MINISO to more than double footprint at St David’s Cardiff with new concept store

MINISO is set to open its first MINISO FRIENDS store at Landsec’s St David’s in Cardiff, with the retailer set to more than double its footprint at the shopping centre.

Opening in the second half of 2027, the new concept store will span over 6,600 sq ft and be situated in close proximity to M&S, Primark, and Boots.

The store will offer collectables range including blind boxes, plush and licensed merchandise, and MINISO’s full lifestyle, home, stationery, gifting, and accessories offer. It will also feature dedicated zones showcasing collaborations with globally recognised characters and brands.

MINISO has been present at the scheme since November 2020, when Cardiff became the retailer’s second location in the UK and its first store outside of London.

The debut of MINISO FRIENDS follows the announcement that the retailer will open its first MINISO LAND concept store on London’s Oxford Street, creating a 19,000 sq ft flagship.

Pablo Sueiras, head of retail and hospitality leasing at Landsec, said: “MINISO’s decision to more than double its footprint and select St David’s for the UK debut of MINISO Friends reflects the strength of the destination and the opportunity we see in Cardiff. 

“We’re seeing significant growth in collectables, with collaborations around globally recognised IP helping MINISO build a highly engaged community. MINISO Friends takes that a step further, creating a bigger, more immersive format where those fans can come together around the characters they love.

“MINISO Friends will bring something completely new to Cardiff. Combined with our wider investment in St David’s, it will further strengthen the mix of retail, leisure and experiences we’re creating and give Gen Z in particular another reason to visit and spend time in the city centre.”