Posts from February 2025

Nomination has opened its first concept store in Scotland at SGS Group’s Braehead Shopping Centre in Glasgow. The store – which is operated by jewellery retailer Argento – is located on the scheme’s upper level and looks to provide an immersive shopping experience that showcases the Italian brand’s collections. Nomination joins a line-up of jewellery retailers at the centre, including Beaverbrooks, Goldsmiths, H.Samuel, Ernest Jones, and Pandora. Rob Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera Lateral, said: “The arrival of Nomination’s first concept store is a great addition to our retail mix, reinforcing Braehead’s position a premium retail and leisure destination in Scotland. This exclusive location is testament to Braehead’s appeal, offering a curated retail experience that sets it apart from other shopping centres. Nomination will further add to the centre’s diverse jewellery offering, bringing stylish, high-quality collections to the centre, and ensuring that visitors continue to enjoy an exceptional shopping experience unlike anywhere else.”

Deals

Hammerson scores Aston Villa signing at Bullring

Aston Villa Football Club is set to open a new retail experience at Hammerson’s Bullring in Birmingham. The Premier League team will open a 10,000 sq ft, two-storey store on the scheme’s Lower Level East in May. The store will offer Aston Villa products such as kits, training wear, and limited-edition collections, as well as Adidas merchandise including footwear and clothing. In line with the historic club’s heritage, the Bullring store will also feature elements from the club’s 150th anniversary and the iconic Villa Park stadium, as well as a museum area to highlight the club’s place in Birmingham and football history. Paul O’Brien, director of leasing and commercialisation at Hammerson, said: “Aston Villa’s new store coming to Bullring is a great example of Hammerson’s occupier mix strategy, delivering best-in-class spaces that are exciting and unique in equal measure. The one-of-a-kind retail experience from this historic football club points to the quality we are successfully driving across our portfolio, and aligns with our commitment to keep Bullring’s visitors engaged and coming back.” Chris Heck, president of business operations at Aston Villa FC, added: “Bullring is, without a doubt, the best possible location to launch this flagship Aston Villa store. As...

Deals News

Søstrene Grene to open fifth London store at Oxford Circus

Søstrene Grene is set to open its fifth store in London on Argyll Street, just off of Oxford Circus. Spanning 4,746 sq ft, the two-storey flagship store will stock the Danish homeware brand’s range of furniture, crafts, stationery, kitchenware, and children’s toys. The store will also feature an interactive customer experience room, as well as a room which focuses on the senses, a first for the brand. Søstrene Grene at Argyll Street will join four other locations in the capital, including at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross, and Tottenham Court Road. The retailer will also be opening a store at Canary Wharf this summer, bringing its total number of London outlets to six. The opening forms part of the brand’s plans to open 100 stores in the UK by 2030. Søstrene Grene currently operates over 45 locations across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and over 300 across international markets. Mikkel Grene, chief executive and co-owner of Søstrene Grene, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of a brand-new flagship store in the UK. It has been a dream for both me and my family to have a central London store just off Oxford Circus and it’s an incredible milestone...

Deals News

Asian QSR restaurant appoints Savills to support UK growth

Asian quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain Chopstix has appointed real estate advisor Savills as sole agent to advise on its UK expansion. Following investment in from European quick-service restaurant platform QSRP in October 2024, Chopstix – which operates 150 restaurants – has set out to accelerate its growth across the UK and Europe. Sam Shaw, acquisitions manager at Chopstix, said: “In recent years, amid steady growth of the Chopstix estate, we’ve undertaken significant market mapping and have recognised huge headroom for further expansion across the UK as consumers increasingly seek out our bold, Chinese flavours over other high street staples. I’m delighted to appoint Savills to support Chopstix on this growth trajectory, the team consistently secure the best sites for their clients and with them onboard we really are primed to rapidly accelerate our growth.” Chris O’Mahony, retail director at Savills Bristol, added: “We are excited to be working with Chopstix, using our expertise to secure prime locations that align with their brand values and growth objectives. Each new location plays a crucial role in expanding their brand presence and enhancing customer accessibility. With a focus on high-growth markets, we are proud to support Chopstix in their mission to deliver exceptional dining experiences,...

