Retail Property Deals

Womenswear brand makes bricks-and-mortar debut at Covent Garden’s Seven Dials

21st November 2024

Contemporary womenswear brand Saint + Sofia has opened its debut bricks-and-mortar store at Covent Garden’s Seven Dials. Located at 35 Monmouth Street, the 1,600 sq ft flagship offers a curated selection of womenswear and accessories, including handbags and footwear. Designed as a boutique shopping experience, Saint + Sofia at Seven Dials allows customers to preview new collections and store-unique products, with items refreshed weekly. The store also offers a number of in-store events and talks with a focus on design, music, and creativity. Saint + Sofia adds to Seven Dials’ line-up of debuts from a range of brands, including the recently-opened Axel Arigato flagship, as well as a new heritage concept store from British lifestyle brand Barbour, and the launch of menswear retailer NN.07’s first standalone space. William Oliver, retail leasing director at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Covent Garden’s Seven Dials neighbourhood has seen incredible momentum, Saint + Sofia is the latest example of an innovative digitally native brand choosing this neighbourhood for their debut UK physical store. We are committed to evolving the neighbourhood’s offer, partnering with independent and global brands that are making their bricks and mortar debuts. Each is unique in offer but come together as a collective […]

Menswear brand opens first standalone store in Scotland at Braehead

21st November 2024

Menswear brand Remus Uomo has opened its first standalone store in Scotland at Glasgow’s Braehead Shopping Centre. The new 2,500 sq ft store is located on the upper level of the scheme and introduces a new concept, aimed to deliver a relaxed and welcoming shopping experience. Remus Uomo at Braehead Shopping Centre offers the brand’s latest ranges of tailoring and casualwear, including its Autumn/Winter 2024 collection. The new store joins other popular menswear retailers at Braehead Shopping Centre, including Next, River Island, Flannels, Marks & Spencer, Jack and Jones, and H&M. Rob Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera Lateral, said: “The opening of Remus Uomo reflects Braehead Shopping Centre’s ongoing commitment to providing its shoppers with the best brands and retail experiences. Remus Uomo’s unique concept store adds another dimension to the wide range of men’s fashion that is already available in the centre.” The news follows the recent opening of Castore at Braehead Shopping Centre, with the sportswear brand taking a 1,482 sq ft unit.

Catella APAM brings pair of openings to Norwich’s Chantry Place

21st November 2024

Catella APAM, acting on behalf of Greater Manchester Pension Fund, has welcomed Rosa’s Thai and ProCook to Chantry Place in Norwich. In line with the restaurant’s heritage, Rosa’s Thai opened with a traditional Thai blessing ceremony – led by monks from the Wat Arun Norfolk Buddhist Temple – which included chants, prayers, and rituals. Meanwhile, ProCook has brought its range of cookware, tablewear, and kitchen appliances to Chantry Place. Customers are able to explore products such as cast-iron cookware and customisable cookware sets, whilst also receiving advice from the in-store team. Nathan Reidy, associate director at Catella APAM, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Rosa’s Thai and ProCook to Chantry Place. These openings mark an exciting step in our ongoing efforts to create a diverse and dynamic destination. With more new openings to come ahead of Christmas, we are committed to enhancing the visitor experience at Chantry Place.”

Whittard of Chelsea upsizes at Nottingham’s Victoria Centre

21st November 2024

Beverage brand Whittard of Chelsea has opened a new, larger store at the Victoria Centre in Nottingham. The 872 sq ft store offers the brand’s range of signature premium teas, coffees, and hot chocolates. The new branch is also Whittard of Chelsea’s third to feature its updated store fit and the first outside of London to do so. The brand currently operates 43 stores nationwide, with the new location forming part of an ongoing strategy to expand its presence across the UK. Rob Jewell, managing director, asset management at Pradera Lateral said: “Whittard’s new store not only enhances Victoria Centre’s diverse retail offering but also brings an elevated shopping experience with its modern shop fit and premium product range. Its presence will resonate with the centre’s customers, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to signing tenants that bring new and exciting brands to shoppers in Nottingham.” Steve Flanagan, marketing and product director at Whittard, added: “As the retail landscape in Nottingham evolves, the Victoria Centre’s growing tenant mix, impressive footfall, and loyal customer base presented the perfect opportunity for us to expand our presence.  “The larger unit allows us to enhance our product range and create a more engaging shopping experience for […]

