News
Four retailers recommit to The Forge Shopping Centre in Glasgow
10th June 2026The Forge Shopping Centre in Parkhead, Glasgow has welcomed investment from four major brands, which have recommitted to the scheme through long-term lease renewals, store expansions, and refits. High street retailers Peacocks and Bonmarché have both committed to the shopping centre for an additional five years. The retailers, which look to offer a range of accessible and affordable fashion, have both traded at the scheme for over eight years. Meanwhile, Greggs is set to relocate to a significantly larger unit, offering an expanded menu and additional seating. Finally, Costa Coffee will close between 12th and 26th June to allow for a full refit. Jodi Robertson, marketing coordinator at The Forge Shopping Centre, said: “To have four major retailers investing in The Forge at the same time is a real statement of confidence in what we’re building here. These aren’t just renewals, they’re commitments to our community, and we’re excited about what that means for shoppers in Parkhead and across Glasgow.” This follows the recently announced arrival of leisure tenant Pure Padel, broadening the centre’s offer beyond traditional retail.
Deals
Dubarry of Ireland signs for West End flagship
10th June 2026The Crown Estate has signed Dubarry of Ireland for a flagship store at 6 Conduit Street, just off of London’s Regent Street. The footwear and clothing brand has signed a six-year lease for a 1,362 sq ft store, which will open later this summer. This move expands Dubarry of Ireland’s presence in the capital, joining its existing store at Sloane Square. Founded in Galway in 1937, the brand looks to combine traditional craftmanship with technical performance across footwear, clothing, and accessories, creating products for outdoor lifestyles and long-term wear. Dubarry of Ireland launched its first physical retail space in Dublin in 2012, before opening its first UK stores in London in 2013 and Cheltenham in 2016. It also recently opened a store in Edinburgh. The retailer joins a number of heritage-led brands that have joined The Crown Estate’s West End portfolio, including Burberry, Barbour, Mulberry, and recent addition travel brand Antler. Laura Thursfield, retail leasing director at The Crown Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dubarry of Ireland to its new UK flagship store on Conduit Street. With its reputation for craftsmanship, quality and timeless design, the brand is ideally suited to the premium retail mix around Regent Street. “This […]
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
Lovisa to open at Merseyway Shopping Centre amid increased retailer investment in Stockport
9th June 2026Lovisa is set to open at Merseyway Shopping Centre later this month, marking the latest addition to a growing retail offer in Stockport. The retailer will be taking 888 sq ft within the former Ernest Jones unit, offering a range of trend-led and waterproof jewellery. The opening follows a strong period of momentum for Stockport town centre, which attracted over 11 million visitors last year, a 15% increase on visitor numbers compared to 2024. It also comes after the recent relocation and opening of Shoezone within the centre last month. The footwear retailer has relocated into the former Tessuti unit, occupying a 4,295 sq ft space. The latest lettings continue Merseyway’s strong leasing momentum as the centre looks to evolve as part of Stockport Council’s £2bn regeneration plans. Alongside attracting new retailers, the shopping centre continues to benefit from ongoing investment, with recent improvements including the installation of new access control and height restriction barriers, as well as painting and refurbishment works. Councillor Micheala Meikle, cabinet member for economy, regeneration, and skills at Stockport Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see more national retailers choosing to invest in Stockport and recognising the strength of our town centre. Welcoming brands like Lovisa, alongside […]
