Posts from September 2026

Hines acquires trio of UK retail parks

2nd September 2026

Global investment manager Hines has expanded its UK retail park portfolio with the acquisition of three fully-leased assets, totalling approximately 438,000 sq ft. The schemes, which were acquired on behalf of the Hines European Core Fund (HECF), comprise Nugent Shopping Park in Greater London, Altrincham Retail Park in Manchester, and Straiton Retail Park in Edinburgh. Nugent Shopping Park is a 139,000 sq ft scheme located in Orpington, anchored by a full-line M&S store and occupied by a range of leading national retailers. The asset benefits from a large London commuter catchment, limited competing retail park supply, and attractive rental growth prospects. Spanning 228,000 sq ft, Altrincham Retail Park serves a large catchment in North West England and is occupied by retailers including Lidl, Boots, B&Q, Currys, B&M, Pets at Home, and TK Maxx. The fully-leased asset serves an affluent customer base and offers attractive rental growth potential. Straiton Retail Park extends to 71,000 sq ft and is anchored by Home Bargains, The Food Warehouse, and Dunelm. The asset is supported by a strong tenant mix and regional catchment, as well as stable income characteristics. Hines said the acquisitions come as UK retail parks benefit from a scarcity advantage, with new...

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CBRE adds executive director to retail occupier team

2nd September 2026

CBRE has appointed Mark Smith as an executive director within its European retail occupier team. He joins from JLL, where he worked for 16 years in senior leadership roles. He brings an understanding of evolving cross-border strategies to CBRE, having advised clients including Adidas, PVH, and ALO on flagship transactions and relocations across the UK and other key European markets. In his new role, Smith will work with Tom Dancer, CBRE’s head of retail occupier for Europe at CBRE, to execute the firms retail strategy, supporting brands many of which have pan-European expansion plans. Tom Dancer said: “Mark’s experience advising global brands on cross-border strategies, combined with his strong relationships across the retail sector, will be instrumental in delivering our pan-European growth ambitions and strengthening our ability to support clients across Europe.” Mark Smith added: “Joining CBRE provides the opportunity to be part of the leading retail advisory business in Europe. The depth of expertise and advisory capabilities across the team ensures we’re best placed to support global brands in driving strategic growth across the region.”

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Pair of F&B brands to join Bristol’s Gloucester Road

1st September 2026

Savills has advised two food and beverage franchise operators on the acquisition of a pair of adjoining retail units on Bristol’s Gloucester Road. Franchise operators Fatima Café and Chocoberry Bristol have each agreed 15-year leases, taking a combined circa 2,500 sq ft of space. Fatima Café, which will trade as Chaiiwala, is set to occupy 171 Gloucester Road while Chocoberry Bristol, trading as Chocoberry, will take the neighbouring unit at 173 Gloucester Road. Chaiiwala is a fast-growing brand known for its signature karak chaii, alongside a menu inspired by South Asian street food and café culture, while Chocoberry is a contemporary dessert, brunch, and coffee brand offering an all-day café experience. Known for its mix of independent retailers, cafés, and restaurants, Gloucester Road serves a large residential catchment and attracts visitors from across Bristol. Robert Palmer, director in retail at Savills Bristol, said: “These lettings demonstrate the continued appetite from food and beverage brands for well-positioned high street locations. Gloucester Road remains one of Bristol’s most sought-after retail destinations, and we expect both Chaiiwala and Chocoberry to be strong additions to the area’s already vibrant food and leisure offering.” Mohammed Zahid Mahmood, director of the parent companies behind Chaiiwala and...

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Aldi to invest £300m into 25 store refurbishments

1st September 2026

Aldi is set to revamp 25 stores this year as part of a wider £300m investment into its UK store estate. The supermarket retailer will introduce a variety of changes, including upgrades to bakery, health and beauty, and fresh food areas in some locations. Selected stores will also benefit from the addition of new sustainable features, such as energy-efficient fridge doors and natural refridgerants. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: “We’re continuing to invest in our existing stores because we know how important the in-store experience is to customers. “These upgrades will create more space, improve key areas of our stores and make them easier to shop. It’s an important part of how we’re investing in the communities we serve.” The stores due to receive upgrades are:

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Hollister to open first Leicestershire store at Highcross

1st September 2026

Hollister is set to open its first store in Leicestershire at Highcross Leicester, taking over the former Topshop unit. The Abercrombie & Fitch-owned retailer, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, will open a ‘new format’ store, offering clothing, accessories, and fragrances. Hollister’s arrival at Highcross comes amid a heightened demand for nostalgic and Y2K-inspired fashion, forming part of a strategy to introduce trending brands to the centre. The retailer will join a lineup of brands at Highcross that includes Levi’s, H&M, Zara, Mango, Next, River Island, Urban Outfitters, and PURESEOUL, which opened at the scheme in early May. Michelle Menezes, centre director at Highcross, said: “Hollister has always been one of those brands that our shoppers have wanted at Highcross, and with the demand for early noughties fashion making a huge comeback, now is the right time to welcome this icon of high-street fashion to the centre. “Since joining the centre, the goal has been to introduce brands that shoppers genuinely want to see in Leicester, and that ambition remains unchanged today. Hollister’s an exciting addition to Highcross, and it’s just one of a number of retailers that we’re planning to bring to the city this year, and brands that...

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