Kenji and Starbucks open doors at the Telford Centre

Kenji and Starbucks at Telford Centre

Kenji has opened the doors to a new store at the Telford Centre, as Starbucks also joins the Shropshire shopping centre.

The East Asian-inspired lifestyle retailer has taken a 6,200 sq ft unit on a five-year lease, offering a range of homeware, stationery, toys, and snacks. As the brand’s first location in Shropshire, the opening forms part of its ongoing UK expansion which has seen it rapidly grow its presence in major shopping destinations.

Poppy Radford, associate director at asset manager Sovereign Centros from CBRE, said: “Kenji brings something fresh and creative to Telford Centre, and we’re delighted to welcome them to the line-up. Their innovative retail concept and distinctive aesthetic add real energy to the mall and perfectly complement our growing mix of global and independent brands.

“Securing Kenji on a five-year lease for a substantial 6,200 sq ft unit highlights the ongoing confidence major retailers have in Telford Centre and the strength of its regional catchment.”

Meanwhile, Starbucks has opened a 2,600 sq ft café opposite Next. The coffee shop operator has taken a 15-year lease for the unit, which opened at the end of October.

Glynn Morrow, centre manager at Telford Centre, said: “Starbucks is just one of several new names joining Telford Centre this autumn. The addition of such a well-known global brand demonstrates continued confidence in the scheme and highlights the ongoing appeal of Telford Centre as a regional retail destination.”

These arrivals follow a string of high-profile lettings at the centre, and come as the scheme prepares to welcome fashion retailer Mango later this year.