Retail Property News

Independent coffee shop brand marks next phase of expansion with Warrington signing

21st August 2026

Independent coffee shop brand Bob & Berts is beginning the next phase of its expansion after signing for a new café at Golden Square Shopping Centre in Warrington, Cheshire. Spanning 3,000 sq ft, the new shop will accommodate 135 guests and feature a full kitchen, offering a menu of breakfasts, brunches, and lunches alongside handcrafted drinks. Founded in Portstewart, Northern Ireland in 2013, Bob & Berts has grown from a single coffee shop to a 28-store business with locations across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England. Group sales reached £24.3m for the year ending June 2026, an increase of 8% year-on-year. Colin McClean, founder of Bob & Berts, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing Bob & Berts to Warrington as we begin the next chapter of our growth. I’ve visited the town many times over the years, and Golden Square immediately stood out as the right location for us. It’s a well-established retail and hospitality destination with a strong sense of community, making it the perfect place for our next opening. “Warrington is the first store in our next phase of expansion and we’re looking forward to continuing to invest in communities across the UK over the coming years.” David […]

Superdrug to open significantly upsized store at Harlequin Watford

21st August 2026

Superdrug is set to open a significantly upsized store at Harlequin Watford, increasing its footprint at the Hertfordshire shopping centre by over a third. The health and beauty retailer will expand into a 11,503 sq ft space, adjacent to its 8,400 sq ft current store, representing an upsize of 37%. The upsize will allow Superdrug to offer a wider range of cosmetics, skincare, healthcare, fragrances, and wellness products, enabling the brand to meet the high customer demand. Superdrug’s upsize comes as the centre has welcomed £16.7m worth of tenant enhancements over the last 24 months, including a 154% upsize from Goldsmiths in this same month. Robert Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera, said: “Harlequin is a prime example of active, intelligent leasing done right, where occupiers welcome success and visitors feel understood. Superdrug’s recommitment demonstrates why brands continue to find the centre an attractive prospect worth investing in, and the expanded space will work to serve the needs of the far-reaching catchment.” Clare Jennings, property director at Superdrug, added: “We’re excited to be extending the store in Harlequin Watford. This investment reflects our continued commitment to bricks-and-mortar retail and allows us to bring an enhanced range of health and...

Highcross Leicester welcomes UK’s first augmented reality experience

21st August 2026

Highcross Leicester has welcomed HADO, the world’s first augmented reality (AR) techno-sport to the centre as part of a two-week pop-up. Located in the former North Face unit on the upper mall, the pop-up looks to combine real-world sport with digital gameplay, enables visitors to compete on a real-world court while wearing AR headsets and wrist sensors, allowing them to shoot digital energy balls, raise shields, and dodge attacks in real time. Created in Japan in 2014, HADO is unlike traditional gaming or virtual reality as players are physically active within the real-world environment while digital elements are overlaid onto their surroundings. During the pop-up, players can take part in two games, either player-versus-player or monster battle, which sees participants take on virtual dragons, monsters and bosses across a series of levels. Michelle Menezes, centre director at Highcross Leicester, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing HADO to Highcross, giving our shoppers the opportunity to experience the UK’s first pop-up of its kind in a shopping centre. “It’s a completely new experience for Leicester, and we’re excited to give visitors the chance to get involved, whether they’re already passionate about gaming or simply looking to try something different.” The event forms […]

Frasers Plus Designer Outlet serves up Chopstix as F&B offer grows

20th August 2026

Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon is set to welcome Chopstix as the scheme looks to strengthen its food and beverage proposition. One of the UK’s fastest-growing quick-service restaurant brands, Chopstix has recently expanded across major retailer, leisure, and travel destinations. Global Mutual, which asset manages Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon, said the signing reflects the destination’s ability to attract recognised national brands seeking well-connected locations with a strong and established retail proposition. The signing follows the recent opening of British heritage menswear brand Belstaff at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon. Located on the M4 corridor, Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon is home to over 90 designer and high-street brands. The scheme was acquired by Frasers Group at the end of 2025. Nicky Lovell, head of outlets and retail business development at Global Mutual, said “As we continue to evolve the destination, our focus remains on securing brands that strengthen key categories, complement our existing brand mix and respond to changing customer expectations. A strong food and beverage offer is increasingly in supporting longer visitor dwell times and creating a destination that meets the needs of both retailers and customers. Chopstix is another excellent example of our long-term leasing strategy at Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon.”  Gareth Brannigan, head of new store openings at Chopstix, added: “We’re excited to be bringing Chopstix to Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon […]

