Posts from December 2025

Redevco has welcomed PUMA to London’s Oxford Street, with the global sportswear brand opening within the transformed ONE James Street building. Spanning 25,000 sq ft, the new space is the retailer’s largest flagship store in Europe, and features PUMA’s NITRO running shoes, its football boot range, as well as its current range of lifestyle products. At ONE James Street, Redevco has looked to rebalanced the mix of uses at the building, reducing retail space and expanding office space to meet growing demand for premium workplace environments. The future-proofed workspaces were designed to champion sustainability and wellbeing. Occupiers also benefit from a biophilic roof terrace and pavilion, a business lounge, bookable meeting rooms, a gym, and secure cycle storage. Deborah Green, head of asset and transaction management at Redevco UK, said: “The opening of PUMA’s flagship at ONE James Street underscores the building’s position as one of London’s premier retail destinations. Welcoming such an iconic global brand is a milestone that reflects our vision to create vibrant, sustainable urban spaces that attract leading names and elevate the West End experience.”

News

Savills adds director to EMEA retail advisory team

Savills has appointed David Close as director of EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) retail tenant representation. He brings over 20 years of experience advising global brands, and joins from CBRE’s retail tenant advisory team. Over the past two decades, he has worked with a range of international retail brands from Asia, North America, and Europe, advising on their expansion strategies across the EMEA region. He has worked on securing high-profile locations in many of the world’s most prestigious retail streets — including London’s Regent Street, the Champs-Élysées in Paris, Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona, Via Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, and Calle Serrano in Madrid. In his new role at Savills, Close will focus on advising global retail brands on their growth in key prime EMEA cities. He takes up the position in December. Sam Foyle, co-head of prime global retail at Savills, said: “David’s deep-rooted understanding of the European retail landscape, combined with a modern, people-first approach to retailers, aligns seamlessly with our boutique advisory model. Having known David for many years, I’ve consistently admired his ability to navigate market nuances. His insight and experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow with agility, purpose and a commitment...

News

B&Q adds Isle of Wight store to freehold portfolio

B&Q has added a store it operates in Newport in the Isle of Wight to its freehold portfolio in an off-market purchase. The 83,618 sq ft store – which was originally developed by B&Q – is situated north of Newport town centre, with other retailers in the area including Screwfix, Halfords, Lidl, and Dunelm. The sale was completed by HLRE on behalf of West Sussex County Council and Aberdeen. Curson Sowerby Partners acted for B&Q. HLRE had previously acted for Aberdeen in regearing B&Q’s lease at the store in 2024, before freehold discussions started.

News

Trio of independents join London’s redeveloped Sicilian Avenue

Sicilian Avenue, the redeveloped and pedestrianised dining and lifestyle destination in Central London, is welcoming a trio of independent businesses as its first tenants. Located in close proximity to Holborn Station, Sicilian Avenue comprises 70,000 sq ft of renovated offices above 17,500 sq ft of retail and food and beverage space with Al Fresco seating. Set against the backdrop of Bloomsbury Square and a six-minute walk from The British Museum, Sicilian Avenue’s developers are looking to revitalise the street to create a vibrant consumer destination in the heart of Bloomsbury. The first of the new businesses to arrive is Flying Horse Coffee, which opened its doors this month at No.1 Sicilian Avenue – on the corner of Southampton Row. At its first Central London location, Flying Horse Coffee offers customers a range of brews alongside toasties and bagels. Also joining Sicilian Avenue is wellness brand BACKWORKS, which will open in spring 2026. The drop-in space will offer fully-clothed, seated massages on ergonomic chairs, designed for time-pressed business owners, workers, students, visitors, and locals. Rounding out the new arrivals is Japanese café MATCHADO, also opening next spring. Founded in 2019, the brand will offer a range of Japanese tea, including matcha, as...

