Posts from July 2026

CACI: Shopping parks gaining ground on regional malls

3rd July 2026

The position of best-in-class shopping parks is becoming increasingly comparable to that of regional malls, according to new research from CACI. Analysis of CACI’s Shopper Missions data has looked at a sample of leading regional malls serving cities outside of London, in comparison to some of the UK’s best performing shopping parks, such as Fosse Park in Leicester and Castlepoint in Bournemouth. These schemes feature a more fashion and lifestyle-focused offer, as opposed to the ‘big box’ style of retail parks. CACI said the research has found that the shopping parks are no longer defined solely by convenience-led, targeted visits. Instead, they are becoming dynamic destinations where consumers are able to spend time, dine, browse, and socialise. According to the report, hospitality and socialising are increasingly important to visitors of shopping parks, an indicator of extended and more experience-led trips more akin to those experienced in a larger, covered mall. Of visit purposes, 10% fell into the category of a ‘A Quick Bite’, while a further 20% fell into ‘Leisure & Dining’ and ‘A Day Out’. Despite this, shopping parks have seemingly continued to perform strongly in their traditional convenience role. Approximately 60% of visits still focused on targeted retail...

Insights News

Brook Taverner continues expansion with Guildford opening

3rd July 2026

Brook Taverner has continued its expansion with the opening of its 17th UK store in Guildford, Surrey. Located at 76 High Street, the British brand’s new space offers a range of menswear, including both smart casualwear and occasion dressing, as well as a dedicated wedding service. Brook Taverner has opened an average of two stores a year since 2017 and is targeting a UK estate of up to 30 locations within the next five years. The brand’s products are also available online through the Brook Taverner website, Next, and a number of wholesale and concession partners. Oliver Campbell, retail director at Brook Taverner, said: “Guildford is exactly the kind of location where we believe Brook Taverner can add something meaningful to the high street. Men still want proper advice, quality clothing and a store experience that helps them buy with confidence – especially when dressing for work, weddings, holidays and important occasions. “With more than 100 years of tailoring expertise behind us, our role is to help men build wardrobes that fit well, last well and make them feel good. Opening in Guildford is another important step in our continued investment in service-led retail and in bringing modern British menswear to customers across...

News

Hollister and Timberland expand North East footprints at Metrocentre

3rd July 2026

Hollister has opened its largest regional store at Metrocentre, as Timberland makes it North East debut at the Gateshead scheme. Opening in a 6,000 sq ft store on the scheme’s Lower Red Mall, Hollister brings its range of apparel, accessories, and fragrances to Metrocentre. It joins a number of other fashion retailers at the centre, including Stradivarius, Zara, and Mango. Meanwhile, Timberland has taken a 2,567 sq ft unit at Metrocentre’s Upper Red Mall. The new space offers the brand’s range of heritage collections, including outerwear and footwear. Ben Cox, director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset manager of Metrocentre, said: “Hollister and Timberland are two iconic brands within the fashion sector. Both have established customer bases and continue to drive growth through a focus on strengthening their presence in key locations, which is exactly what we are. Timberland launching its North East debut at Metrocentre is a clear vote of confidence in the vitality of our fashion offer, with both brands joining the scheme at a fundamental stage in our leasing strategy, where we are continually securing prime, global fashion and retail brands that want to make a home in the region.” Scott Clarke-Bryan, managing director EMEA at Abercrombie &...

News

Cotswolds Designer Outlet fully let following arrival of Molton Brown

3rd July 2026

Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Gloucestershire is now fully let after Molton Brown has taken the final unit at the outlet shopping destination. The British fragrance and body care brand has opened a 1,140 sq ft pop-up store at the scheme, which is approaching its 1st birthday. The deal ensures that Cotswolds Designer Outlet is 100% let within 12 months of opening last summer. Cotswolds Designer Outlet was developed by Robert Hitchins Ltd and is managed by outlet specialist Multi-Realm. Louise Evans, asset management and leasing director at Multi-Realm, said: “Molton Brown is a perfect fit for Cotswolds Designer Outlet as this category is currently making a shift to premium as consumers trade up to high-quality, ethical formulations. With eco-conscious packaging and sustainably sourced ingredients there are many parallels with the positioning of our scheme and we are excited to see this prestigious brand join our line up”. Simon Tothill, property and development director at Robert Hitchins Ltd, added: “As we reflect on our first year of trading, I am delighted to be welcoming Molton Brown and see this as an excellent bellwether for the scheme as our guests have consistently shown that they prioritise quality brands. We have seen excellent...