News

Trafford Centre launches new dining destination for local cuisine

The Trafford Centre in Manchester has unveiled a new dining destination, called Eastern Garden, designed to champion Mancunian talent. The new area – previously referred to as Chinatown – is designed to reflect a blend of traditional and contemporary Asian aesthetics. Eastern Garden features a line-up of independent operators including: Kitty Vaughan, head of F&B and leisure leasing at Pradera Lateral, said: “At Trafford Centre, we are committed to offering our visitors an exciting and diverse food and beverage experience that celebrates our global customers and champions homegrown talent. “Eastern Garden not only enjoys a wide array of unique and authentic flavours but also represents the vibrant and dynamic culinary scene of Manchester. This initiative is a significant step in our ongoing investment to diversify the exciting culinary offering at Trafford Centre.”

News

Urban Revivo signs for second flagship UK store

Urban Revivo is set to open its second flagship store in the UK at Westfield Stratford City in London. The fashion retailer will occupy a 30,000 sq ft, double height unit on the first floor, with neighbouring retailers including Zara, UNIQLO, Mango, and H&M. Founded in 2006, Urban Revivo now has a global portfolio of over 400 stores, and recently signed for 8-12 Neal Street in Covent Garden. Sam Foyle, co-head of global retail at Savills, said: “Today’s deal marks a significant milestone for Urban Revivo, as we accelerate the brands’ ambitious European expansion plans in 2025. Building on its phenomenal success in the APAC region, we’re excited for Urban Revivo to spearhead the next generation of fashion innovation in the UK.” Constantin Wiesmann, leasing director UK at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), added: “Westfield Stratford City continues to be a destination for leading global brands to establish and grow their flagship presence in the UK. The signing of Urban Revivo reflects our ongoing strategy to attract emerging and cult-favourite brands, providing unique opportunities for our tenants and an enhanced shopping experience for our visitors.” Savills advised Urban Revivo, whilst URW was advised by Cushman & Wakefield.

Deals News

Breitling makes city debut at Liverpool ONE

Breitling has opened on Paradise Street in Liverpool ONE shopping centre, with the luxury Swiss watchmaker making its city debut. The new 3,200 sq ft, double-height unit showcases the brand’s selection of timepieces and includes features such as a Triumph motorcycle and fully-stocked bar. Breitling joins other luxury jewellery retailers at Liverpool ONE including Goldsmiths, David M Robinson, and Swarovski. Rob Deacon, director of asset management at Liverpool ONE, said: “The city debut of Breitling’s new showcase space is a standout addition to Liverpool ONE, adding even more gravitas to our leading line-up and customer offering. To have established Liverpool ONE as a UK hotspot for world-renowned brands, such as Breitling, is no small feat and paves the way for an exciting 2025.” The arrival of Breitling follows Liverpool ONE’s busiest Christmas and start to the year since 2019, with footfall and sales up 10% and 7% year-on-year, respectively. Metis and CBRE acted for Liverpool ONE. Newmark acted for Breitling.

Deals News

Stradivarius signs for regional debut at Gateshead’s Metrocentre

Stradivarius is set to open its first store in the North East of England at Metrocentre in Gateshead. The fashion retailer has agreed to take a 10,000 sq ft unit on the scheme’s lower Red Mall, in close proximity to fellow Inditex brand Zara. The brand’s new flagship location will join the Red Mall’s existing line-up of fashion retailers including Reiss, Mango, and the newly-refurbished River Island. Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset manager of Metrocentre, said: “Stradivarius signing for this regional debut is a huge statement for Metrocentre, confirming its appeal as the premier retail destination in the North East. Inditex’s decision to bring another of its leading brands to Red Mall showcases our ability to deliver the best in fashion experiences to our growing and increasingly loyal customer base.” This latest signing follows the news that Metrocentre is celebrating a strong start to 2025, following a record-breaking 2024 for both sales and footfall during which it welcomed 15.8 million visitors. Nearly 300,000 sq ft of deals were completed in the last 12 months, driving a 9.2% year-on-year footfall uplift so far this year.

