Posts from August 2026

Lakeside adds pair of retailers to beauty lineup

19th August 2026

Lakeside shopping centre in Essex has welcomed a duo of beauty retailers to the centre with the arrivals of PURESEOUL and Space NK. Korean beauty retailer PURESEOUL has made its regional debut at the scheme, opening a 1,919 sq ft store on Lakeside’s first level. The new store offers over 30 beauty brands including Torriden, AMUSE, TIRTIR, Beauty by Joseon, and Medicube. The store also features a dedicated workshop space. Meanwhile, Space NK has launched its latest store concept on Level 2 of the shopping centre, taking a 3,665 sq ft unit. Space NK’s offer spans makeup, skincare, and fragrance products, with collections from the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, Rare Beauty, REFY, Drunk Elephant, and Olaplex. Robert Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera, said: “The openings of PURESEOUL and Space NK mark a significant milestone for enhancing our beauty offer, as we continue to deliver to provide an unrivalled level of visitor choice. The pair exemplify the calibre of premium retail that has become synonymous with the scheme, and remind us of Lakeside’s position as one of the UK’s most in-demand leading lifestyle destinations.” Leslie Tang, co-founder and chief executive at PURESEOUL, added: “There is no question that PURESEOUL maintains...

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Metrocentre welcomes trio of tenants to independent retail hub

19th August 2026

Metrocentre in Gateshead has welcomed the arrival of a trio of tenants to The Crescent, its 10,000 sq ft dedicated hub for independent retailers. Since opening in July, The Crescent has since seen the arrival of Webster & Carr, an apothecary, barbershop, and styling lounge; specialist Pokémon and trading card games shop Aqua TCG; and Thatype, a boutique that stocks a range of jewellery and gifting products. Noah Knapton, asset manager at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset manager of Metrocentre, said: “The demand for The Crescent so far reflects Metrocentre’s appeal as a destination where independent businesses have huge potential for growth, alongside some of the biggest names in retail and leisure. Supporting independent brands is a key part of our vision for Metrocentre, and by creating high-quality, flexible spaces, we’re helping small businesses scale while continuing to diversify the offer and enhance the experience for our customers.” The Crescent comprises 11 retail units within an enhanced mall environment, designed to provide independent and emerging brands with a platform to establish and grow their businesses. The white-boxed units enable occupiers to trade alongside an established line-up of retail brands at Metrocentre that includes Zara, Hollister, Sephora, as well as incoming...

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Matthew Gioia returns to Workman LLP as retail and leisure partner

19th August 2026

Workman LLP has appointed Matthew Gioia as a partner within its retail and leisure property management team. He makes his return to the firm where he began his career 16 years ago, joining its Manchester office on a graduate scheme. He then moved to Savills for four years and has spent the last eight years at MAPP, where he helped lead the retail team. In his new position, Gioia will co-lead the London retail and leisure team alongside partner Chris Church, and will take the lead on key client relationships. Gareth Soar, partner at Workman LLP, said: “Matthew joins a team that’s already delivering great results for our retail and leisure clients, and he brings a wealth of experience in the sector to the role. His appointment reflects our continued investment in specialist talent, and I’m confident he’ll play a key part in helping the team grow and continue to deliver a great service for our clients.” Matthew Gioia added: “It’s great to be back at Workman. The firm has grown considerably since I left, but that focus on doing things properly is still very much at the heart of how the team works. I’m looking forward to working alongside...

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Jollyes Pets opens at Worcestershire retail park

18th August 2026

Jollyes Pets has opened at The Valley retail park in Evesham, Worcestershire. The pets supplies retailer has taken a 4,134 sq ft unit on the ground floor, joining retailers at the scheme including Fat Face, ProCook, Saltrock, Craghoppers, Regatta, Rieker Shoes, and Coffee#1. Established in 1971, Jollyes has grown to operate 125 stores across the UK and reportedly opened 14 new stores in the year ending 31 May 2026. Extending to 122,000 sq ft, The Valley shopping centre is located on the A46 outside Evesham and anchored by a Blue Diamond Garden Centre. Robin Langford, retail asset manager for scheme owner, Eagle One, said: “We are delighted to bring Jollyes Pets to the scheme. They will undoubtedly be popular with visitors to both The Valley shopping centre and Evesham Country Park”. Stuart Williams, partner at Carter Jonas, which acted for Eagle One, added: “It was great to secure a complementary use for the scheme which will provide even more reasons to visit the centre.”

