Posts from July 2025

Leasing launched at Brighton retail and leisure block

24th July 2025

Savills has launched the leasing at King’s Quarter, a new retail and leisure development in Brighton city centre. Based in a former Barclays bank on North Street, the development offers a total of 17,678 sq ft of retail and leisure accommodation across the ground and basement floors. Various splits and configurations will be considered, ranging between 4,000 sq ft and 40,000 sq ft in size, with retail and leisure uses suitable to be let either separately or together. The upper floors of the six storey building are currently used for offices, however Savills said these can be incorporated subject to access and egress considerations. Located within the city centre in close proximity to Churchill Square Shopping Centre and Brighton train station, King’s Quarter sits nearby to the likes of Decathlon, Sports Direct, TK Maxx, The Ivy, and Premier Inn. The property is also supplemented by the 587 space NCP Brighton Theatre multi-storey car park, which is located to the rear.

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Lifestyle brand opens first store outside of London at Victoria Leeds

24th July 2025

Luxury lifestyle brand BYREDO has opened its first UK store outside of London at Redical’s Victoria Leeds shopping centre. The northern flagship spans 2,154 sq ft across two distinct areas. The main space showcases BYREDO’s core categories, including fragrance, body care, and candles within a brutalist environment. The second, more intimate area is home to the BYREDO’s make-up collection, alongside pieces from the brand’s ‘Byproduct’ collection, which includes products such as woven blankets and leather goods. The opening follows the brand’s success as a concession within Harvey Nichols at Victoria Leeds, with BYREDO looking to complement the scheme’s established self-care line-up, joining luxury skincare brand Aesop in Victoria Quarter. Rachel Bradburn, head of leasing at Redical, said: “Health and beauty as a category performs exceptionally well at Victoria Leeds. Our premium mix of brands has fostered an elevated retail experience, in which BYREDO fits in seamlessly. The brand’s first standalone store outside of the capital adds yet another point of difference to the destination, further establishing Victoria Quarter as the go-to premier location for luxury names in beauty, fashion, and more.” BYREDO is the latest brand to make its northern debut at Victoria Leeds, joining Nobody’s Child and TUMI’s first...

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Suit Direct: “Nothing is off the table” as it targets new stores

23rd July 2025

“Nothing is off the table” for Suit Direct, as it looks to open up to 50 new locations over the coming years. The men’s formalwear retailer – which currently operates 30 stores – has renewed its long-standing partnership with Savills as it looks to identify suitable locations and grow its full-price offer. The brand has seen considerable growth over the last few years, having previously traded primarily from concessions within Debenhams department stores and outlet centres. Following Debenhams’ collapse in 2019, Suit Direct needed to replace a sizeable chunk of its revenue. “That’s when we embarked on the journey of going on to the high street with a full-price proposition”, Amanda Argent, retail director at Suit Direct, tells Completely Retail News. “We then engaged with Savills, who did a piece of research to support us in finding the locations we should be targeting. “We did go through a rapid amount of openings post-Covid, taking advantage of empty units where other retailers had collapsed. That has changed significantly now. Some of those stores worked really well, some were on short-term leases so we have lost them now, and some we still have”, she adds. Currently, the brand operates 10 outlet stores...

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Poundland to close 25 stores in August as part of restructuring

23rd July 2025

Poundland is set to close 25 of its stores in August as part of its restructuring and recovery plan. The discount retailer unveiled the plan in June after it was acquired by Gordon Brothers earlier this year, following a period of poor sales. The plan includes the closure of 68 stores in total, along with the shutting down of other stores following lease expirations. Darren MacDonald, retail director of Poundland, said: “It is, of course, sincerely regrettable that our recovery plans include any store closures, but sadly that’s necessary if we’re to achieve our goal of securing the future of thousands of jobs and hundreds of stores. “While our anticipated network of around 650-700 stores remains a sizeable one, we entirely understand how disappointing it will be for customers when one nearby closes. “Nevertheless, we look forward to continuing to welcome them to a nearby Poundland. “It goes without saying that we will work closely with colleagues through a formal consultation process in stores scheduled to close, exploring any suitable alternative roles. That work is underway.” The stores set to close are located in:

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Mappin & Webb to return to Birmingham city centre after 20 years