Darlington shopping centre completes over 30,000 sq ft of deals in 2024

20th November 2024

The Cornmill Shopping Centre in Darlington, County Durham has announced a number of lease renewals, with the scheme having welcomed a total of over 30,000 sq ft of renewals and new lettings in 2024. Leading brands including HMV, Tesco, Superdrug, The Works, H. Samuel have all recommitted to the scheme, alongside new arrivals Shoezone and Stride Footwear. These renewals demonstrate a confidence in the shopping centre, which this year so far has welcomed over 2.7 million visitors. Zoe France, centre manager at the Cornmill Shopping Centre, said “The continued loyalty of our long-standing retailers demonstrates their confidence in the Cornmill and the opportunities it provides. We’re thrilled to welcome new tenants who will diversify our offerings and enhance the shopping experience for our visitors. This is an exciting time for the Cornmill as we prepare for a busy Christmas season with free, family-friendly events to support the community and drive footfall.” David Reisner, director of Davlea Estates, asset manager of the Cornmill Centre, added “The Cornmill Centre is a prime example of a well-managed retail destination that continues to evolve and thrive despite challenges in the wider retail sector. National retailers staying with us shows the strength of Darlington’s market, […]

Starbucks brews up The Centre Livingston opening

20th November 2024

Starbucks is set to open a new café in Livingston after signing a 15-year lease at The Centre. Opening in February 2025, the coffeehouse chain has agreed a deal to take 3,174 sq ft of space across units 305a and 305b. The signing follows the recent news that The Centre, Livingston is set to expand its leisure offering with the arrival of bowling operator Hollywood Bowl. Neil Woodward, asset manager for The Centre, Livingston, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Starbucks to The Centre, Livingston. Their arrival highlights the attractiveness of the Centre as a key retail and leisure hub. Starbucks will undoubtedly enhance the visitor experience, offering a great spot to relax and recharge while enjoying world-class coffee.” Rakesh Joshi, director at LCP, added: “This deal reflects our commitment to attracting high-quality brands to our properties. Starbucks is a fantastic addition that aligns perfectly with our strategy of providing a diverse mix of tenants to meet the needs of the local community. We look forward to seeing their success at The Centre, Livingston.” EYCO acted for LCP.

Hotel Chocolat to open concept store at Newcastle’s Eldon Square

20th November 2024

Hotel Chocolat is set to open a new concept store and café at Eldon Square in Newcastle. The 3,128 sq ft store will stock a range of the retailer’s premium chocolates, whilst the ‘Velvetiser Café’ will offer a range of hot chocolate alongside other hot drinks. The new concept is indicative of the brand’s investment into immersive experiences, allowing customers to try the product whilst also having a personalised experience. Hotel Chocolat joins Eldon Square’s range of premium shopping brands, including John Lewis, All Saints, and Fenwicks. Matthew Beddow, senior director of asset management at Eldon Square, said: “The addition of Hotel Chocolat to Eldon Square is further evidence that our 2024 leasing strategy is proving to be a success. We are thrilled to continue to welcome market leading brands that add to our diverse retail and dining mix and have no doubt Hotel Chocolat will be enthusiastically met by Eldon Square shoppers.” Hotel Chocolat’s arrival follows a number of recent openings at Eldon Square, including Wingstop and Sephora. Eldon Square is managed by Pradera Lateral and Savills.

Tresspass relocates Norwich store to Castle Quarter

19th November 2024

Tresspass has relocated its existing store in Norwich after opening at Castle Quarter shopping centre. The outdoor wear retailer has signed a five-year lease for a unit located at the scheme’s White Lion Street entrance. Founded in Glasgow in 1938 under the name Jacobs & Turner, Tresspass is a producer and retailer of clothing and equipment for outdoor pursuits, such as skiing and hiking. The brand now operates over 300 outlets globally. The opening of Trespass looks to strengthen the occupier line-up at Castle Quarter, which has seen a repositioning towards social, leisure, and lifestyle options whilst retaining a traditional retail core. It joins retail brands such as TK Maxx, Boots, Flying Tiger, and The Entertainer, alongside competitive socialising operators including Boom Battle Bar, Putt Putt Social, and Escape Hunt. This shift in strategy has seen improvements repositioning across footfall, dwell time, car park usage and occupier turnover, with at least 75% of occupiers at Castle Quarter reporting higher year-on-year trading figures. Will Ashdown, asset manager at RivingtonHark, said: “Trespass is a premium UK brand, and as such it is hugely exciting to see it choose to relocate to Castle Quarter from its existing Norwich store. While we have worked to […]

