www.hervia.com

Waitrose open their new store in Altrincham at Stamford Brook this Thursday 15th October.

http://www.waitrose.com/branches/branchdetails.aspx?uid=494

Hundreds queue for 56 temporary jobs at Selfridges

Ria Nortcliffe

October 12, 2009

MORE than 600 people queued round the block for the chance of getting a temporary Christmas job at Selfridges in Manchester.

The line of hopefuls, clutching their CVs and waiting patiently in the wind and rain, included students, people who had been made redundant and graduates struggling to find work during the recession.

Selfridges had asked job hunters who wanted one of the 56 posts to turn up at 11am for an interview yesterday. A queue started to form at 9am stretching around the building along Corporation Street, opposite the Arndale Centre and past the big wheel. Store bosses say the response was 'exceptional'.

Naz Uddin, 23, from Stretford Road, Manchester, who graduated from a course in advertising and is finding it difficult to get employment, said he had been queuing since 11am.

He said: "I've been looking for a job for a while, but it's really difficult trying to get anything.

"I live in a rented flat and have bills to pay for, so I'm just hoping I can get a job with Selfridges. It'll be worth the wait if I do."

His flatmate, 23-year-old Ali Khan, who is in his final year studying business law, added: "Being a student you cannot afford much and you want some money to be able to enjoy yourself over Christmas. It's also good for the CV."

Kim Kahan, 16, from Prestwich, who has been looking for work since being made redundant from her job as a pot washer at a Manchester restaurant, said: "I have handed out so many CVs and have hardly got any responses so when I saw the advert for this I came straight down.

"I wasn't expecting people to be queuing around the block for jobs though.

"The work isn't particularly well paid but it's good to put on your CV that you've worked for Selfridges and I'm also hoping that they'll take me on and then maybe I can get something more permanent with them."

Amy Shevlin, 20, a student from Ashton-under-Lyne, who was near the back of the line at 3pm, said: "I was told that there were only four posts left so it seems that they've been telling people there and then if they've been successful."

Waj Patel, 26, from Blackburn, who graduated this summer in retail buying, said he was still struggling to find work in his chosen field and needed the money.

He said: "I'm hoping that I can get a Christmas job and that they will then keep me on. "It's difficult getting work for everyone at the moment which is probably why so many have turned out for this."

A spokesman for Selfridges said: "We are looking to recruit 56 temporary staff to support our team during the Christmas period. We are really excited by the response we had which was quite exceptional."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1166989_hundreds_queue_for_56_temporary_jobs_at_selfridges

WatchIt Watches are opening soon in the Arndale, job applications are online now.


WatchitWatches Sales Manager - Manchester Arndale

Closing Date: 16/10/2009

Type: Full-time , Permanent

Details:
Watchit Watches is coming to the Manchester Arndale.

We require a strong sales Manager to lead the team for this new and exciting Brand.

A good sales background is required along with a strong management experience.

Applicants should be able to drive sales and motivate a sales team.

https://www.manchesterarndale.com/job_details-4026.htm

Waitrose open their new store in Altrincham at Stamford Brook this Thursday 15th October.

http://www.waitrose.com/branches/branchdetails.aspx?uid=494


Waitrose Altrincham boosts local supply chain

13 Oct 2009, 14:59

The fourth Waitrose supermarket in Cheshire opens its doors for business on Thursday 15 October with 16 local and regional suppliers represented on its shelves.

The store on Draybank Road, in the Stamford Brook development by Redrow and the National Trust, follows others in Sandbach, Wilmslow and Cheadle Hulme.

Tracey Marshall, a regional manager at the chain, said: "Opening our fourth food shop in Cheshire means that we've been able to extend our contracts with a number of local suppliers, which has given us the opportunity to forge even deeper ties with them. At Waitrose we're passionate about working with, and feel that it is essential to support, local producers, and I'm always on the look-out for new producers wanting to supply us."

Among the local suppliers is Manchester-based brewery Joseph Holt, which already supplies the supermarket's Sandbach and Cheadle Hulme stores, and can now increase its contract due to the opening at Waitrose Altrincham.

Last year, Waitrose dropped plans to open a store in Hale Barns, where certain residents campaigned against the supermarket.

Waitrose is part of the John Lewis Partnership and has 217 branches in its portfolio.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/4511-waitrose-altrincham-boosts-local-supply-chain.html

Waitrose has the city in its sights

James Ferguson

October 14, 2009

FAST-growing supermarket chain Waitrose today announced plans to expand into the heart of Manchester as it prepares for its latest opening, a branch in Altrincham.

The chain, which is creating 180 jobs through the launch of its store in Stamford Brook, is eyeing sites in the city centre as it looks to establish a presence there over the next two years.

Waitrose, which is part of the John Lewis Partnership, is enjoying strong growth with sales up 11.6 per cent in the 12 weeks to October 5.

It will open 26 new stores nationwide this year, creating more than 2,500 jobs, and managing director Mark Price said the north west was firmly in its sights for its next phase of expansion.