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Bodycare to open second UK studio store at Derbion

18th August 2026

Bodycare is set to open its second studio style store in the UK later this month at the Derbion shopping centre in Derby. This comes after the beauty retailer relaunched its high street business following its collapse into administration in 2025. Bodycare had opened its first studio style store in Sheffield in July. The Derby store will offer value-led health and beauty products, alongside an expanded range of skincare, cosmetics, fragrance and wellness items. New features include Korean beauty collections and a professional piercing studio. Earlier this year, Newmark was appointed as sole adviser to Bodycare and secured leases for six new retail locations in the UK. Beth McDonald, managing director of Derbion, said: “We’re hugely excited to welcome Bodycare back to Derbion with a brand new concept store. As well as offering exceptional value for customers, the Creator Studio will be a brilliant addition which is sure to prove extremely popular with our local community here in Derby. “Bodycare is the latest in a raft of new stores that have joined the centre this year and we look forward to announcing further news soon.”

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Loungers to open restaurant at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway

18th August 2026

Loungers is set to open a new restaurant this week at The Mall at Cribbs Causeway in Bristol. The operator’s new venue, named Picaro Lounge, will occupy the former Pizza Hut unit in the scheme’s food court, and will offer a menu that includes brunch, tapas, toasties and salads to burgers, tacos, noodles, and fried chicken. The unit has been transformed by the Loungers design team, now featuring patterned wallpapers, murals, colourful tiling, stripped wooden floors, vintage sofas, and upholstered lounge chairs. Katie Searle, director of asset management at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, asset manager for Cribbs, said: “The opening of Picaro Lounge is a huge milestone in the transformation of the dining offering at Cribbs as we continue to evolve our line-up to suit the needs of our visitors. Loungers have become one of UK hospitality’s most recent success stories and it is great to see them return to their roots in Bristol with this amazing new offering. Since announcing that Picaro Lounge was coming to Cribbs we have seen a real buzz from our visitors, so we look forward to seeing this location thrive over the coming years.” Ollie Carlton, general manager at Picaro Lounge, added: “We’re so excited...

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Russell & Bromley to return to UK high streets just months after collapse

17th August 2026

Russell & Bromley is set to make its return to UK high streets just months after its collapse into administration. Under its new owner Next, the 147-year-old footwear retailer will open a store at Westgate Oxford in September. Next acquired Russell & Bromley’s intellectual property and stock through an insolvency process in January for a total of £3.8m. At the time of the acquisition, the retailer operated 36 stores across the country. Initially, Next snapped up three stores, located on London’s Oxford Street and King’s Road, as well as its store at Bluewater in Kent. The remaining 33 stores, alongside nine concessions, were left with advisers Interpath. They were subsequently closed. Russell & Bromley had been struggling with lower footfall, increasing operating costs, and difficult trading conditions. When administrators were appointed, the business owed around £59.3m had recorded losses of £20m over the previous two years.

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Boux Avenue to revamp Belfast and Guildford stores

14th August 2026

Boux Avenue is set to refurbish its existing stores in Belfast and Guildford, following a programme of new openings and refurbishments throughout 2025 and 2026. The two stores will feature the lingerie, swimwear, and nightwear retailer’s new concept, which was first introduced at the brand’s northern flagship at Manchester’s Trafford Centre in November 2025, before being brought to Boux Avenue’s southern flagship at Bluewater in March 2026. The refurbishments follow the opening of Boux Avenue’s Manchester Arndale store in August 2025, and represent the next phase in the rollout of the retailer’s latest store concept across its estate. Across both locations, the refitted store will feature a redesigned frontage with improved sight lines, contemporary signage, and enhanced digital displays. Inside, the stores will feature new eco lighting, new interior finishes, and updated merchandising fixtures designed to maximise space and product visibility. The concierge area, beside the brand’s fitting suite, has similarly been refitted with a semi circular seating area, where a shopper’s friend or partner can wait while the customer undergoes a bra fitting service. Alex Paphitis, chief operating officer of Boux Avenue, said: “Investment in our physical retail estate remains a key part of Boux Avenue’s long-term growth strategy,...