Deals News

Get Living welcomes first brands to Birmingham neighbourhood

Residential build-to-rent operator Get Living has signed its first commercial tenants at its Sherlock Quarter neighbourhood in Birmingham. Budgens and Japanese restaurant concept Zoku have both agreed deals to join the neighbourhood, which is Get Living’s first in Birmingham. The Budgens store – which is part of the Booker Group – will be locally owned and ran by a local operator. It will sell fresh produce, packaged food, and other household essentials. Meanwhile Zoku will be taking around 2,000 sq ft for its new restaurant, which will open in the spring. The venue will offer East Asian classics including ramen, sushi, and dumplings. The brand is owned by MAAK Capital, which also runs a Chinese restaurant in Birmingham, The Palace Hotpot. Located in the heart of the city, Sherlock Quarter is a short walk from the Bullring shopping centre and has delivered 551 new homes for rent. The neighbourhood’s amenity offer includes a double height sky lounge for socialising and working, as well as a resident gym and yoga studio. The ground floor offers 16,500 sq ft of retail, F&B and leisure space, of which over half is in advanced negotiations. Creative Retail lead the commercial leasing at Sherlock Quarter. Richard Allen,...

Deals News

Bournemouth supermarket-led investment hits the market

A supermarket-anchored mixed-use property in Bournemouth has been placed on the market with a price tag of £11.5m. Located at 1-3 The Square and 4-28 Richmond Hill, the property is let to tenants including Tesco, The Ivy, Stonegate Pubs, and the Azzurri Group, which make up 92% of the rental income. The asset has weighted average unexpired lease term of 10.76 years to expiry and 10.3 years to break. Tesco opted not to exercise a break clause in 2020 and reversionary leases have been agreed with Slug and Lettuce and Zizzi. A new lease has also been completed with The Ivy for an unbroken term of 25 years, with five-yearly RPI-indexed rent reviews. In addition to the retail and leisure aspect, the property also includes two floors of residential accommodation. The asking price of £11.5m reflects a net initial yield of 8.4% increasing to 9.2% in October, and a capital value of £205 per sq ft. Jackson Criss has been appointed to find a suitable buyer.

News

Cushman & Wakefield adds partner to retail team

Cushman & Wakefield has appointed Chris Watt as a partner within its UK retail capital markets team. An in-town retail and leisure investment specialist, Watt joins from Lunson Mitchenall where he was a director and spent eight years focusing on the acquisition and disposal of shopping centres and high street and leisure assets. He has also previously worked at WSB Property Consultants in Leeds. His clients include Abrdn, Delancey ,and Northdale Asset Management as well as a mix of institutional investors, private equity firms, local authorities, and private investors. In his new position, Watt will focus on the in-town shopping centre and retail and leisure market, working with the head of UK retail capital markets Marcus Wood, and Joshua Vernon, partner in retail capital markets. He becomes the third partner in as many months to join Cushman & Wakefield’s UK retail and leisure team following the arrival of fellow capital markets hire Jack Lloyd in January, and retail park leasing specialist Mark Phelps in December. Both joined from Avison Young. Dominic Bouvet, head of UK retail and leisure at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “We’re thrilled that Chris has chosen to take the next step in his career with us. He...