“We have been looking at a lot of potential sites in the area,” he told the M.E.N.

“That includes all of Manchester including the city centre, the suburbs and the Cheshire countryside.

“There will not only be full-line stores but also convenience shops. We plan to open quite a few over the next couple of years.” Waitrose received more than 1,000 applications for jobs at its Stamford Brook store, which begins trading tomorrow.

The new store has signed up a selection of 16 local suppliers, including Joseph Holt beer.

Mr Price, the son of a Cheshire grocer, said: “We are really big on locally sourcing our products – mostly fresh meat, fruit and veg – and every store has between 250 and 500 local lines out of a total of 15,000 to 20,000.”

Waitrose has also formed a relationship with Boots where chemists are located in-store and has secured a franchise deal with Welcome Break where 10 branches will be opened in motorway service stations.

It has also opened stores in Dubai and is looking at Bahrain.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1171067_waitrose_has_the_city_in_its_sights

Does anybody have pics of the Shakeaway Store or just the hordings around it.

As for the former index/tempo Market units being split into 3 units i thought it was rumored to be Toys,R Us after it was planned to close in ancoats.

Can't Waitrose cock-off? I'm sure it's no coincidence that they're doing this just as Booths (local countryside supermarket, if you didn't know) have started upping their game in the city.

Apparently they're in league.

Waitrose, owned by John Lewis Partnership, and independent supermarket group Booths have forged a buying alliance.
The deal will allow the pair to exploit synergies and benefit from greater scale economies. Waitrose and Booths said the arrangement “will involve sharing cost prices and deal structures for branded food purchased by both supermarkets on a selected range of products.”

Waitrose managing director Mark Price said: “There are already many similarities between the Waitrose and Booths brands in terms of our focus on food quality, provenance of our products and customer service.

“This buying alliance will benefit customers of both Waitrose and Booths for the long term by ensuring that prices within both shops are highly competitive through greater supply efficiencies.”

Waitrose has 192 stores nationwide and Booths has 26 in the north of England.

Does this sound a little fucked up to anyone else? They've defined their market and they're fixing the prices in that market, yet apparently they're still competitive because they're helping each other out with supply? hmmmm.

http://www.retail-week.com/waitrose-and-booths-create-buying-alliance/1866315.article

Apparently they're in league.



Does this sound a little fucked up to anyone else? They've defined their market and they're fixing the prices in that market, yet apparently they're still competitive because they're helping each other out with supply? hmmmm.

http://www.retail-week.com/waitrose-and-booths-create-buying-alliance/1866315.article

I. We'll sell it at that price and only that price. Then again, the supermarkets have been doing that for years. At least those 2 are going public about it.

I. We'll sell it at thrat price and only that price. Then again, the supermarkets have been doing that for years. At least those 2 are going public about it.
Indeed! Booths are a family owned business, and Waitrose are a Workers Co-op, with less than 5% of the UK food supermarket business between them. Booths only operate in NW England, where Waitrose are very minor players. Totally different than Tesco collaborating with Sainsburys on supply.

How is Booths and Waitrose working together no different from local co-operative socieities working together for bulk purchase, of which we have a proud heritage of, in this area?

I can't wait for more Booths/Waitrose type foodstores to open, having to suffice with Aldi/Lidl/Tesco at the moment.

Go to Albert Heijn in NL, you can leave your bike immediately outside the store, rather than hidden round some back corner, you get a free brew while you walk around, purchasing fresh, proper food. I know that is to encourage you to spend more, and included in the pricing, but it is a step above the US-style hypermarket, frozen/chilled, weekly-shop, car-based sterile mentality we have here.

How is Booths and Waitrose working together no different from local co-operative socieities working together for bulk purchase, of which we have a proud heritage of, in this area?

I can't wait for more Booths/Waitrose type foodstores to open, having to suffice with Aldi/Lidl/Tesco at the moment.

Go to Albert Heijn in NL, you can leave your bike immediately outside the store, rather than hidden round some back corner, you get a free brew while you walk around, purchasing fresh, proper food. I know that is to encourage you to spend more, and included in the pricing, but it is a step above the US-style hypermarket, frozen/chilled, weekly-shop, car-based sterile mentality we have here.

:applause::applause::applause:

Activity in the unit on the corner of John Dalton St and St James Square (where MooCow Coffee Shop recently opened). Good to see these units finally getting tenants and all helps to tie the city together from a pedestrian and retail point-of-view.

Does anyone know what is going in the unit next to Habitat ,used to be Sportzuis , looks like it getting fitted out .

Activity in the unit on the corner of John Dalton St and St James Square (where MooCow Coffee Shop recently opened). Good to see these units finally getting tenants and all helps to tie the city together from a pedestrian and retail point-of-view.

All three of the empty units there have been let but as of yet I have not heard who will be opening their yet.

Does anyone know what is going in the unit next to Habitat ,used to be Sportzuis , looks like it getting fitted out .

Workers have been in the store for about a month now stripping out all the old fixtures and completely reworking the store, again I dont know who is opening their yet, but it is good the unit will finally be let after being empty for quite a while.

