Retail Property Deals

Breitling to open Knightsbridge boutique

18th January 2024

Luxury watchmaker Breitling is set to open a new boutique in London’s Knightsbridge this spring. Taking an 1,144 sq ft unit at 57 Brompton Road, the boutique will feature a two-storey showroom housing the brand’s full collections. The new boutique will become the brand’s eighth in London, and its 28th in the UK. Gavin Murphy, managing director of Breitling, said: “The new boutique will allow Breitling to enhance its reach in one of London’s most influential shopping destinations. Knightsbridge is known for offering both luxury and style and we are delighted showcase what our brand represents to both the residential and international clientele that make up this thriving part of the capital.” Sarah Waller, asset manager for The Knightsbridge Estate, added: “We are excited to be welcoming Breitling to The Knightsbridge Estate. With a forward-thinking approach and an illustrious heritage that matches The Knightsbridge Estate’s own, the new boutique will complement the existing community of occupiers on The Knightsbridge Estate.” The Knightsbridge Estate was represented by Colliers and Cushman & Wakefield, whilst ROW represented Breitling.

Dublin’s Clerys Quarter fully let following Decathlon signing

17th January 2024

Dublin’s newly-restored Clerys Quarter is now fully let following the signing of sporting goods retailer Decathlon. Taking a 30-year lease for a 30,000 sq ft unit, Decathlon will join the likes of H&M, Pret A Manger, and the already-opened sushi chain Rolled in the new development. The new store will be the French retailer’s third in the Republic of Ireland. Clothing retailer Flannels had originally planned to lease the ground floor and basement area unit, but terminated the agreement in July 2023, leading to a legal dispute. The Clerys building was reopened last year, with the building’s historic features such as the clock, internal staircases, and colonnaded façade retained as part of restoration works. Luxembourg-based investment group Europa, along with local partners Core Capital and Oakmount, is leading the development. James Keast, director of asset management at Europa, said: “The phased opening of the scheme will continue throughout 2024 and, as we near the completion of the project, we are looking forward to welcoming the community into the space.” Elena Pecos, CEO at Decathlon Ireland, added: “Clerys holds a special place in the hearts of many Irish people, with countless fond memories of shopping and generations of families creating traditions...

Pan-Asian restaurant debuts in London’s Chinatown

17th January 2024

Pan-Asian restaurant concept YiQi has launched its debut location within Shaftesbury Capital’s estate at 14 Lisle Street in Chinatown, London. The 2,000 sq ft restaurant offers a menu which takes inspiration from across Asia, featuring South East Asian delicacies, regional Chinese favourites, Korean classics, and Japanese art-like dishes. The recipes have been created by Chef Lum Wah Cheok, who has worked at celebrated restaurants Hakkasan and Yauatcha. YiQi’s interior has been designed to pay homage to Asian culture, featuring a mixture of rattan, wood, and the abacus, all chosen to complement the culinary offer. Andrew Price, executive director at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “The opening of YiQi’s debut restaurant is a brilliant way to start 2024, and is indicative of the unique experiences we look to introduce to Chinatown London. We are always looking to bring distinctive and creative new Asian concepts to the destination, and with its celebration of centuries of dining heritage paired with innovation, YiQi is a fantastic addition to our ESEA (East and Southeast Asia) food hub.” YiQi joins a range of Asian-inspired restaurants in Chinatown London, including 2023 arrivals such as Japanese ‘Staircase BBQ’ concept High Yaki, and casual Korean concept Pochawa Grill. Hanover Green and […]

Chopstix joins Festival Place with local food operator set to upsize

17th January 2024

Pan-Asian noodle bar Chopstix has opened at Basingstoke’s Festival Place, and will be joined by local street food operator Festival Street Kitchen, which upsizes into the centre. Sitting adjacent to Pret A Manger, the 2,490 sq ft unit accommodates up to 54 diners and offers a range of noodle-based dishes. The Festival Place opening marks a Basingstoke debut for Chopstix, which is the largest Asian-inspired quick-serve restaurant in the UK. Meanwhile, Festival Street Kitchen will relocate from its previous home on Festival Square into a larger 4,523 sq ft unit, opening opposite recent additions Kokoro and Café Giardino. The 82-capacity local restaurant will continue to offer its regularly-updated menu, which includes the likes of burritos and quesadillas. Poppy Radford, asset manager at Sovereign Centros, said: “Festival Place continues to establish itself as Basingstoke’s go-to hub for diverse, all-day dining options, and the commitment of popular operators like Chopstix and Festival Street Kitchen is evidence of this. Having already welcomed Chopstix, and supporting the growth of a local operator in Festival Street Kitchen is a sign of where we want to take Festival Place, delivering a bigger and better experience to its visitors, incorporating ever-popular national names as well as community […]
Wilko

