retail and leisure mix that helps make Chelsea so special.  “As is the attractiveness of the asset, there was a great deal of interest in […]

Tech retailer appoints Savills as it seeks 400 sites

1st September 2025

Technology retailer WYE has appointed Savills to advise on its expansion plans as it looks to open up to 400 sites over the next five years. A manufacturer and supplier of mobile phone and tech accessories, WYE operates through a network of units ranging from kiosks to shops. WYE’s expansion strategy includes both modular kiosks and full shop fit-outs, with the retailer specifically targeting shopping centre locations. The brand has also developed a solar-powered external design specifically for the out-of-town retail market, which will be rolled out over the next 12 months. Neil Grice, director in retail at Savills, said: “WYE is redefining the mobile accessories sector across the UK. They have perfected a retail format that can be deployed quickly and adapted to a variety of locations. They are uniquely placed to combine aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency, helping landlords transform underutilised areas into valuable retail space. We are delighted to be working with them on their expansion plans, as they seek to rapidly grow their presence across the UK.” Haron Noori, group CEO at WYE, added: “Working with Savills represents a significant step forward in delivering on our strategic plans for UK growth, both in the short and long term....

Ikea opens ‘Plan & Order Point’ in York

1st September 2025

Ikea has continued its ongoing expansion with the opening of a ‘Plan & Order Point’ store at Clifton Moor Retail Park in York. The smaller format store is dedicated to kitchen and bedroom planning, and provides customers with home furnishing advice. Customers are able to book a free appointment with one of the York store’s six planning specialists or use the in-store self-service tools to design their own solution. At Ikea Plan and Order Points, customers are able to order from the entire Ikea product range, with the options for next day collection or home delivery. The store will also offer a collection area for orders made online, and will providing services for customers wanting to return any IKEA purchase. Conor Doherty, IKEA market manager, said: “We’re thrilled to open the doors to our new IKEA Plan and Order Point in York. This welcoming space is designed to inspire; offering a chance to explore our unique kitchen ranges and smart storage solutions. It’s the perfect place to discover IKEA’s extensive selection of affordable home products, suited to every budget. Plus, it provides a convenient new location for collecting online orders and purchases from our Hull and Leeds stores.” The opening forms part […]
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Astrid & Miyu makes national debut at Belfast’s Victoria Square

1st September 2025

Astrid & Miyu has opened its first store in Northern Ireland at Victoria Square in Belfast. The contemporary jewellery brand has taken a 1,800 sq ft store at the scheme, which features a piercing salon and a silver recycling scheme. Meanwhile, beauty brand Space NK is also joining the destination, relocating from its city centre store to Victoria Square. The brand is taking a 3,500 sq ft unit on the lower ground level, adjacent to Reiss, AllSaints, and Astrid & Miyu. Space NK will sit alongside complementary names such as Rituals, Sculpted by Aimee, and The White Company. Russell Banham, UK Head at Commerz Real, asset manager of Victoria Square, said: “Astrid & Miyu selecting Victoria Square for its debut and Space NK relocating into the centre are very strong endorsements.  As with the signing of Bershka earlier in the year, they highlight how important our asset is for brands, whether they are taking those first steps in a new market or are established operators seeking the very best space Belfast has to offer.  They add another layer to our compelling tenant mix, extending our offer and creating more reasons for people to visit.” The news follows the recent announcement […]
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