News
Berghaus to open debut North West store at Manchester Arndale
9th June 2026Berghaus is set to open its first standalone store in the North West at Manchester Arndale. The 2,750 sq ft store will offer a range of a range of outerwear, and joins a number of brands that have recently committed to Manchester Arndale, including Arc’teryx, Alo Yoga, Pro:Direct, GARAGE and Represent. Founded in 1966 by mountaineers Peter Lockey and Gordon Davison, Berghaus has since amassed a following with young consumers fuelled by the rise of gorp-core and athleisure. Scott Linard, portfolio manager for M&G Real Estate, said: “Securing Berghaus for its first standalone store in the North West is another major endorsement of Manchester Arndale and the strength of our retail offer. The brand’s decision to open its first brand store UK location here reflects the confidence major retailers have in the destination and the continued demand we’re seeing for premium outdoor and sportswear brands.” Steve Gray, head of European retail asset management at Global Mutual, added: “Berghaus joining Manchester Arndale is a clear example of how leading retailers are responding to evolving consumer trends and investing in standout physical retail destinations. The brand is a fantastic addition to our lineup and further enhances the scheme’s appeal to Gen Z consumers who are driving […]
Deals
MINISO opens doors at Merry Hill
8th June 2026MINISO as opened at Merry Hill in the West Midlands, following the scheme’s recent acquisition by Redical. The new 2,400 sq ft store, located on the Lower Mall adjacent to Foot Locker, offers a range of toys, plush collectibles, stationery, homeware and snacks. The store features collections from merchandise ranges including Hello Kitty & Friends, Pokémon, Disney and Star Wars, alongside MINISO’s blind-box ranges. The arrival of MINISO at Merry Hill comes after the scheme was acquired by Redical earlier this year. Alistair Winning, leasing manager for Redical, said: “Obtaining exciting brands like MINISO is an important aspect of our leasing strategy for Merry Hill, as we move into its next chapter under Redical ownership. It is crucial that we provide our guests with a variety of popular and unique retailers that represent our diverse demographic, keeping visitors coming back for more. MINISO’s opening does exactly this, and reinforces Merry Hill’s stellar reputation through the continued curation of best-in-class retailers.” Saad Usman, chief operating officer at MINISO, added: “Merry Hill was the logical choice for our next opening, with its impressive catchment, high footfall, and quality retail line-up. Wherever we go, we want to create an experience, with a focus […]
Requirements
Toolstation eyes new sites as it looks to expand London and South East estate
22nd April 2026Toolstation has released its latest property requirements list as it looks to expand its store estate across Greater London and the South East. The trade supplies retailer is seeking units on high streets and trade parks ranging between 2,000 sq ft and 5,000 sq ft in size, located in prominent and visible roadside locations. Ideal units will be situated in easily accessible locations, with access to parking and loading bays essential. Target locations include: GCW has been retained to find suitable locations.
Insights
Q&A: How can smaller retail destinations adapt their offerings?
21st May 2026As middle markets continue to feel squeezed, how can smaller, more regional shopping destinations adapt their offerings to a modern customer base? Peter Everest is managing director of WD Ltd – which owns Dockside at Chatham Maritime. The centre – located in Medway, Kent – comprises restaurants, cafés, bars, a range of high street brands and leisure attractions, as well as everyday conveniences and services such as a nursery and dentist. He spoke to Completely Retail News about how the scheme has evolved to meet new demands: How has retail evolved during your time in the industry? “From 25 year upward only rent reviews to short term leases that allow flexibility and change, the landlord and tenant relationship has become a partnership that now also includes the consumer with all parties looking at sales data on a frequent basis. “Significant macro-economic events such as the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and the more recent Covid pandemic and global unrest have completely reshaped consumer behaviour and many familiar high street brands that failed to adapt have left huge voids across retail space in the UK. The middle market hardly exists and middle market schemes are having to reinvent themselves. “In those intervening years […]
Advice
Turn lease events from growing pains into commercial gains
10th March 2026By Simon Matley, director for dilapidations and occupier services at TFT After a period of acquisition, a large commercial retail portfolio can become either a major liability or a powerful cost saver for retailers who need every advantage they can get in a challenging consumer market. For national multiples and high street brands, often with sizeable portfolios numbering in the hundreds of units, or for smaller regional operations that are growing at speed, flexibility and control are hugely important. Brands today are adapting their portfolios in light of changing consumer behaviour and omni-channel retailing, and this is shaped by the increasingly sophisticated data capture that allows them to better understand stock, fulfilment, customer behaviour, and operations. For many who have been acquiring premises over the past 10 years, they will almost certainly find that data allows them to be more efficient in the space they need, not least because of the growth of last mile logistics and on demand deliveries which enables occupiers to be nimble in how they use their spaces. Whether they operate on the high street, in retail parks or rely on distribution centres, retailers want to scale fast, explore new territory and snap up the right […]
News
Jamaica Blue serves up at Queensgate Peterborough
8th June 2026All-day dining and café concept Jamaica Blue has opened at Queensgate Peterborough. The operator has taken a 1,270 sq ft space in the scheme’s Upper Mall, opposite the Frasers anchor store and adjacent to Goldsmiths. The venue offers all-day experience, featuring specialty hot and cold drinks, brunch dishes, sandwiches, and sweet treats. Jamaica Blue joins a number of existing F&B brands at Queensgate, including Taco Bell, Black Sheep Coffee, Tap & Tandoor, and Seoul Plaza. Ed Ginn, director of investment management at Invesco Real Estate, said: “Appealing to both weekday and weekend visitors, and breakfast through to an afternoon treat, Jamaica Blue brings a standout all-day dining concept that complements the evolving offer at Queensgate. The brand has broad customer appeal and adds further vibrancy to the centre, delivering both a high-quality grab-and-go option and a relaxed sit-down family dining experience.” Michael Johnson, franchise development executive at Foodco UK, added: “Bringing our speciality coffee, fresh brunch, lunch and sweet dishes to Peterborough is an exciting moment, and we are confident Jamaica Blue will resonate strongly with customers at Queensgate. Expanding into key regional destinations such as Peterborough is central to our UK growth strategy, and this is an exciting milestone […]