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Belstaff joins fashion lineup at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon

14th August 2026

British heritage menswear brand Belstaff has opened at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon. The new 1,500 sq ft store, which opened at the end of July, offers the brand’s range of mendwear, footwear, and accessories. Belstaff joins an established fashion line-up at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet that includes Polo Ralph Lauren, BOSS, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Reiss. The retailer’s arrival forms part of asset manager Global Mutual’s continued focus on attracting established fashion brands to Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon, as it looks to reinforce the destination as a well-connected outlet with strong regional reach. Nicky Lovell, head of outlets and retail business development at Global Mutual, said: “Belstaff is a strong addition to Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon and reflects the calibre of brands choosing to invest in the destination. “Brands are increasingly selective about where they invest, and Belstaff’s decision to open at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon reflects the strength of the destination’s long-term proposition. Our leasing strategy is focused on attracting brands that complement the existing brand mix, strengthen the customer offer and support sustainable long-term growth across the destination. “Belstaff is an excellent fit alongside our existing fashion brands and further enhances the quality and choice available to...

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Sephora opens first Glasgow store at Silverburn

14th August 2026

Beauty retailer Sephora has opened the doors to its first store in Glasgow at the Silverburn shopping centre. Spanning 4,940 sq ft, the store stocks popular and viral beauty products, as well as items from Sephora’s UK exclusive brands, including Rhode, Haus Labs, Makeup by Mario, Merit Beauty, INNBeauty Project, Tower 28, and Half Magic. The opening is Sephora’s fourth since July, with the retailer making its Scottish debut at Edinburgh’s St James Quarter last month, before opening its first-ever UK boutique stores on London’s Carnaby Street and at Old Spitalfields Market. Sephora said further store openings are planned before the end of the year as the retailer targets a nationwide portfolio of 20 stores. Diarmuid Donohoe, general manager of Silverburn, said: “Sephora UK’s arrival in Scotland is one of the biggest retail stories of the summer. Their decision to open their first Glasgow store at Silverburn reflects our position as a leading retail destination and our appeal to the most sought-after international brands. We could not be more thrilled to welcome them. “Beauty at Silverburn has grown significantly over the past year and Sephora UK continues that momentum, giving our guests another reason to make us their first stop for...

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Frasers Group acquires Harvey Nichols

13th August 2026

Frasers Group has acquired Harvey Nichols from administrators FTI Consulting, with the deal including the luxury retailer’s store estate, online business, existing inventory, and employees. Harvey Nichols’ current portfolio comprises six stores, including the newly-refurbished Knightsbridge London flagship as well as locations in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and Edinburgh. The retailer has faced a number of trading and operational challenges in recent years. Frasers Group said significant restructuring and integration of the business into the wider group will be required to create a sustainable business for the future, including a review and rationalisation of the store portfolio, organisational structure, operating model, and cost base. Frasers Group said it is “uniquely positioned to provide Harvey Nicholls with the strategic platform and operational expertise required to right size the business and return it to profitability”. Harvey Nichols’ international franchise agreements also form part of the transaction and international franchise stores will continue trading under the existing licensing arrangements. Michael Murray, Frasers Group chief executive officer, said: “Harvey Nichols is an iconic British institution with significant potential, but it is clear meaningful change is needed. The turnaround will require tough choices, and we are prepared to make those decisions, even if that means...

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Amsterdam-founded menswear brand to open at Manchester’s Trafford Centre

13th August 2026

Amsterdam-founded menswear retailer Suitsupply is set to open a new store at Manchester’s Trafford Centre next year. Spanning 5,000 sq ft, the new store will showcase the brand’s full range of tailoring and casualwear, including suits, jackets, outerwear, shoes, and accessories, while also offering alterations from in-house tailors. Founded in 2000, Suitsupply has since grown to operate over 150 stores globally. The signing follows a significant period of leasing momentum across Trafford Centre, including the arrival and expansion of retail brands such as UNIQLO, Lululemon, and Garage. Edmund Spencer, chief global environments officer at Suitsupply. “We see excellent momentum for Suitsupply in the United Kingdom. We look forward to bringing our mix of ready-to-wear, custom tailoring, and expert service to the broader Manchester market” Kate Pearson, portfolio leasing director at Pradera, added: “Suitsupply is an internationally recognised premium retailer, and we look forward to welcoming them to the scheme. Its decision to invest here reflects the continued strength of our retail proposition and the confidence brands have in Trafford Centre as a destination that attracts both regional and national shoppers. We’re committed to continually evolving our retail offer, bringing best-in-class brands and experiences together to create a destination that meets...