Deals News

Buyer sought for indoor mini-golf venue operator

Brighton Pier Group is seeking a buyer for its Paradise Adventure Golf business, which operates seven indoor mini-golf venues in England and Scotland. The business’s venues, all situated within mixed-use retail and leisure schemes, are located within Manchester, Sheffield, Glasgow, Derby, Cheshire, Plymouth, and Rushden Lakes. The venues range between 8,000 sq ft and 24,000 sq ft and include two 18-hole courses with themes such as tropical islands, ancient ruins and exotic jungles. The specialist licensed and leisure team at Colliers has been appointed to find a suitable purchaser. Paul Bugeja from Colliers licensed and leisure team said: “Each of the Paradise Island Adventure Golf sites are strategically located with a presence in some of the UK’s most sought-after retail and leisure schemes. This presents a rare opportunity to acquire a business which has consistently delivered strong operating profits, with potential to grow sales further through investment in the estate and wider business.”

News

Newmark fashions six new Crew Clothing store deals

Newmark has secured six new locations for Crew Clothing, as the British fashion brand looks to accelerate its growth across the UK. The new openings include Victoria Square in Belfast and Muswell Hill in London, which opened in June and September, respectively. In addition, Newmark has advised on four sites set to open before or just after Christmas, including The Bentall Centre, Kingston; Churchill Square, Brighton; Meadowhall, Sheffield; and The Glades, Bromley. The lettings mark a milestone in Crew Clothing’s expansion plans, with the brand targeting a further 20 additional store openings across the UK next year. Fergus Dobbs, surveyor at Newmark, who advised Crew Clothing along with director Amanda Wakefield, said: “Crew Clothing is a standout British brand with a clear identity and strong customer appeal – its focus on quality retail environments and strategic positioning is driving real momentum. These deals reflect both the strength of its retail strategy and our ability to deliver in high-performing locations.” Suzanne Wildey, group head of retail, South UK, at Crew Clothing, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Newmark as we continue to grow our store portfolio. Their insight and market knowledge have been invaluable in helping us secure the right locations and...

Deals News

Trio of brands make Northern debuts at Victoria Leeds

Victoria Leeds has welcomed the arrival of three brands, all of which have made their debuts in the north of England. Sustainable outerwear brand Finisterre has opened a 2,464 sq ft store within Victoria Quarter. The space showcases the brand’s full lifestyle collection alongside its surfwear and outerwear ranges. This follows the arrival of Arabian Oud, with the Middle Eastern fragrance brand opening its second store outside of London. The 815 sq ft space within Victoria Gate stocks a range of fragrances, oils, incense, home scents, and hair formulations. Completing the trio is premium jewellery brand Dinny Hill, which has made its regional debut within an 800 sq ft space in Victoria Quarter. The store highlights the brand’s collections of responsibly-sourced gemstones, set in an array of fine and demi-fine jewellery. Rachel Bradburn, head of leasing at Redical, said: “Victoria Leeds is committed to building on its reputation as a truly desirable shopping destination, attracting the very best brands on the high street, to provide customers with an unforgettable retail experience. Opening in the height of the festive period, Finisterre, Arabian Oud and Dinny Hall are exceptional additions to our vibrant line-up, and we look forward to welcoming shoppers through...

News

Modern leasing in retail real estate: observations from an award-winning dealmaker

Leasing space to retailers and F&B operators has always been a dialogue of selling. Marrying up demand from brands with available units in a process of approach, presentation, handling objections and closing. In the past deals were linear and went step by step from agreeing heads of terms into instructing legals and ending with signed documents and exchange.

Insights News

Italian restaurant Padella to make West End debut in Soho

Italian restaurant brand, Padella, is set to make its debut in London’s West End within Shaftesbury Capital’s Soho portfolio. Opening at 2 Kingly Street, the 2,300 sq ft location will cater to 80 covers, offering a menu of eight seasonal pasta dishes. The signing comes amid a flurry of new F&B signings within the area, including Detroit-style pizza restaurant Ria’s, that recently opened at 29 Foubert’s Place. Emma Matus, head of restaurant leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “The hospitality offer in Soho continues to evolve, and Padella is reflective of the style and calibre of concepts that call Carnaby Street and Soho home. The signing not only affirms the destination’s position as a key dining hub with a multi-faceted offer, but also reminds us of the neighbourhood’s position as an attractive place for West End debuts. Padella is a perfect fit for the neighbourhood, a high quality and distinctive restaurant that will undoubtedly prove a popular addition.” This announcement follows the news that Soho institution, The Shaston Arms, has officially relaunched under a new independent management team. The bar is now operated by the team behind The Waterman’s Arms in South West London, and led by hospitality entrepreneur Joe Grossman.