Wilko to open two new concept stores

16th January 2024

The Range owner CDS Superstores is continuing to rollout the Wilko brand across the UK, with two new stores set to open in spring. The new Wilko stores will open at The Maltings in St Albans and Parkgate Shopping Park in Rotherham. The retailer said that the exact opening dates will be announced shortly, alongside news of further openings. In December, Wilko opened new concept stores in Plymouth, Exeter, and Luton, which the retailer said had seen an “incredible reaction” from customers. This, alongside the return of customers to the newly-enabled Wilko website, has given the brand encouragement to reopen in communities it previously served. Alex Simpkin, CEO of CDS Superstores, said; “The initial reaction to the new concept stores has been even better than we’d hoped, we’ve seen queues of both returning and new customers at the store launches and the feedback is giving us the confidence we need to continue with our store opening plans.” CDS Superstores said its property team is encouraging landlords across the UK to open conversations if they’re interested in being considered for the Wilko roll-out programme. Wilko’s website and intellectual property was acquired by CDS Superstores in September following its collapse into administration.

Frasers Group to revamp store at Maidstone’s Fremlin Walk

16th January 2024

Frasers Group is set to create a new flagship store in Maidstone after signing a long-term lease renewal at M&G Real Estate’s Fremlin Walk. Under the new agreement, the group will fully refurbish its existing 101,921 sq ft House of Fraser unit to bring a number of its brands under one roof, including the likes of Flannels and Sports Direct. The current House of Fraser store will close from 30 March and reopen in the autumn. Kerry Williams, portfolio director for M&G Real Estate, said: “We are delighted that Frasers Group has not only committed its long-term future to Fremlin Walk, but also selected Maidstone as a location for one of its new flagship concept stores. House of Fraser has been a key footfall driver for the town centre for several years, and we firmly believe that this new enhanced store will attract shoppers from across Kent. “The continued presence of big name brands such as Frasers Group demonstrates the confidence that major UK and international retailers have in Fremlin Walk which continues to attracts strong footfall throughout the year. As we continue our efforts of creating a diverse and vibrant shopping environment, we hope to welcome share more exciting...

PureGym secures Glasgow roadside location

15th January 2024

PureGym has exchanged contracts with Ashfield Land for a proposed new build gym in Glasgow. Located of off Cambuslang Road, the two-storey building in Glasgow Rutherglen will sit adjacent to Topgolf with strong visibility to the M74 motorway. The agreement comes off the back of recent openings for PureGym in Griffnock and Milngavie. PureGym is currently looking to open more sites, with requirements for units ranging between 5,000 sq ft and 20,000 sq ft. In October, the gym operator secured an £805m refinancing deal to help support its expansion.

Rollerskating concept to debut at Trafford Palazzo

15th January 2024

American-inspired restaurant chain Archie’s is set to debut a new rollerskating concept at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo. Opening in the summer, the 24,273 sq ft Archie’s Atomic concept will be centred around a 5,380 sq ft roller rink. The concept will be based on Trafford Palazzo’s ground floor, adjacent to NERF Action Xperience and opposite the SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium. Alongside the roller rink, Archie’s Atomic will feature a family arcade area and an Archie’s shake bar. Space will also be available for brand activations, local graffiti artist takeovers, and private bookings. Archie’s opened its first restaurant on Manchester’s Oxford Road in 2010 and has since expanded to operate further sites in Manchester, as well as Birmingham and Liverpool. The brand also recently opened within Trafford Palazzo’s NERF Action Xperience site. Mark Whittaker, executive director of retail and leisure at scheme owner Peel, said: “We’re hugely excited to announce that Archie’s has selected Trafford Palazzo to be the first home of its Atomic leisure concept. The commitment of yet another debut concept is evidence of Trafford Palazzo’s appeal, catchment, and forward-thinking approach, and it’s great to play a part in the expansion of a local favourite. We’ve attracted a string of world […]