23rd July 2025

Mappin & Webb is set to make its return to Birmingham city centre for the first time in two decades. The Watches of Switzerland Group – which owns Mappin & Webb – has signed a 10-year lease at The Burlington on New Street. The jewellery retailer will expand and develop the former Watches of Switzerland showroom and the two adjoining units into a new Mappin & Webb showroom, spanning over 7,500 sq ft. Nina Meeks of Hortons, which acted for the landord, said: “Mappin & Webb’s decision to return to Birmingham with a new showroom reflects the strength of the city’s reputation as a destination for luxury retail. As the brand celebrates its 250th anniversary, we’re proud to welcome such an iconic name in British jewellery and watchmaking back to The Burlington and into the heart of the city.” The boutique joins The Watches of Switzerland Group’s existing stores in Birmingham, including a Goldsmiths showroom and the Breitling boutique in the Bullring.

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Luxury jewellers to open third location at Centre:mk

23rd July 2025

Luxury diamonds and jewellery specialist Pravins is set to open its third location at Centre:mk in Milton Keynes. Taking a 1,250 sq ft unit on Sunset Walk, Pravins will join the scheme in October, offering a range of pieces including fine jewellery and bespoke engagement and wedding rings. The boutique will also feature a champagne and cocktail bar, while offering in-person and virtual consultations. Kevin Duffy, centre director at Centre:mk, said: “Joining renowned jewellers including Beaverbrooks, Loupe, Goldsmiths, and Swarovski, Pravins will deliver yet another bespoke and premium experience for our guests at Centre:mk. Pravins’ commitment to the centre for its third store reinforces our position as one of the top 10 prime regional destinations in the UK, and we are certain this new flagship for the brand will resonate well with our affluent expansive catchment.” Sanjeev Shah, director at Pravins, added: “For a family-owned business like ours, it is so important to get our store locations right. Situated in a strategically important regional destination, Centre:mk’s prime location will allow us to reach an even greater consumer base where we will maintain our commitment to excellence in experience and product, just as we do across all Pravins stores.” Pravins will...

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PURESEOUL opens debut Welsh store at St David’s

22nd July 2025

Korean beauty retailer PURESEOUL has opened its 10th store and its first in Wales at St David’s Shopping Centre in Cardiff. The opening of PURESEOUL’s Cardiff store – which is its first outside of England – follows the brand’s launch of its multi-storey flagship on London’s Carnaby Street earlier this summer, and continues a year of rapid expansion for the brand. Leslie Tang, co-founder and CEO of PURESEOUL, said: “Our offline rollout is accelerating, and this store marks the beginning of our next phase – expanding strategically, but at pace, across the UK. Every location we open is 100% driven by our customers’ voices. We’re listening, we’re moving quickly, and we’re aiming for 30 stores by the end of 2026.” Helen Morgan, Centre Director at St David’s Cardiff, added: “Our guests have been keen to see more K-beauty brands here at St David’s, so we’re delighted that PURESEOUL will be joining the centre later this year. PURESEOUL’s line-up of trend-led and trusted Korean beauty brands is the perfect complement to our existing health and beauty mix and is set to offer a great experience to Cardiff shoppers.”

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M&S opens first airside food stores at Heathrow

22nd July 2025

Marks & Spencer has opened its first-ever airside food stores at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5. The two stores add 1,500 sq ft to M&S’s estate and open as the UK Summer Holidays start, offering a selection of the M&S Food on the Move range at Gate A, and a second gifting store situated at Gate B. As part of M&S’s store rotation and renewal programme, the stores will expand the retailer’s existing convenience estate, which consists of fifteen landside airport stores across the UK and Europe. Alex Freudmann, managing director at M&S Food, said: “Our stores programme is focused on making sure we have the right stores in the right place with the right space, whether these are full-line, food halls or convenience stores. Terminal 5 is the UK’s busiest terminal, making it the perfect location to debut our airside offer. “This launch builds on the success of our well-established landside airport stores across the UK and allows us to serve customers even closer to their departure gates. Whether travellers are looking for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or a British gift to take home, we’re aiming to bring some M&S magic to their journey through Heathrow.” Ross Baker, chief commercial...