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French Connection opens at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Leeds

13th August 2026

French Connection has joined the fashion lineup at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Leeds. The retailer’s new 2,257 sq ft store introduces French Connection’s latest retail concept to the outlet shopping centre, which features a brand-new shop fit, visual merchandising, illuminated branding, and a modern design. The arrival of French Connection follows a number of recent openings at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Leeds, including from Belstaff and White Stuff. James Kevill, senior asset manager at Global Mutual, said: “Every new brand that chooses Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Leeds is another step forward in our long-term vision for the destination. French Connection is a fantastic addition, bringing a well-known British fashion name that strengthens our retail mix and reflects the growing confidence we’re seeing from brands investing in the outlet. As we continue to evolve, our focus remains on creating a premium outlet shopping destination that gives visitors even more reasons to choose us.” Simon Donoghue, managing director at French Connection, added: “We’re thrilled to bring French Connection to Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Leeds as part of our ongoing retail expansion strategy. The destination is home to a strong line-up of premium brands, making it the perfect location for us to showcase our...

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Poole Retail Park 94% let after M&S Food opens

13th August 2026

Redevco’s Poole Retail Park in Branksome, Dorset, is now 94% let after the opening of M&S Food. The British retailer signed a 15-year lease for the scheme’s former Homebase unit, taking 44,690 sq ft. The new market-style foodhall offers a full range of M&S food and benefits from 199 car parking spaces, 58 cycle spaces, and four electric vehicle charging points. M&S joins a number of retailers at Poole Retail Park including John Lewis, Next Home, Home Bargains, and Decathlon. The letting follows Redevco’s acquisition of a £518m UK retail park portfolio from Oxford Properties in December 2024, which included Poole Retail Park. Since the acquisition, Redevco has aimed to drive leasing activity across the parks, bringing in a range of leading national retailers as it looks to strengthen the offer portfolio-wide. At Euro Retail Park in Ipswich, Oak Furniture Land has signed for a 12,543 sq ft unit on a 10-year lease and is set to open in August, while Waitrose recently opened its newest store at Chelmer Village Retail Park in Chelmsford. Meanwhile at Bolton Gate Retail Park, The Food Warehouse by Iceland recently replaced Carpetright to open a 10,121 sq ft store. Lauren Chew, senior asset manager...

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Lakeside welcomes flurry of investment from jewellery brands

12th August 2026

Lakeside shopping centre in Essex has welcomed recent investment from a number of jewellery brands. The scheme is set to welcome the arrivals of Browns Jewellers, Ernest Jones, and Diamonds Factory, and has recently seen a reinvestment of £1.2m and an upsize from British jewellers Beaverbrooks. Browns Jewellers has signed for a 469 sq ft space on Level 2, due to open in the coming months. Nearby, Ernest Jones has signed for a 1,310 sq ft space on Level 2, while on Level 1, international luxury jeweller Diamonds Factory has signed to take a 790 sq ft unit. Meanwhile, Beaverbrooks is set to upsize into a key corner unit at the entrance to the newly repositioned Brompton Arcade, following a £1.2m investment into the centre. The upsized 2,628 sq ft space, an increase of 34%, will feature an upgraded exterior with glass frontage, customer consultation areas, and a greater selection of jewellery and watches. Robert Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera, said: “The flurry of activity and investment from jewellery brands at Lakeside is testament to the destination’s position as a sought-after super-regional, with an unmatched mix of best-in-class retail. We’re one of the UK’s leading lifestyle destinations...

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East Yorkshire’s Flemingate centre appoints new centre manager amid new arrivals

12th August 2026

The Flemingate centre in Beverley, East Yorkshire, has appointed Amy Whittaker as centre manager, as the scheme welcomes a number of new operators. She brings nearly 20 years’ worth of experience in shopping centre management roles to her new position, having most recently led the team at The Potteries Centre in Stoke-on-Trent, joining in 2013 and progressing through HR and operations roles to become general manager in 2020 and then centre director in 2024. Whittaker’s retail career began with training management roles at Tesco, before spending a seven-year stint at Manchester’s Trafford Centre. She said: “I’m excited to work closely with our tenants and to play an active role in the events and activities that make Flemingate such an important and popular destination. “My focus is on building relationships, streamlining processes and continually improving the experience for both our tenants and visitors to the centre. “What excites me most is the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the centre, delivering growth and enhancing Flemingate’s contribution to the economy and community in Beverley.” Whittaker’s appointment comes as two new occupiers join the scheme’s lineup of national and independent retailers. Regional retailer Yorkshire Trading Company is about to open in...

