Westfield signing continues trend of major brands expanding

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield has announced personal care and beauty retailer Space NK will more than triple the size of their current unit at Westfield London this month, from 893 sq ft to 2,960 sq ft.

This follows the trend of major retailers taking large units at Westfield centres, including the recently opened JD Sports which has expanded to a 45,000 sq ft space, as well as Tommy Hilfiger, Stradivarius, Bershka, Lacoste, Footlocker, Skechers, Calvin Klein and Dr Martens all opening at Westfield Stratford City in 2022.

At Westfield London, Apple launched a larger refurbished space while renowned toy retailer Hamleys opened its second largest UK store with an 11,000 sq ft unit, while Tommy Hilfiger and homeware brand Raft also expanded.

Westfield has also announced a number of new signings, including Java Whiskers’ new flagship cat café, which opened its second UK destination, as well as menswear brand Nature Republic which is expected to open soon.

Other recent openings at the centre include costume jewellery designer Nour Boutique and roller rink concept Flippers Roller Bookie Palace. Food and beverage openings include Sticks’n’Sushi and McDonald’s, which recently opened a 7,124 sq ft restaurant.

At Stratford City, fashion brands Nicce and Accessorize and activewear brand Validate recently opened their doors, while fashion brand Reserved, the digitally-native Guilio, service group The Change, and food and beverage concepts Brick Lane Bagel and El Takoy are all expected to open in the first quarter of the year.

Kate Orwin, Leasing Director at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield UK, said:

“Over the last quarter at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City we have seen major global and international brands […] increase their footprints by more than 30,000 sqft. combined. We’re also seeing ongoing interest from new concepts and digital native brands signing up for physical space which clearly demonstrates that retailers recognise the importance of being able to connect which customers in a physical environment”