Wingstop opens 22nd London restaurant

19th November 2024

Wingstop has opened its 22nd restaurant in London at The Chimes shopping centre in Uxbridge. Spanning 3,000 sq ft with space for 62 diners, the restaurant offers the brand’s range of signature wings alongside desserts and drinks, including milkshakes and beer. Since launching in 2018, Wingstop UK is set to have 57 sites by the end of the year, with an ambition to reach 200 locations within the next five years. Last month, the brand was named as one of the top 10 most-loved eating-out brands in the UK, according to Savanta’s rankings. Chris Sherriff, CEO at Wingstop UK, said: “We’re excited to keep growing across London, following the success of our recent openings in Ealing, Whitechapel, Crawley and Stratford. We’re looking forward to making a home in Uxbridge, bringing our iconic flavours to locals for the first time. As we continue our rapid expansion across the UK, a huge thank you goes out to our loyal customers and dedicated teams. We’re on target to reach 60 locations by year-end—momentum is strong, and this is only the beginning.”

London pizzeria brand opens restaurant on Chelsea’s King’s Road

18th November 2024

London-based pizzeria brand Pizza Pilgrims has opened a new restaurant on the King’s Road in Chelsea. The 2,021 sq ft space, located at 219 King’s Road, caters for 40 diners on the ground floor with an additional 32 covers in the basement. The basement also transforms into ‘Cinema Paradiso’, adding an experiential element to the restaurant. Since launching in Soho in 2013, Pizza Pilgrims now operates 25 pizzerias across the UK. Its menu features a signature Neopolitan dough with flavours such as the classic Margherita, Fiorentina, and the Double Pepperoni & Spicy Honey. Hannah Grievson, property director at Sloane Stanley, said: “Pizza Pilgrims is a very welcome addition to the Estate. This unit is a gateway to our Estate, so serves as the starting point of some of the best brands in Chelsea. Pizza Pilgrims has really delivered on bringing a playful and eye-catching restaurant, fitting in with the creative nature of the King’s Road. Its ‘Capri’ vision certainly offers something unique for the neighbourhood, with a quality offer that will work perfectly here.” This news follows the recent opening of Fantômas on the King’s Road. The 2,000 sq ft restaurant at 300 King’s Road seats up to 80 diners,...

Pret a Manger makes city debut at Gloucester Quays

18th November 2024

Pret a Manger has opened its first café in Gloucester at Peel Retail & Leisure’s Gloucester Quays outlet shopping destination. The bakery chain has opened a 1,841 sq ft eatery with space for 85 people, offering a variety of sandwiches, wraps, salads, baked goods, and snacks. This comes following the recent opening of Subway at Gloucester Quays, which took a 603 sq ft unit next to The Real Greek and Bill’s, providing customisable sandwiches and salads. Gloucester Quays has also this year welcomed Krispy Kreme as well as a second unit in the region for Bakers & Baristas. Paul Carter, asset director at Peel Retail & Leisure, said: “Gloucester Quays is both an outlet for all-day shoppers and a focal point for our local community, so the variety of food on offer has to match that diversity. The openings of Pret and Subway at Gloucester Quays, following the likes of Krispy Kreme and Bakers & Baristas, demonstrate our commitment to delivering real choice, supplementing the array of casual dining we already have. By introducing these options, we are removing the either/or decision for our customers, ensuring everyone that comes here has access to something that meets their needs and type […]

Dune London joins Yorkshire outlet shopping centre

15th November 2024

Dune London is set to open at Junction 32 outlet shopping village in Castleford, Yorkshire. The brand will open a 2,257 sq ft store later this month, offering a range of footwear and accessories for men and women. The store at Junction 32 will form part of Dune London’s expansion, with the brand now operating 52 standalone stores in the UK, including four in Yorkshire. Dune London’s arrival comes during a busy 2024 at Junction 32, during which it has welcomed brands such as Lucy & Yak, Saltrock, Castore, and Sofa.com. Since being acquired by Frasers Group last year, Junction 32 has worked with asset managers Global Mutual and McMullen Real Estate, with operational support from CBRE as it looks to diversify its offering. Prior to Frasers Group’s acquisition of the centre, vacant retail space was at 14%, while by the end of 2024 this figure will have been reduced to only 2%. Rachel Scott, head of leasing at Junction 32, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dune London to Junction 32, as part of our ambitious leasing plans with the outlet centre. The arrival of premium brands, such as Dune London, is indicative of how we are offering Junction...