Latest Retail News

Seasalt planning 10 new openings a year

5th January 2026

Seasalt has unveiled its latest expansion plans, with the fashion retailer now looking to open 10 new stores a year. The brand – which operates 79 stores across the UK and Ireland – is also reportedly in the final stages of negotiating three new openings this year, according to The Times. Paul Hayes, chief executive of Seasalt, told the paper:  “It has undoubtedly been a challenging year for the retail industry, with new challenges consistently facing our sector, and this is unlikely to change significantly as we move in to a new year. “However, we have built a very resilient business model, particularly over the last five or six years, and we’re confident we can navigate these times and continue or growth trajectory.” He added that the retailer is also potentially looking at the EU for further growth opportunities. Within the UK, Seasalt is believed to be targeting market towns for new openings.

Canary Wharf’s proposals for new outdoor swimming pool green lit

5th January 2026

Planning permission for an outdoor, natural water swimming pool in London’s Canary Wharf have been approved by councillors. Complementing the recent regeneration of Eden Dock, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is set to feature a 50-metre, six-lane pool within the dock water, with amenities including two saunas, a community clubhouse, a food and beverage offering, and a store. Open 364 days a year, the venue will be operated by the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton, the UK’s first National Open Water Swimming Centre. Joe McNulty, director at Sea Lanes, said: “We’re thrilled to bring a National Open Water Swimming Centre to the heart of Canary Wharf, offering Londoners a chance to swim in natural water. Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will be more than just a swimming pool – it will be an urban oasis for health and wellbeing all set within the green and biodiverse waterfront of Eden Dock. We’re excited to create a space where Londoners can connect with nature, their community, and themselves.”  Shobi Khan, CEO at Canary Wharf Group, added: “Almost one year on from the opening of Eden Dock, we’re making another bold step forward in the enhancement of our green and blue spaces at Canary Wharf.  Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will...

News

Commercial agents appointed at Worcestershire retail and leisure destination

5th January 2026

The Valley in Evesham, Worcestershire has appointed the Bristol office of Carter Jonas as commercial agents, working alongside the landlord Eagle One. Situated within a 115-acre park, the 30-unit retail and leisure scheme is anchored by the 40,000 sq ft Blue Diamond Garden Centre. Tenants at The Valley include Fat Face, ProCook, Quba, Weird Fish, Crew, Barbour, Cotton Traders, Coffee#1, Regatta, and Saltrock. The scheme has also evolved over the last few years to accommodate a blend of retail and leisure, now offering attractions such as Adventure Golf, Aerial Adventure, a miniature Steam Railway, Splash Pad, and walking trails. It is also supplemented by 570 free parking spaces. Phil Maclean, retail director at Eagle One, said: “We are pleased to welcome the Carter Jonas team to assist with our marketing efforts and add to the exciting plans we have for the centre. The Valley is entering an exciting new phase of development and evolution. We’re delighted to welcome Carter Jonas to help us deliver our ambitious plans and create even more reasons for visitors to return.”

Deals

Popeyes makes regional drive-through debut at Coventry’s Arena Shopping Park, anchoring 30,000 sq ft of new lettings

12th December 2025

Popeyes has opened its first drive-through in the West Midlands at Coventry’s Arena Shopping Park, as the scheme welcomes over 30,000 sq ft of new lettings. The fried chicken chain’s new location extends to 2,281 sq ft, offering its full menu of chicken, tenders, wraps, with up to 66 internal and 24 external covers. The brand joins the existing F&B offer at Arena Shopping Park which includes the likes of Costa, Burger King, Nando’s, and M&S Café. Also adding to the F&B lineup at the scheme is Five Guys, which has also opened a drive-through restaurant. The operator has taken 3,100 sq ft, offering its burgers and fries to up to 65 inside diners with a further 36 external covers. Meanwhile, Smyths Toys has opened a 15,104 sq ft store within the scheme, adjacent to Next. Also joining the scheme is The Works, which has opened a 1,228 sq ft location within The Mall, offering a range of arts and crafts, stationery, toys, and books. Finally, PureGym has opened a 24-hour facility within a 8,730 sq ft space, becoming the first gym operator to join Arena Shopping Park. Louisa Butters, head of retail asset management UK at CBRE Investment Management, […]

PROPERTY OF THE WEEK

Completely Retail

8 Margaret Street

The subject comprises a single storey ground floor retail unit of block construction and a roughcast finish. The property sits under a pitched and slated roof and has two retail windows which fronts Margaret Street. Internally, the property is largely open plan in nature with a WC off the main entrance. There is an external courtyard exclusive to the property accessible from a rear door and gate off Margaret Street.

Requirements

M&S expands search for new sites as it looks to double size of food business

25th November 2025

Marks & Spencer has expanded its search for new properties as the retailer aims to double the size of its food business. The retailer has launched a list of 500 new target locations across the UK it is considering for new and renewed food stores. M&S is looking for highly visible and accessible sites across the UK that are capable of delivering trading space of 18,000 sq ft. Within the M25, the retailer is targeting prominent sites in all areas that benefit from strong public transport links, steady footfall throughout the week, and are capable of delivering M&S food halls with trading space of between 6,000 sq ft and 18,000 sq ft. This comes as M&S prepares to open 20 new or renewed stores between November and March. All of these stores will be in M&S’s new renewal format, which offers an extended range of M&S Food, wider aisles, and larger car parks. Target locations include areas where there is not yet an M&S store such as Hove, Marlborough and Wallingford. Alex Freudmann managing director of M&S Food said: “The strong performance of our new M&S food stores gives us the confidence to explore even more locations across the UK, from […]