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Charlotte Tilbury to expand West End presence with Carnaby Street signing

22nd July 2025

Charlotte Tilbury is set to expand its presence in London’s West End after signing a deal with Shaftesbury Capital to open a new store on Carnaby Street. The make-up, fragrance, and skincare brand will open a 4,200 sq ft store at one of the busiest entrances to the street, joining recent arrivals at Carnaby Street including PURESEOUL, TALA, and Farm Rio. The store will join Charlotte Tilbury’s existing flagship within Shaftesbury Capital’s West End portfolio in Covent Garden, which tripled in size at the end of last year. William Oliver, director of retail and restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Carnaby Street is known for being home to some of the best, internationally recognised brands that the retail industry has to offer. It is a vibrant hub of high-quality, sought-after names that resonate with its London consumers, just as much as the huge volume of domestic and international visitors Carnaby Street attracts. Charlotte Tilbury is theatrical and immersive, something that mirrors the foundation and heritage of Carnaby Street, and its global appeal and innovative approach are the qualities we look for, to ensure we deliver the elevated retail experience people have come to expect here.” This news follows the recent...

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Vedra Property Group appoints retail surveyor

22nd July 2025

Vedra Property Group, a retail-focused advisory firm which provides asset management, investment, and occupational services, has appointed Hugh Wilson as a retail surveyor. Wilson joins from MCR Property Group where he held the role of acquisition manager, responsible for creating and supporting investment, leasing, and asset management strategies. Prior to his time at MCR, Wilson was land manager at Dominus, and had also spent four years as property portfolio and acquisitions manager at Lidl. Vedra said the appointment supports its ambition to become established in the retail asset management sector, and that Wilson’s experience will support the firm’s expanding retail occupational services and asset management capabilities. Chris Harris, joint managing director of Vedra Group, said: “I am delighted to welcome Hugh to Vedra. Hugh brings client-side retail real estate experience and knowledge as we continue to expand into the retail occupational services sector, with a unique proposition supporting retail property teams providing a focus on service and value.” Hugh Wilson added: “I am thrilled to be joining Vedra at such an exciting time for the business, as it continues to grow with determination. I look forward to supporting clients by providing first class service, with a retailer mindset and understanding...

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Competitive socialising concept opens at Metrocentre

21st July 2025

Competitive socialising concept Activate has opened at Gateshead’s Metrocentre. The venue features 12 spaces and nine game types – including laser, mega grid, hoops, portals, and more. The arrival of Activate follows the concept’s opening at The O2 in London, which has become the top-performing Activate venue globally. We Do Play – which owns the Activate brand – is also behind other entertainment experiences in the UK, including Flip Out and Putt Putt Social. The group also founded the Boom Battle Bar brand. Activate joins Metrocentre’s existing leisure line-up – alongside established operators such as Treetop Golf, Clip ‘n Climb, and Namco Funscape. Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset manager for Metrocentre, said: “This is a big moment for Metrocentre, introducing a concept to the North East for the very first time. It’s the perfect fit for our vision of delivering new and exciting reasons for repeat visits, showing that Metrocentre is more than just a place to shop. It’s a dynamic and interactive operator where visitors of all ages can come together for memorable, immersive experiences, alongside some of the best brands in the UK.” Originally launched in Canada in 2017, Activate now has 60 locations across Canada,...

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Wingstop opens at Norwich’s Chantry Place

21st July 2025

Wingstop has opened its first restaurant in Norwich at Chantry Place. The 4,057 sq ft site hosts 115 covers in total and offers the brand’s full menu of wings, tenders, burgers, and sides. Last month, Wingstop UK was named the fastest-growing restaurant group in the UK for the third year running by The Sunday Times 100, ranking 42nd on the list. This recognition is a testament to the rapid growth of Wingstop UK, which is set to complete a record year of expansion, with 20 new openings planned by the end of the year. Chris Sherriff, CEO at Wingstop UK, said: “We’re thrilled to be opening our doors in the heart of Norwich today, it’s a big moment for us as we continue to grow across the East of England. This city has such great energy, and we can’t wait to share the Wingstop experience with the local community.”

