Retail Property Deals

Merry Hill welcomes Ask Italian and Sides

5th December 2023

Restaurant chain Ask Italian and YouTuber-led fast food concept Sides have opened at Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Dudley. Opening a 3,350 sq ft restaurant, Ask Italian at Merry Hill features the chain’s refreshed concept, providing space for 140 diners and offering Italian-inspired dishes. Meanwhile, Sides has taken a 2,960 sq ft space accommodating 100 covers. The restaurant is the second standalone site for the concept, which is led by YouTube group The Sidemen. The group – which is headed up by the likes of YouTubers KSI, Miniminter, and Zerkaa – launched Sides in 2021. The concept has since garnered somewhat of a cult following and has seen success across various spaces in London. Jack Gordon, senior asset manager at Sovereign Centros, said: “The openings of both ASK Italian and Sides, two different but equally popular brands, marks another significant step in providing Merry Hill’s visitors with an increasingly diverse range of culinary options. These new additions are further evidence that we are committed to delivering our long-term strategy for the centre, curating a fulfilling, varied, and best-in-class experience for our community.” The arrivals of Ask Italian and Sides at Merry Hill follow a number of recent food and beverage […]

Oxygen rebrands with new concept as it seeks new sites

5th December 2023

Oxygen Activeplay is set to launch its new concept at a retail park in York as the brand seeks new sites nationwide. The leisure operator – formerly just ‘Oxygen’ – will open the 20,000 sq ft flagship at Clifton Moor Centre Retail Park in February 2024. Oxygen York, which is the first site designed under the brand’s new Activeplay Concept, will open following an investment of £2.3m. Comprising ground floor and mezzanine spaces, the centre will feature parkour zones, inflatable obstacle courses, climbing challenges, party rooms, and a sensory baby and toddler park. Parents and families will also be able to make use of a quiet lounge and a food and beverage offering. The York opening comes as part of a £10m investment programme implemented by Oxygen Activeplay over the last two years into its parks, staff, technology, and infrastructure. This investment has included a £1.2m revamp of Oxygen Croydon – which reopened in April – as well as refurbishments in Acton, Wilmslow, and Rayleigh. The brand is currently looking to roll out the Activeplay concept to more locations around the country, with leisure leasing agency Stärka instructed to secure new sites. Stephen Wilson, managing director at Oxygen Activeplay, said:...

Lounge makes Liverpool debut with pop-up store

5th December 2023

Lounge has made its debut in Liverpool, opening a Christmas pop-up store at South John Street in Liverpool ONE. Remaining open until 23 December, the underwear brand’s 4,000 sq ft store will offer its range of bestselling lingerie, loungewear, and nightwear. Lounge made its first venture into permanent bricks-and-mortar retail earlier this year after a series of successful pop-ups. The retailer is targeting a further seven sites over the next 12 months. Rob Deacon, asset management director at Grosvenor, said: “We are delighted to have welcomed Lounge’s highly anticipated city debut pop-up, marking yet another fan-favourite to select Liverpool ONE as the destination of choice for pioneering, first-rate retailers. The rapidly expanding brand aligns very well with our demographic here at Liverpool ONE and it was great to see our visitors enthusiastically interact with the pop-up over the launch weekend.” Mel Marsden, founder of Lounge, added: “As Lounge continues to expand into physical retail, we have been seeking locations that not only have high footfall numbers, but also align with our dedication to providing the ultimate customer experience, and Liverpool ONE’s core visitor-centred values and loyal consumer base made it the ideal home.” The opening follows the recent arrival of […]

Superdrug opens one of its biggest London stores

4th December 2023

Superdrug has opened one of its biggest stores within the M25 at Hammerson’s Brent Cross Shopping Centre in North West London. Opening within a 6,000 sq ft unit on the scheme’s lower level, Superdrug’s new store features a fragrance counter and a beauty studio. This new larger, “best-in-class” store concept is the retailer’s third of its kind, following openings at the Manchester’s Trafford Centre and Dublin Dundrum earlier this year. In April, Superdrug revealed its plans to invest in 25 “bigger and better” stores. Nigel Duxbury, property director at Superdrug, said: “The new opening allows us to continue growing the presence of Superdrug in London and demonstrates our continued investment into providing our customers with the best in-store experiences.”  Chris Barnes, general manager at Brent Cross, added: “With our busiest period fast approaching Superdrug is just the type of brand which will resonate with our customers, particularly those wanting to treat themselves to health and beauty products or purchase gifts for family and friends.”

