Merry Hill sees record sales and performance in 2025 following 300,000 sq ft of deals
Merry Hill has announced record performance in 2025, with the West Midlands scheme seeing year-on-year increases in sales and footfall of 4.3% and 5%, respectively.
These results came as Merry Hill completed more than 40 leasing transactions over the course of the year, covering 300,000 sq ft.
Footfall growth remained robust throughout the year, with standout performance in the Golden Quarter, which had a footfall increase of 5.5% compared to 2024. As a result, Merry Hill outperformed the BRC’s industry benchmark of -5.1%, and wider super-regional benchmarks of +2.7% year-to-date.
As part of a £20m investment across the scheme in 2025, Merry Hill also completed a refurbishment of the Lower Retail Park, delivering 34,000 sq ft of new space and resulting in a fully let site. New openings at the retail park included B&Q, Bensons for Beds, Costa Coffee, as well as M&S’s landmark 100,000 sq ft flagship.
Further retail investment included openings from Lovisa and Flying Tiger, alongside the UK’s largest Savers and the country’s first standalone of Apple Premium Partner ‘Select’. Meanwhile, established occupiers reinvested in the scheme, with upsizes from the likes of Goldsmiths, EE, and Hotel Chocolat.
This investment extended into the centre’s leisure quarter, with the opening of Burger & Sauce in August bringing the quarter to fully let. Additional F&B investment included the arrival of Slim Chickens, Wendy’s, KFC, and Heavenly Desserts, while Toledo Lounge became the first Loungers concept within a covered mall environment.
Alistair Winning, asset manager at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, on behalf of Merry Hill, said: “Merry Hill’s outstanding performance is the result of several years of focused investment and hands-on asset management. We’re seeing strong confidence from both new and existing occupiers – from international brands choosing Merry Hill for their UK debut to major retailers such as M&S investing in a long-term future here. A strengthened retail offer, an award-winning leisure quarter, investment in the experience, and sustained footfall growth has created an environment in which Merry Hill can consistently outperform its peers.”
This momentum is set to continue into 2026 with further leasing activity. Carnival Golf & Games will open its 23,700 sq ft location at Merry Hill in the coming weeks, which will be a first-of-its-kind space from national leisure operator Funstation.
JLL, Time Retail Partners, and Font Real Estate represent Merry Hill.