Insights

Industry comment: Looking ahead to 2026 – part two

18th December 2025

This article is a continuation of our Looking ahead to 2026 piece. You can find part one here. Neil Hockin, joint managing director at LM: “This year has highlighted the speed at which consumer-facing sectors evolve, and our industry must keep closing the gap between fast-moving customer behaviour and the traditionally slower pace of property. Covid showed how quickly habits can shift and that pace has not eased. We have strengthened our team with fresh talent to deepen our insight and deliver best-in-class advice across our four divisions: retail leasing, lease advisory, investment and restaurants and leisure. “High streets and shopping centres continue to diversify, with more leisure, community and experiential concepts. Recent additions such as Guinness World Records at The O2 and the immersive gaming brand Activate show how demand for social, engaging activities is growing. Quick-service restaurant operators remain active, particularly in the chicken sector where competitive tension from new and exiting brands is driving rental growth, while high street staples like Next, Primark and TK Maxx continue to trade strongly. We are also seeing regional growth from iconic brands with a strong West End presence, including ALO Yoga and Wax London’s signing in Victoria Quarter Leeds. Although our principal […]

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.

M Core cuts voids at Glasgow’s Princes Square from 17 to one in under a year

8th December 2025

Voids at Princes Square in Glasgow have fallen from 17 to one in under a year following its acquisition by property collective M Core. M Core said this progress reflects a wider repositioning strategy focused on attracting design-led, values-driven brands and restoring the centre’s status as a distinctive retail and dining destination in the heart of the city. Since acquiring the scheme last year, M Core has introduced a new leasing strategy centred on premium fashion, contemporary dining, independent operators, and all-day experiences. The most recent opening is Anthropologie, which has launched a 4,465 sq ft store, while Princes Square has also welcomed wine bar Cuvée, which has opened its fourth venue in Units 6–9. In the summer, The Delphine opened in Units 1–2, taking 3,051 sq ft on a 21-year lease and adding to the centre’s dining community. This was followed by the launch of all-day dining concept Café 1780 in Unit C, which took at 15-year lease. The latest signing at Princes Square is ethical fashion brand Omnes, which has taken 4,622 sq ft at Unit 54. Savills acted for the landlord and the tenant in this deal. Alex Williams, head of Scotland at LCP UK, part of...

News

Comment: How retailers are nailing Christmas 2025

15th December 2025

Catherine Evans, senior surveyor at LM, takes a deep dive into the strategies that retailers are deploying this Christmas.

More Latest Retail News

Industry comment: Looking ahead to 2026 – part one

17th December 2025

The retail and leisure industry is in a constant state of change. As consumer habits shift, retailers – along with landlords, asset managers, and agents – must be quick to adapt to new challenges. The past year has seen a continuation of many of the trends which have emerged in the post-pandemic retail industry: restricted budgets as a result of higher costs of living have seen a ‘flight to quality’, with many consumers looking to get more bang for their buck when spending their cash. As a result, food and beverage and leisure brands as we have seen over the last few years, have continued to benefit as consumers seek experiences over one-time purchases. In addition, many beauty and wellness brands have also seen an uptick in their sales as customers look to get the most out of their money. But what’s in store for 2026? Rather than gaze into a crystal ball, Completely Retail News has opted to ask the experts. Here are some thoughts from across the industry: Poppy Matson, commercial leasing manager at Sloane Stanley: “In recent years, our estate has been a key location for independents, and 2025 continued that trend. We welcomed a debut pop-up for […]

Aldi to open five new stores over 24 hours

12th December 2025

Aldi is set to open five new stores over 24 hours across the 11th and 12th of December. The supermarket retailer will be opening stores in Uxbridge, Northallerton, Pershore, London’s Old Kent Road, and Yate in Bristol. Aldi said the openings represent its ambition to open a total of 1,500 UK stores, up from its current 1,070. The retailer is set to invest £650 million into new openings and refurbishments in 2025, and has committed a further £1.6 billion over the next two years. Jon Neale, real estate managing director at Aldi UK, said: “Opening any new store is exciting, but opening five in 24 hours, just before Christmas, will make a huge difference for customers in each of these areas. It reflects the demand we’re seeing right across the UK and the scale of our ambition as we continue to grow. “We’re committed to growing in the right places, with the right teams, bringing our low prices and high-quality products to even more communities – and we’re committed to moving as fast as we can to deliver that.” 

Comment: Partnerships are the new competitive edge in retail

12th December 2025

Helen Cowie, centre director at Eldon Square, comments on how retail assets can form partnerships to gain a competitive edge. For many years, the success of a shopping centre was defined by the strength of its anchors and the diversity of its retail mix. Those fundamentals remain important but no longer tell the whole story. Today, the most valuable retail destinations are those that create economic opportunity, sustain local identity and build a sense of belonging.
Insights News

Redevelopment of prominent Oxford Street block green lit

11th December 2025

Plans to redevelop the former BHS store and UAL College of Fashion site on London’s Oxford Street have been approved by Westminster City Council. Located at 33 Cavendish Square, the development will look to deliver 800,000 sq ft of office space, 102,000 sq ft of retail space, and 38,000 sq ft of space dedicated to cultural and creative activities, including an auditorium and flexible event space. The office space is targeting best-in-class credentials, including BREEAM ‘Excellent’. The building will be fully electric, net-zero aligned, and equipped with more than 1,000 cycle parking spaces. John Bushell, principal at architects KPF, said: “We are delighted to have received unanimous planning approval for 33 Cavendish Square. This development will be a distinctive expression of everything that makes the West End exceptional: world-class retail on one of the world’s most iconic shopping streets, cultural spaces designed to host events from major product launches to conferences, and contemporary workspaces that continue to attract and inspire leading businesses. It will enhance the area’s long-standing reputation for creativity, commerce and culture, delivering lasting benefits for businesses, residents and visitors alike.” Works are set to commence in 2029, with completion of the development expected in 2033.
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