LCP and Evolve Estates acquire The Centre Livingston

4th December 2023

Commercial property investment companies LCP and Evolve Estates – both part of M Core – have jointly acquired The Centre in Livingston, their largest retail centre yet. The scheme – which is located in the centre of the Scottish town – was acquired for an undisclosed sum from Hines. Spanning one million sq ft, The Centre Livingston comprises 166 shops, restaurants, cafés, and leisure amenities. Anchor tenants at the scheme include Asda, River Island, H&M, Primark, and M&S. The scheme is located nearby to three car parks, with a total of 3,000 spaces. Danny O’Keefe, founding partner of Evolve, said: “For the past few years, we have focused on building our retail portfolio, acquiring convenience-led shopping parades, centres and retail parks across the UK, which we believe to be undervalued and offer long-term rental growth. “The Centre Livingston is our most ambitious retail acquisition yet in the UK and we are excited about the possibilities for improving it, which our proactive in-house team of experienced asset and property managers will be looking at now. “They have a significant network of contacts across many national brands and they are already looking to attract big names as well as ambitious local traders who want […]

French Connection joins Manchester Arndale fashion line up

1st December 2023

French Connection is set to open at Manchester Arndale, joining a growing fashion offering at the scheme. The retailer has agreed a five-year lease for a 2,189 sq ft unit, and will offer a range of clothing, accessories, and footwear for both men and women. The signing of French Connection at Manchester Arndale follows a flurry of lettings to fashion brands at the scheme. Names such as Dune, The North Face, Nike, Moss, and Sunglasses Hut have all recently joined the scheme, whilst Oseyo and Tortilla have bolstered the centre’s food and beverage offering. The Manchester scheme also recently announced a significant upsize from River Island, as well as lease renewals from The Watch Lab, Thomas Sabo, and Claire’s. Steve Gray, head of European retail asset management at Global Mutual, said: “We’re delighted to welcome French Connection to Manchester Arndale as we continue to attract top tier brands that cater to Manchester’s stylish clientele. With the centre now over 95% let, and brands like River Island and Thomas Sabo committing their future to the centre, we are confident in our ability to consistently deliver a premier retail experience.” M&G Real Estate and Global Mutual act as joint asset managers of...

Seven Dials welcomes flurry of new brands

1st December 2023

Shaftesbury Capital has welcomed five new brands to the Seven Dials shopping destination in London’s Covent Garden. Making their bricks-and mortar debuts are independent British womenswear brand Odd Muse and jewellery brand Missoma, which have opened flagship stores at 44 and 46 Monmouth Street respectively. Missoma’s permanent Seven Dials store follows a successful pop-up at Covent Garden’s Market Building earlier in the year. Also joining Monmouth Street is gourmet liquorice brand LAKRIDS BY BÜLOW, which has opened a new store offering handcrafted confectionary and gifts. Opening on Seven Dials’ Neal Street in the coming weeks is French men’s skincare brand Horace, which will make its UK debut at No.29. Meanwhile, British shoemaker Loake will be opening a store early in the new year at No. 62. The two brands join a number of established brands on Neal Street, including Space NK, Birkenstock, and jewellery brand Astrid & Miyu. Michelle McGrath, executive director, Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Our Seven Dials neighbourhood continues to evolve into a hotspot for innovative concepts, independent stores, international flagships and the best of British, with the latest arrivals of Odd Muse, Missoma, Lakrids, Horace and Loake being testament to this. “It is a huge vote of confidence […]

The Range lines up three new openings this week

30th November 2023

The Range is set to open three new stores across the UK this week as it prepares for the festive period. The discount retailer – which recently acquired the rights to collapsed brand Wilko – will open stores in Cwmbran, Leamington Spa, and Chelmsford. The 30,620 sq ft store at Cwmbran Shopping Centre – which The Range has signed a 15-year lease for – was formerly home to Wilko. In Leamington Spa, The Range will occupy two combined units formerly occupied by Argos and Outfit at Leamington Shopping Park. The Range’s Chelmsford will occupy a former Debenham’s and becomes the retailer’s sixth store in Essex. The three new stores will offer products from Wilko’s product range. Wilko itself is set to make its return to physical retail, with The Range recently announcing plans to open five standalone stores before Christmas.