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Cushman & Wakefield appoints new head of UK and Ireland

21st July 2025

Cushman & Wakefield has appointed Ben Cullen as head of its UK and Ireland business, succeeding George Roberts who is leaving the firm. Cullen joined Cushman & Wakefield as a graduate in 2001 and was then made an international partner in 2016. He led the London Occupier Representation team, prior to being made the UK head of offices in 2021. As a member of the firm’s UK executive committee, he has helped shape the success of Cushman & Wakefield’s wider UK & Ireland business. During his time at Cushman & Wakefield, Cullen has delivered transactions for some of the largest global clients of the firm. He will continue to focus heavily on clients and driving growth as head of UK and Ireland, and will hand over his divisional and sector leadership responsibilities to Andy Tyler, who succeeds him as UK head of offices. Matthew Bouw, chief executive, APAC & EMEA, Cushman & Wakefield, said: “I’m delighted to promote Ben into this role, where his energy, his client-centric approach, and his track record in delivering exceptional value for our clients through advice, solutions and services can have the greatest impact. I look forward to working with him in a key country...

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EG On the Move targeting more sites nationwide

18th July 2025

Petrol forecourt and convenience retail operator EG On the Move has released its latest requirements list as it looks to continue its expansion across the UK. The operator – which operates over 150 locations nationwide – is seeking roadside sites spanning at least 0.4 acres in size for drive-through, electric vehicle charging, or petrol filling stations. EG On the Move is acquiring on behalf of brands including Sbarro, Starbucks, Popeyes, Chaiiwala, Greggs, and Subway. The group is seeking sites nationwide, with its requirement extending across England, Wales, and Scotland. Colliers has been retained to find suitable locations. In 2024, EG On the Move said it is looking to open 120 roadside sites over three years.

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Mulligans opens 13th UK venue in Guildford

18th July 2025

Indoor minigolf operator Mulligans – part of Adventure Leisure – has opened its 13th venue in the UK in Guildford, Surrey. The two-storey, 17,000 sq ft venue was created via the amalgamation of two vacant units. TGI Fridays formerly occupied the larger, ground floor unit, whilst the basement unit was previously home to a nightclub and then a pop-up leisure venue, Slice. Mulligans Guildford houses 18 holes of golf, along with other activities including electro-darts and electro shuffleboard, alongside pool tables and arcade games such as air hockey, curved air hockey speedball, and basketball. Alongside these activites, the venue also offers a range of food and drink, including burgers, pizzas, fries, ribs, as well as cocktails, mocktails, ice cream, and milkshakes. Completely Retail News first reported Mulligans bid to open a Guildford venue in August 2024. Stephen Brown, chief operating officer of Adventure Leisure, said: “We are so excited that the doors to Mulligans Guildford are finally open! We’ve welcomed in lots of our Guildford friends and family, and even a couple of parties already, and we’re very much enjoying seeing people’s reactions to the place. We’ve opened just in time for the summer holidays, and we can’t wait to see everyone...

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Cotswolds Designer Outlet opens its doors

18th July 2025

Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Gloucestershire has opened its doors to the public. The 136,000 sq ft scheme – located just off Junction 9 of the M5, near Tewkesbury – features a mix of 52 brands, including the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Reiss,The North Face, Sweaty Betty, PUMA, Adidas, Rituals, The Perfume Shop, M&S, and ProCook. The outlet centre also houses a number of F&B brands, such as Five Guys, Pret A Manger, 200 Degrees, Zizzi, Wagamama, and Caffè Nero, as well as local operators Kneed Bakery and The Patisserie Box. Phase 1 of the development is now 98% let, with work underway on the second phase which will add an additional 50,000 sq ft of space. Cotswolds Designer Outlet was developed by Robert Hitchins Ltd and is managed by outlet specialist Multi-Realm. Christine Grace, leasing director, Multi-Realm, said: “Cotswolds Designer Outlet is set to become one of the ‘must visit’ retail and leisure destinations in the UK, offering a hugely compelling mix of international, national, and local brands, as well as a fantastic range of food and drink options, all complemented by the carefully curated design. “For an asset of this scale to be 98% let on the day of...