Deals News

Sainsbury’s opens first stores from acquired Homebase portfolio

Sainsbury’s has opened its first stores within a portfolio of 14 units it acquired from Homebase over the past 12 months. The supermarket retailer’s new stores – located in Lowestoft and Cromer in East Anglia – form part of its continued expansion in partnership with Rapleys, which advised Sainsbury’s on the portfolio acquisition. The new stores are 25,000 sq ft and 30,000 sq ft at Lowestoft and Cromer, respectively. Both feature a full grocery offer along with an in-store Argos. Dan Kent, head of retail at Rapleys, said: “Sainsbury’s is delivering on its growth targets, completing the largest retail transactions in the last 12 months with its acquisition of 14 of ex-Homebase units which they are now bringing to fruition following fit out. These two stores in East Anglia are the first two of the portfolio to open, with more to follow.” Rapleys has been growing its retail team with the addition of a team of six from Avison Young earlier this year, and has won work with Boots, Australian fitness brand BFT, Stansted Airport, and The University of Sheffield.

News

Touchwood Solihull serves up Brazilian steakhouse

Touchwood Solihull in the West Midlands has expanded its dining offer with the arrival of Brazilian steakhouse Beleza Rodizio. The restaurant has taken a 7,318 sq ft unit, located within the scheme’s Jubilee Walk dining area, on a new 15-year lease. The Touchwood restaurant becomes Beleze Rodizio’s third location in the UK, joining eateries in Stratford-upon-Avon and Hull. Touchwood is currently undergoing a refresh of its dining and leisure offer, with Beleza Rodizio’s arrival coming shortly after the opening of the West Midlands’ only Wendy’s. The brands join established operators such as Wagamama, Nando’s and Pizza Express, as well as a number of independent restaurants, alongside a Cineworld cinema and a Spinners competitive socialising venue. Retailers at the scheme include Apple – which recently tripled its presence – as well as John Lewis, Mango, Rituals, Tag Heuer, Miele, Oliver Bonas, and the newly-opened Space NK. Joe Swindells, asset management and development director at The Ardent Companies, which owns Touchwood Solihull, said: “Beleza Rodizio is a fantastic addition to Touchwood, bringing something new to a restaurant line-up that is rapidly evolving to give visitors as wide a choice as possible. We’re constantly working to expand the destination’s leisure and dining offer, and bringing...

News

Katie Loxton & Joma Jewellery open debut standalone store at Centre:mk

Katie Loxton & Joma Jewellery have opened their first standalone dual concept store at Centre:mk in Milton Keynes. This marks the brands’ first location in the region and their third in the UK. Located on the corner of Midsummer Arcade and Eagle Walk, the 2,357 sq ft space brings the two brands under one roof, with separate dedicated entrances. The store showcases Katie Loxton’s range of handbags, accessories, and home fragrances, with a dedicated personalisation station where customers can get new pieces embroidered or monogrammed. The Joma Jewellery section showcases the brand’s range of affordable jewellery and includes a ‘Design Bar’ in-store experience, where customers can create and make their own bracelets. Kevin Duffy, centre director at Centre:mk, said: “The opening of Katie Loxton and Joma Jewellery’s first dual concept store at Centre:mk is a fantastic addition to our line-up. Both brands align perfectly with our customer base, and will be well-loved amongst our visitors. We remain committed to delivering an exceptional, well-rounded retail mix, bringing together the most relevant and successful brands to ensure Centre:mk continues to be a destination of choice for shoppers and retailers.” Katie Loxton, co-founder and creative Director, Katie Loxton and Joma Jewellery, added: “Opening...