Romford’s The Brewery nearly fully let following Bunkers letting

30th November 2023

The Brewery in Romford is now nearly at full occupancy following the letting to leisure operator Bunkers on a 15-year lease. Taking an 11,281 sq ft unit, the arrival of Bunkers leaves just one vacant unit – which is currently under offer – at the scheme. The competitive socialising venue is part of the Adventure Leisure Group – the operator of concepts such as Ninja Warrior UK, Mulligans, and Sidcup Family Golf. The group has 12 other locations across the UK, and is exploring its options in Ireland and other territories. Bunkers at The Brewery will offer activities such as mini golf, electro darts, virtual reality games, pool, and shuffleboard. The venue’s food and drink offering includes a selection of cocktails, beers, pizzas, and nachos. Bunkers will join an extensive food and beverage and leisure provision at the scheme, which is home to a 16-screen Vue Cinema, Namco, Zizi, Pizza Express, McDonalds, Starbucks, and Costa Coffee. Last year, Schroders Capital – which owns the asset alongside Zurich Investment Foundation Immobilien Europa Direkt – announced 14,642 sq ft of new lettings to tenants including Wagamama, Five Guys, and Turtle Bay. Rob Cosslett, fund manager at Schroders Capital, said: “Since the acquisition […]

Dune returns to Manchester Arndale

30th November 2023

Dune has continued to expand its presence in the North West after making its return to Manchester Arndale. The footwear retailer has opened the doors to a 1,596 sq ft flagship store, after agreeing a five-year lease for the unit. Dune’s arrival brings the scheme’s occupancy rate to 95%. The store has been designed by the retailer’s in-house team, utilising polished materials, neutral colours, and marble and stainless steel finishes. Dune Manchester Arndale also features illuminated light boxes in the windows and within the store itself to showcase the brand’s imagery. Nigel Darwin, chief executive officer of Dune Group, said: “We are thrilled to be returning to Manchester Arndale with the opening of our new store. We know we have many fans of the Dune London brand and our fabulous shoes and bags in Manchester, and we’re excited to be part of this vibrant retail centre once again”. Dune’s arrival complements a number of recent retail lettings at the Manchester scheme including to The North Face, Sunglasses Hut, Nike, and Oseyo. Food and beverage operators at the centre include Black Sheep Coffee, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Lazy Sundae, Slim Chickens, and Jim Hortons. M&G Real Estate and Global Mutual act as joint asset...

Phase Eight and Hobbs open at Caledonia Park

29th November 2023

Hobbs and Phase Eight have opened at Caledonia Park in Gretna, marking their first and second outlets in Scotland respectively. The two brands have opened a joint 3,000 sq ft unit in the centre of the scheme, adjacent to brands including Polo Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade New York, Radley London, and recent additions Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. Phase Eight and Hobbs at Caledonia Park offers a range of womenswear including coats, jackets, knitwear, shoes, bags, and accessories. Caraline Money, global group retail director at TFG Brands, which owns the two retailers, said: “The opening of Hobbs’ first outlet in Scotland is a huge milestone for us. Scotland, and Caledonia Park specifically, deliver so much potential and opportunity in terms of demographic and spend and we are excited to be part of a destination that is continuing to grow and evolve. We look forward to delivering Hobbs and Phase Eight’s timeless collections to a wider audience, just in time for the Christmas period.” Maria Averkina, asset and development manager at pension fund Railpen – the scheme’s investment manager – added: “The opening of Hobbs and Phase Eight further illustrates the growth that Caledonia Park has witnessed this year. It highlights […]

Goldsmiths reopens upsized Bullring showroom

29th November 2023

Goldsmiths – The Watches of Switzerland Group-owned jewellery retailer – has reopened its showroom at Birmingham’s Bullring. This follows a substantial upsizing and refurbishment for the retailer at the Hammerson-owned scheme. The two-storey boutique spans 8,000 sq ft and is situated in a dual-sided corner showroom, featuring a glass wrap-around frontage and a dedicated entrance for the new Rolex area. Goldsmiths’ new-look store showcases individual branded areas for luxury retailers, including Cartier, TAG Heuer, TUDOR, and Hublot, as well as central watch cabinets displaying the likes of Chanel, Gucci, Oris, Tissot, and pre-owned models. The ground floor is home to a selection of renowned names in luxury jewellery, including FOPE, Messika, Roberto Coin, Mappin & Webb, and Jenny Packham, as well as Goldsmiths’ own collections. The Goldsmiths Bullring showroom has also introduced a premium hospitality bar on the first floor, as well as private consultation rooms, a pop-up jewellery space, a dedicated service and repair lounge, a watch makers room, and areas for polishing and cleaning. Toby Tait, director of asset management at Hammerson, said: “Goldsmiths’ significant upsize to create one of the largest stores within its portfolio is a clear sign that The Watches of Switzerland Group share our...