Harvey Norman flagship to open at former Merry Hill Debenhams

15th January 2024

Lifestyle, entertainment, and technology retailer Harvey Norman is set to open at Merry Hill shopping centre, taking 57,000 sq ft of the former Debenhams department store. The flagship store will offer both indoor and outdoor furniture, as well as a homeware range which includes appliances, audio visual, and technology products. Harvey Norman will join fitness operator Xtrafit, which opens in the summer and will take 40,000 sq ft of the former Debenhams store. Graeme Jones, director at Sovereign Centros, said: “Attracting an international retail giant like Harvey Norman to Merry Hill, alongside a UK debut for fitness operator Xtrafit, provides Merry Hill with a comprehensive solution for the former Debenhams, one that no other destination in the country has. Harvey Norman will bring dedicated visits and benefit from our engaged and loyal catchment, and we look forward to introducing its accessible, high-quality offer, within a brand experience completely unique to Merry Hill.” Katie Page, Harvey Norman CEO, said: “With its exceptional connectivity and a population around the same size as New Zealand – where we have 42 stores – it’s clear that the West Midlands represents a significant growth opportunity for Harvey Norman. We have been in the UK for […]

Gymshark to open second UK store at Westfield Stratford

12th January 2024

Gymshark is set to open its second UK store later this year. The activewear retailer – which made its debut on London’s Regent Street two years ago – will open in a 7,000 sq ft unit at Westfield Stratford City. Gymshark founder and chief executive, Ben Francis, said: “When we opened Regent Street, many people asked if this was the first of many stores. “The honest answer at the time was that we didn’t know. It quickly became incredibly successful for our brand, and store number two was on the horizon. It’s why we’re so happy to find our second home at the busiest shopping centre in the United Kingdom.” “To be able to bring them a second destination in such a great location that so many people visit is just incredible. I can’t wait for the doors to open”, he added.

Just for Pets secures second new concept site in expansion push

11th January 2024

Just for Pets has secured a second site for its DOG concept, as the pet retailer targets a number of new stores. Taking a former Barclays bank building, Just for Pets has opened in the historic Cotswold town of Stow-on-the-Wold. The 1,300 sq ft unit has been taken on a 10-year lease at £46,000 per annum. Sitting between two Grade-II listed properties, the Georgian revival building is surrounded by a mixture of local businesses and more well known brands, including Clarendon Fine Art, Scotts of Stow, D’Ambrosi Fine Foods, Cotswold Cheese Company and Rohan. DOG by Just for Pets focuses on canine health and wellbeing, offering high-end products from brands such as Barbour, Le Chameau, Oxfordshire-based Cocopup and George Barclay beds, as well as natural treats and high meat foods. The opening follows the debut of the DOG by Just for Pets concept in June 2023 in Cirencester. The retailer is now looking to open a further five DOG stores, and is also seeking larger premises to accommodate more Just for Pets sites. Carter Jonas – which acted for Just for Pets on the two DOG openings – has been appointed to spearhead the retailer’s expansion. Ideal sites will be […]

Southampton shopping centre snapped up for £10m

10th January 2024

Tri7 has acquired the Portswood Shopping Centre in Southampton for c.£10m from its previous owner, Portswood Centre Ltd. The 28,315 sq ft asset is located north of Southampton City Centre and is a short distance from St Denys train station and the University of Southampton’s Highfield Campus. Extending over two acres, the scheme is fully let to 10 tenants including Iceland, Pizza Hut, and The Broadway Pub. The acquisition adds to Tri7’s portfolio of retail-led developments, which includes Leeds‘ The Core Shopping Centre and Mecca Bingo in Haringey, London. Samuel Castle, partner at Tri7, said: “The Portswood Shopping Centre offers the exact type of opportunity on which we thrive: an income-producing scheme that benefits from long-term development potential. As we continue to enact our city centre regeneration project acquisition strategy, we have our eyes on a number of sites across the UK and are confident that, for an opportunistic investor and an asset manager with an innate understanding of how to unlock value, there are a host of opportunities to be pursued while much of the rest of the industry adjusts to wider economic conditions.”