News

Superdrug joins health and beauty lineup at Highcross Leicester

Superdrug has arrived at Highcross Leicester, opening an 8,800 sq ft store on the lower level of the mall. Located adjacent to Levi’s, the new location offers a range of beauty, health, and wellness products in Superdrug’s latest store format. The retailer, which has taken a 10-year lease, joins an existing line-up of health and beauty brands at Highcross that includes Jo Malone, Lush, and Clarins. Superdrug’s arrival comes as Highcross Leicester’s beauty category has continued to evolve in recent months, with Space NK and Rituals recently opening at the centre. Michelle Menezes, centre director at Highcross Leicester, said: “Superdrug joining the retail lineup at Highcross Leicester not only strengthens our already dynamic beauty offer, which has seen phenomenal demand this year, but also enables us to deliver more choice and convenience for our visitors. This opening reflects the ongoing confidence that leading brands have in our destination, marking another important step in our vision to enhance the shopping experience and appeal to a widespread demographic.” Clare Jennings, property director at Superdrug, added: “We’re thrilled to bring Superdrug to Highcross Leicester with the opening of our brand-new store. This spacious location reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in physical retail,...

News

Report: UK competitive socialising sector growing at rapid rate

The UK competitive socialising sector has grown at a rapid rate over the past seven years, according to a new report from Savills. According to the international real estate advisor’s Competitive Socialising Brand Tracker, there are now 800 competitive socialising venues nationwide, up 58% since 2018. The research also found that multi-site operators now account for over 500 venues, an 84% increase since 2018, whereas independents have fallen from 50% to under 40% of the market. Looking ahead, Savills forecasts that the market will reach 1,100 sites by 2030, with multi-site brands making up 75% of the sector. Competitive socialising encompasses a mix of experiential activities such as axe throwing, escape rooms, darts, bowling, crazy golf, and virtual reality. Venues that combine multiple activities under one roof have seen the fastest growth, rising from 11 sites in 2018 to 84 today, with Boom Battle Bar, Roxy Ballroom, and Lane7 leading the charge with 66 sites combined. Solo sports remain strong, with Flight Club and Sixes each operating 14 sites, while indoor crazy golf has doubled to 100 venues, led by Mr Mulligans with 15 sites. Escape rooms remain the most fragmented sub-sector, with over 225 venues nationwide, 60% of which are...

Insights News

P-Three pays tribute after passing of co-founder Justin Taylor

P-Three has paid tribute to its “highly respected” co-founder Justin Taylor, who has passed away aged 65. Taylor began his career at Healey & Baker (Cushman & Wakefield) as a graduate in 1981 before rising through the ranks. Starting out in the Northern Retail team under Geoff Burton, he launched the firm’s Shopping Centre Leasing Team in 1994 and ultimately became Cushman & Wakefield’s head of EMEA Retail, leading a team of over 300 specialists operating across more than 15 countries. After leaving Cushman & Wakefield in 2019, Taylor co-founded P-Three with Hannah McNamara and Thomas Rose, fulfilling his life-long ambition to build his own business. P-Three quickly became a leading name in the sector, advising on projects across London, the UK, and Europe. He stepped back from the day-to-day business of P-Three in early 2024, moving to the role of chairman, where his responsibility was the company’s strategic direction. Taylor’s professional legacy includes some of the most significant and high-profile retail and mixed-use developments ever delivered in the UK and Europe. He advised on the development and leasing of major UK retail and leisure destinations, including Birmingham Bullring & Grand Central, Liverpool ONE, Edinburgh St James, St David’s Cardiff, and Brent Cross. Latterly in...

News

WHSmith buyer eyes takeover of British footwear retailer

The recent buyer of WHSmith (now TGJones) is eyeing a takeover of privately-owned footwear retailer Wynsors World of Shoes. Investment firm Modella Capital is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire the retailer, which operates around 50 stores in the north of England, Sky News has reported. Retail industry sources told Sky News that Modella was the likeliest buyer of Wynsors, with a deal potentially being struck before the end of the year. Wynsors has been exploring a sale for the last two months, having appointed accountancy firm RSM to explore interest from prospective bidders. Should a deal be completed, Wynsors will join a number of brands including Hobbycraft and The Original Factory Shop which have been acquired by Modella in recent months. Modella had also emerged as one of the bidders for Poundland during the summer, before the discounter was sold to Gordon Brothers, another retail investor.

News

Cushman & Wakefield adds partner to UK retail team