Landsec eyes £500m acquisition of Gateshead’s Metrocentre

20th August 2026

Landsec is reportedly looking to acquire the Metrocentre shopping centre in Gateshead, which was put on the market earlier this year for £500m. The FTSE 100-listed real estate investment trust is understood to have emerged as the frontrunner to acquire the shopping centre, according to The Times, seeing off interest from Frasers Group and Hammerson. The Metrocentre Partnership, which includes the Church Commissioners and Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund, placed Metrocentre up for sale in June, although it is understood that Landsec could pay well in excess of the £500m asking price. This could mean that the REIT may have to ask shareholders for additional funds. Spanning two million square feet, Metrocentre is one of the largest shopping centres in Europe and is home to tenants such as Zara, JD Sports, Marks & Spencer, Primark, and Urban Outfitters. Recent additions include Hollister, Lovisa, and KENJI. If an acquisition is completed, Metrocentre would join the likes of Liverpool ONE, Bluewater, and Gunwharf Quays within Landsec’s portfolio of shopping centres.

Kim Kardashian’s Skims to open second UK store at Westfield London

20th August 2026

Skims, the shapewear brand founded by Kim Kardashian and entrepreneur Jens Grende, is set to open its second store in the UK at Westfield London. The new store will offer a range of underwear, shapewear, and loungewear. This signing comes after Skims opened its first standalone store in the UK on London’s Regent Street. The brand had signed a 10-year lease for a 12,000 sq ft unit. Constantin Wiesmann, director of leasing for Northern Europe at scheme owner Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “Skims is one of the most influential lifestyle brands in the world today, and its arrival at Westfield London is a strong endorsement of the destination’s appeal to world-leading brands. “As consumer expectations continue to evolve, we’re focused on bringing the most exciting global names to our centres and delivering a retail experience that continues to lead the market.” Russell Banham, head of Commerz Real UK, added: “We are delighted to welcome Skims to Westfield London which will further enhance the unrivalled mix of premium brands already trading in the centre.” “The arrival of Skims marks another milestone in Westfield London’s continued evolution as one of the UK’s leading retail, leisure and entertainment destinations, bringing together some of the world’s...

Hammerson lands Sephora and Hollister lettings at Brent Cross

19th August 2026

Hammerson has announced that global beauty retailer Sephora UK and fashion retailer Hollister are set to open new stores at Brent Cross shopping centre in London. Sephora UK’s new store, its first in North London, will occupy approximately 4,500 sq ft. It will be the sixth Sephora UK store in Hammerson’s portfolio and will offer beauty products alongside advisors, personalised services, and in-store experiences. Meanwhile, Hollister will open a 6,500 sq ft store, offering casual, California-inspired apparel and accessories aimed at a teen and young adult customer base. These latest deals, which come as the centre celebrates its 50th anniversary, follow the exchange of 18 lease agreements in the first half of 2026 at Brent Cross. Sephora UK and Hollister were identified as the most requested brands by customers at Brent Cross. Recent openings and signings at Brent Cross include a new MINISO, an upsized Mango, a major go-karting and leisure space by TeamSport, and the District food hall. Catherine Wade, leasing manager at Hammerson, said: “As one of the most recognisable names in global beauty retail, Sephora UK will further strengthen our beauty and lifestyle offer at Brent Cross. Together with Hollister, they will provide customers with more exciting […]

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 […]

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 […]

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...

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.” 

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.”