News

Nike to go up a size at Livingston Designer Outlet

2nd July 2026

Nike is set to relocate and upsize at Livingston Designer Outlet, with the global sportswear retailer nearly doubling its presence at the Scottish scheme. Scheduled to open in September, the expanded store will offer an expanded range of apparel, footwear, and accessories across both the brand’s lifestyle and performance categories. The agreement follows a strong period of performance for Livingston Designer Outlet, which recently reported year-on-year sales growth of 16% and an 18% increase in footfall. The sportswear category has been a key driver of that momentum, recording 8% year-on-year sales growth. The move forms part of a wider programme of enhancements across Livingston Designer Outlet, as scheme asset manager Global Mutual looks to optimise the retail offer and create opportunities for leading brands to grow their presence. The relocation positions Nike alongside other internationally recognised brands including Adidas, Puma, New Balance, and Under Armour. Nicky Lovell, head of outlets and retail business and development at Global Mutual, said: “The upsizing and relocation of Nike is a clear example of our proactive asset management at Livingston Designer Outlet. “Over the past 12 months, we have been investing in the scheme to optimise the retail offer and strengthen our brand mix...

News

Supermarket Income REIT secures £445m debt refinancing

2nd July 2026

Supermarket Income REIT has secured a £445m debt refinancing, as it looks to lower borrowing costs and increase average debt maturity. The new facilities – which comprise a £375m syndicate and £70m bilateral – will replace all of the real estate investment trust’s existing unsecured loan facilities maturing over the next two years. The facilities, which all benefit from two one-year extension options, comprise: As part of the refinancing, the group has added two new banking relationships with Lloyds Bank and ABN AMRO, while retaining its relationships within existing facilities with Barclays, HSBC UK, ING, and The Royal Bank of Scotland. Supermarket Income REIT said this demonstrates the strong appeal of high-quality grocery assets to lenders. The average margin across the facilities is 1.18% above the Sterling Overnight Index Average, representing an annual interest cost saving of approximately £0.3m. These new facilities will be used to repay the existing Barclays, ING and syndicated RCFs, increasing the group’s weighted average debt maturity from 2.9 years to 3.8 years. Mike Perkins, CFO of Supermarket Income REIT, said: “The strong support from our existing lenders and new partners in Lloyds and ABN AMRO reflects the ongoing appeal of grocery assets within the lending...

News

TGJones to close up to 150 former WHSmiths stores after rescue deal approval

1st July 2026

TGJones is set to close up to 150 former WHSmith high street stores after its proposed restructuring deal was approved by the High Court. In addition, the retailer – which is owned by Modella Capital – will also seek to slash rents on its remaining store estate. Under the terms of the restructuring, some 120 landlords will receive no rent for up to three years, while rent will be cut at hundreds of other stores by between 15% and 75%. TGJones currently operates 451 stores nationwide, employing over 4,700 workers. WHSmith offloaded its high street business last year to focus on its more profitable travel division, which still operates under the company’s original name. The remaining shops’ rebrand to TGJones meant that the WHSmith name disappeared from UK high streets after almost 200 years. Modella previously said the restructuring plan is required to protect the core of the store estate and build a more sustainable business. The firm also said it plans to invest £35m into the retailer, introducing rent reductions and changes to supplier repayment terms. The group said some of the problems facing the business, including a cash shortfall of nearly £8m, were due to serious underinvestment in stores...

News

Lendlease and The Crown Estate enter into £24bn partnership

1st July 2026

Lendlease and The Crown Estate have completed an agreement to enter into a partnership that will look to deliver critical housing and science, innovation, and commercial space in the UK, with an estimated gross development value of £24bn. Alongside the joint venture, which will be known as the Impact Partnership Joint Venture, the two firms will establish a development management company, jointly owned by Lendlease and The Crown Estate, which will oversee and deliver the developments. The first phase of the joint venture will bring together three major regeneration projects – Euston, Silvertown and Stratford Cross – culminating in a potential 9,000 new homes and 7.03 million sq ft of commercial space. Work is due to start on 326 affordable homes at the 60-acre Silvertown development in September, and a planning application due to be submitted at Euston in spring 2027. It is expected that a second phase will see Smithfield in Birmingham and Thamesmead Waterfront in London enter the Impact Partnership Joint Venture later this summer, to make up the second phase of developments. These two projects will aim to deliver an additional 18,500 homes and 2.88 million sq ft of commercial space. Andrea Ruckstuhl, managing director of development,...

News

Revo appoints CACI VP as chair

1st July 2026

Revo has appointed CACI senior vice president Dan Parr as chair, with Stuart Harris, CEO of real estate developer Milligan, appointed as vice chair of the retail and leisure industry body. Parr, who has served as vice chair of Revo for the previous year, has extensive experience in consumer behaviour, place performance, and the changing relationship between people, brands, and destinations. He brings a combination of market intelligence and strategic insight to Revo’s leadership. The transition forms part of a planned refresh of Revo’s leadership to introduce annual chair and vice chair appointments alongside a wider organisational reset and reorganisation undertaken last year. These changes are designed to strengthen the group’s long-term impact through revitalised operations, authoritative insight, and structural growth. Vivienne King, founder of Impactful Places, held the position as chair for the first year of the new regime. During her tenure, King has promoted inclusive practice in the sector, looking to drive conversations that both support the progression of female talent into senior leadership roles and encourage place-based impact thinking in strategy design. She will continue as a director on the Revo board. Dan Parr, chair of Revo’s executive board, said: “It has been a privilege to serve...

News

Filter by Categories