News

Sephora continues expansion with Manchester Arndale signing

Sephora is set to open its eighth UK outlet after signing for a new store at Manchester Arndale shopping centre. The beauty retailer has signed a 10-year lease for a 7,300 sq ft space, which will offer over 300 skincare, cosmetic, and beauty brands. Since its founding in 1969, Sephora has grown to over 2,700 stores across 34 countries and has been expanding its UK presence. Sarah Boyd, managing director of Sephora UK, said: “Manchester showed us phenomenal support when we opened our first store in the region, which blew away all our expectations. We are thrilled to be bringing a second beauty playground to our customers in this vibrant and culturally rich city, allowing us to reach even more shoppers with a city centre location at Manchester Arndale.” Sephora becomes the latest retailer to move to Manchester Arndale after the centre welcomed 23 new tenants in 2024. This included established brands such as Rituals, Space NK, B&M, Go Outdoors, and Castore, as well as online retailers including Represent, BPerfect, PureSeoul, and Trailberg, with the latter two selecting the centre as its first physical retail space. Steve Gray, head of European retail asset management at Global Mutual, said: “Sephora is...

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Lidl to open nine stores in one month

Lidl is set to open nine stores within a month, with the majority opening their doors in February, as it kicks off its 2025 expansion drive. New stores are opening in Canning Town, Preston, Walsall, and Wombourne, whilst upsized stores in Blantyre, Cwmbran, Oldbrook, Wells, and West Ealing are reopening. These openings follow the supermarket retailer’s first in 2025 in Northampton, and follow a series of 10 new store openings in the run-up to Christmas. Richard Taylor, chief development officer at Lidl GB, said: “As we begin the new year, we’re maintaining our momentum and opening nine state-of-the-art stores, delivering bigger and better shopping experiences to new communities and those we’ve proudly served for an average of 26 years. After a record-breaking Christmas, where millions of households turned to Lidl, these openings reflect the growing demand for our unbeatable value and quality. This is just the start – we’ve got more openings in the pipeline this year alone and can’t wait to welcome even more customers, both loyal and new, through our doors in the weeks ahead.” This comes after Lidl’s most successful Christmas yet, with nearly two million more customers shopping at the discounter compared to previous years. Sales for...

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The Momentum Group makes flurry of new hires

Property services company The Momentum Group has made a series of hires – including two new directors – as it focuses on the next stage of growth. Jacqui Saunders has been appointed as director of Momentum Manage, and will look to accelerate the group’s growth across the North West and South East. With over 20 years’ of experience, she joins from Network Space, where she held the role of associate director. She has also held positions at The Arch Company and Savills. The group has also appointed Jyssica Murphy, who joins as health, safety, and quality director. She was previously building safety regulatory lead at the Health and Safety Executive, and has also worked at Redrow Homes, Torus, and as a consultant for various construction and refurbishment projects. In addition, The Momentum Group has also appointed Stella Costa as senior project manager, James Blackmore as project manager, Lucas Smith as trainee project manager, Claudia Watson as graduate project manager, Nick Barrett as construction project manager, and Jo Miller as property manager at Momentum Manage. Chris Bliss and Chris Renshaw, co-founders and directors of The Momentum Group, said: “The success of The Momentum Group is driven by its people and, as we grow,...

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Flight Club lands at Newcastle’s Eldon Square

Social darts experience Flight Club is set open its 15th site in the UK at Eldon Square in Newcastle. Opening later this year, Flight Club’s 10,000 sq ft space in Grey’s Quarter – with entrances within both Eldon Square and Nelson Street – will become the operator’s first venue in the North East. Since launching its first site in Shoreditch in 2015, Flight Club has since grown to open in locations across the UK, Ireland, the USA, and Australia. As well as competitive darts, the concept also offers a range of food and drink options, including pizzas, burgers, and sharing dishes. Kitty Vaughan, head of UK leisure and F&B at Pradera Lateral, Eldon Square’s asset manager, said: “Welcoming Flight Club to Eldon Square will strengthen our dynamic mix of leisure options, further enhancing our reputation as the premier shopping and entertainment hub in Newcastle. Our entertainment offering is crucial to attracting visitors to Eldon Square and the addition of such a renowned, experience-led brand will ensure we continue to attract diverse audiences to the centre.” Steve Moore, CEO and founder of Flight Club, added: “Bringing Flight Club to Newcastle has been a long-term ambition for us. It’s a city that’s notorious...

Deals News

Former Oxford Street House of Fraser secures first tenant