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F.Hinds signing leads pair of deals at The Centre Livingston

17th July 2025

Family-run jewellers F.Hinds is set to open a new store at The Centre Livingston, with Marble Buffet also joining the scheme. F.Hinds’ 1,395 sq ft store – which will be located next to Ryman – is due to open in August. The store joins 118 others across the UK and will offer a range of products alongside services such as jewellery and watch repairs. Meanwhile, restaurant operator Marble Buffet will be opening a 15,770 sq ft, 380-seater eatery above Nando’s on Almondvale Boulevards, set to open in May 2026. It will feature live cooking stations with chefs creating a selection of dishes from around the world. The restaurant will look to complement the existing mixture of over 150 stores and eateries at The Centre Livingston, which includes Flannels, H&M, River Island, M&S, Hotel Chocolat, Wagamama and Five Guys. The signings follows the arrival of various new retailers to the shopping centre over the past 18 months, including a Scottish debut for Cinnabon, as well as openings from Las Iguanas, Rituals, Søstrene Grene, Pop Specs, The Designer Rooms, and Starbucks. In addition to welcoming new retailers, the scheme’s owners, LCP, part of M Core, also recently announced plans to expand into the leisure...

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Frasers Group: property investment a “key focus” for the group

17th July 2025

Frasers Group has said that property investment remains a “key focus” for the group, as acquisitions drive revenue growth. The retail group’s property division recorded £13.9m of revenue for the 2025 financial year, a 19.1% year-on-year increase. This accounted for 1.8% of the wider group’s revenue. This was bolstered by the annualisation of Frasers Groups’ prior year acquisitions – including Castleford shopping centres, as well as acquisitions made in the 2025 financial year including Doncaster’s Frenchgate, Exeter’s Princesshay, Maidstone’s Fremlin Walk, and Affinity outlets. The group’s profit from trading within its property division increased by £5.0m, with additional rental income being partially offset by an £5.8m increase in operating costs. Elsewhere in the group, retail revenue declined by 7.4% year-on-year. Frasers Groups said that continued sales growth from Sports Direct and the acquisition of Twinsport were more than offset by planned declines in Game UK, Studio Retail, the companies acquired from JD Sports and SportMaster in Denmark. In addition, Frasers Group said the luxury market continued to be challenging but is now showing some early signs of improvement. Michael Murray, chief executive of Frasers Group, said: “I’m pleased with our performance this year, despite the headwinds caused by last year’s Budget. We...

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Glasgow entertainment complex handed £1.6m price tag

17th July 2025

An entertainment complex in Glasgow has been placed on the investment market with a price tag of £1,650,000, reflecting a net initial yield of 11.61%. Located at 20 Glassford Street within Glasgow’s Merchant City, The Glasshouse Complex houses a multi-faceted licensed investment. The premises lie a few minutes’ walk from George Square, Strathclyde University, and Glasgow’s main retailing areas along Argyle Street and Buchanan Street. Within the property, there is a sports bar in the ground floor, a music venue within the basement, and a tenpin bowling concept with a bar within the first floor. The three concepts – which together occupy a total area of 26,272 sq ft – are subject to separate lease agreements. The premises themselves are arranged over the ground floor, first floor, and basement of a multi-storey steel frame building with a glass frontage. Adjacent occupiers, which form part of the building, include a car park and a Grosvenor Casino. The Glasshouse Complex has a weighted average unexpired lease term of 14.5 years to expiry, and generates a rent of £202,500 per annum. CDLH and Knight Frank have been appointed to find a suitable purchaser.

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Oliver Bonas to open first-ever outlet store at Gunwharf Quays

16th July 2025

Oliver Bonas is set to open its first-ever outlet store at Landsec’s Gunwharf Quays retail destination in Portsmouth. The British lifestyle brand’s new store will be located on Gunwharf Quays’ The Avenues, which has recently been upgraded as part of a multi-million pound investment into the destination. Founded in 1993, Oliver Bonas offers a range of fashion and homeware collections. The brand will join a number of lifestyle brands at Gunwharf Quays, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Boss, Coach, UGG, Nike, and The White Company. Pablo Sueiras, head of retail and hospitality leasing at Landsec, said: “This move gives customers the chance to experience the brand in a new format. “Oliver Bonas launching its first-ever outlet store at Gunwharf Quays speaks volumes about the strength of the destination and its unique appeal to leading brands. It’s a location that offers the footfall, profile and setting for retailers to really stand out and connect with their audience. This move gives customers the chance to experience the brand in a new format.” The comes shortly after Landsec announced it had broken ground at Marlborough Square, marking a milestone in the transformation of the Portsmouth-based retail outlet. Works are due to complete in Spring...

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