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British Land agrees 13,000 sq ft of new lettings at Glasgow Fort

12th August 2026

British Land is set to welcome three national retailers to the lineup at Glasgow Fort after agreeing 13,000 sq ft of new lettings. Jewellery and accessory retailer Lovisa and heritage menswear retailer Moss will join the retail park, taking 1,000 sq ft and 3,750 sq ft respectively, while fast food chain Wingstop agreed to take 3,300 sq ft unit at the end of June. Moss will be positioned next to M&S, taking the unit formerly occupied by River Island, which recently undertook a major relocation within the scheme to open a flagship store. Lovisa will be situated near to the recently opened Superdrug unit. These new additions follow the opening of footwear retailer Office at Glasgow Fort earlier this month. At approximately 5,000 sq ft, the new store is more than double the size of the retailer’s previous space at the scheme and stocks products from brands including Adidas, Birkenstock, and UGG. This leasing activity follows a period of strong performance for Glasgow Fort in 2025, with the destination achieving record visitor numbers and an 8% year-on-year increase in footfall in the last 12 months, its strongest annual performance to date. In May 2026, British Land also submitted the planning application...

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FACEGYM to open second standalone UK studio outside of London at Victoria Leeds

11th August 2026

FACEGYM is set to open its second standalone UK studio outside of London at Redical’s Victoria Leeds shopping centre. Located in Victoria Gate, the 1,772 sq ft studio will offer clients unique facial workouts, which look to combine advanced massage techniques, cutting-edge technology and performance-led skincare to lift, sculpt and strengthen the skin. Redical said the new addition reflects growing demand for science-backed beauty and wellness experiences across the UK. James Edmondson, asset manager at Redical, said: “FACEGYM comes at a transformative time for Victoria Leeds, as we continue to branch out and diversify our tenant mix to a degree that sets us apart from the rest. This firmly reflects our position as a prime pitch for brands that want to expand outside of London, as we remain not only a place to shop but also a premium lifestyle choice.” Angelo Castello, CEO of FACEGYM, added: “We’re incredibly excited to bring FACEGYM to Leeds and to open in the beautiful Victoria Gate. The city has a thriving beauty, wellness, and retail scene, making it the perfect location for our next studio. We’ve seen growing demand from customers across Yorkshire, and we can’t wait to introduce even more people to the...

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Game on for Activate as it makes regional debut at Harlequin Watford

11th August 2026

Immersive gaming concept Activate has opened its third venue outside of London at Harlequin Watford, making its regional debut. The operator has taken a 15,592 sq ft unit, offering technology-driven challenges, interactive game rooms, enhanced with lasers, grids, hoops, portals and reaction-based challenges. The games are tailored for a variety of groups, including friends, families, birthday parties, and corporate teams. Activate joins an evolving leisure offering at Harlequin Watford, which includes operators such as Cineworld, Boom Battle Bar, and Flip Out. Rich Beese, co-founder of We Do Play, said: “The arrival of Activate at Harlequin is a pivotal time in the brand’s growth, as one of the first branches outside of London. With its impressive footfall from a broad catchment, we are certain that this branch in Watford will be well received as competitive socialising concepts offer something fresh and continue to grow in demand.” Robert Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera, said: “As Activate officially joins our evolving portfolio of leisure tenants, it affirms Harlequin’s position as the region’s premier all-day destination for shopping, dining and leisure. The immersive gaming concept joins as we are seeing strong performance of our competitive socialising options, signalling the scheme’s success as an all-day destination.” The opening...

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Tenants invest over £3m at Queensgate Peterborough across more than 100,000 sq ft of store refurbishments

11th August 2026

A trio of national retailers at Queensgate Peterborough have invested over £3m into their existing stores, completing more than 100,000 sq ft of refurbishments in total. Boots has unveiled its newly refurbished 64,000 sq ft store, which features the retailer’s latest interior concept and an enhanced beauty proposition. Meanwhile, Primark has completed a full refurbishment of its 59,000 sq ft anchor store, introducing a modernised store environment, an improved layout, and 18 new self-checkouts across both trading floors. Finally, Vision Express has also reopened its updated store in Central Mall, introducing a new design alongside enhanced clinical technology, including a new dry eye machine. This wave of tenant investment builds on strong momentum at Queensgate, following a series of openings from brands such as Frasers, Flannels, Sports Direct, MINISO, Rituals, and Lovisa. Ed Ginn, director of investment management at Invesco Real Estate, said: “The ongoing investment from our tenants has been transformative for Queensgate and is a key driver behind the growth across the scheme in recent months. Delivering the best customer experience and a market-leading retail offer has always been the priority, as well as ensuring visitors can shop the best brands including their latest concepts. Boots and Primark...

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