Exit in the Arndale has closed
Signs are up for new Comet in former West One store and Domo bags in former Ten store
Blooming Marvellous/Ellie Gray almost open in unit next to Heruns Sheruns

^^ Thanks neil.


New pricing structure boosts Triangle

15th October 2009

By Chris Barry - Editor

LANCASHIRE company RC Mods as become the first retailer to sign a lease at the Triangle Shopping Centre in Manchester under its new all-inclusive pricing package.

The new structure is the Triangle's answer to filling vacant units by encouraging small. independent businesses to take the plunge.

Haslingden-based RC Mods which has traded solely as a web-based retailer,
specialising in radio-controlled helicopters, cars,gadgets and spare parts, has taken a 934sq ft unit on the ground floor.

It will open a week tomorrow, on October 24.

Under the Triangle’s new pricing structure, prices start from only £500 per week for a unit including service charges, rates, electricity and water. The minimum contract term is only six months.

Paul Walsh, founder of RC Mods, said: “We are looking to expand next year into more shopping centres around the UK, and The Triangle has given us the opportunity to open our first store in a prominent city centre location while minimising risks as we fine tune our service approach.”

Michelle Atack, marketing manager at the Triangle added: “We have said from the outset that we want retailers who will complement the existing tenant line-up, and RC Mods is a great addition to our retailer offering.

“The pricing structure has been very well received, and we expect to have the next new store signed and announced within seven days. We are also in advanced negotiations with several others.

“Not only have we taken positive steps to fill vacant units and assist budding independents and smaller retailers, but we are helping improve footfall for existing tenants.”

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/


Gadget e-tailer RC Mods signs for Triangle

By James Chapelard

Gadget e-tailer Haslingden–based RC Mods has opened its first shop in Manchester’s Triangle Shopping Centre.

The Triangle said the company was the first to take advantage of its recently unveiled new short-term, all-inclusive unit pricing structure put in place to deal with a string of empty units in the scheme.

The company, which has traded solely as a web-based operation specialising in radio controlled helicopters, cars, gadgets, gizmos and product spares, has taken a 934 sq ft unit on the ground floor. Its official opening date is Saturday, October 24.

Under the Triangle’s new pricing structure, rents start from only £500 per week for a unit including service charges, rates, electricity and water. The minimum contract term is six months.

Triangle bosses said they were negotiating other signings which could be announced in the coming weeks.

Paul Walsh, director of RC Mods said: “We are looking to expand next year into more shopping centres around the UK, and The Triangle has given us the opportunity to open our first store in a prominent city centre location while minimising risks as we fine tune our service approach.”

Michelle Atack, marketing manager at Triangle Shopping Centre, added: “We have said from the outset that we want retailers who will complement the existing tenant line-up, and RC Mods is a great addition to our retailer offering.

“The pricing structure has been very well received, and we expect to have the next new store signed and announced within seven days. We are also in advanced negotiations with several others.

“Not only have we taken positive steps to fill vacant units and assist budding independents and smaller retailers, but we are helping improve footfall for existing tenants.”

Agents twentyretail and Tushingham Moore advised on the deal.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091016/FREE/910169992/1026

http://www.rcmods.co.uk/

RC Mods will be opening in the former Lambretta unit.

Activity in the unit on the corner of John Dalton St and St James Square (where MooCow Coffee Shop recently opened). Good to see these units finally getting tenants and all helps to tie the city together from a pedestrian and retail point-of-view.

All three of the empty units there have been let but as of yet I have not heard who will be opening their yet.

I didn't know that all 3 had been let, but I know that one of them is going to be a Post Office (I believe that the one facing Lincoln Square is to close), perhaps it will take up more than one unit

In other retail news Premier Convenience Stores are opening soon on Whitworth Street West next to Reeds Rains.

http://www.premier-stores.co.uk/

The license for the new Premier Convenience Store is now online


Premier Express

Premier Express, 35b Whitworth Street West, Manchester, M1 5ND

Application Type

Premises Licence (New)

Proposal Proposed trading hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises only:
Mon to Sun 0800 to 0300

Proposed opening hours for the premises:
Mon to Sun 0600 to 0300

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500047/city_centre/610/city_centre-current_licence_applications/12

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http://i37.tinypic.com/j5l7bd.jpg

Where is th bagel place mark?

Thanks for all the photos mark, as usual they are great.

The Baguette Express store is on Mosley Street next to Spar.

http://www.baguette-express.co.uk/franchise-opportunities/menu.php?shopID=61

NEW MANCHESTER SUPERSTORE - NOW OPEN

Two of the leading names in UK mountain sports have joined forces to offer an unrivalled outdoor and snowsports retail experience in Manchester city centre. To coincide with the expansion and redevelopment of The North Face Store at 130 Deansgate, Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports’ full range of clothing, equipment and accessories is now available in this vibrant city centre shop. The groundfloor is refitted as one of the UK's largest The North Face shop-in-shop concepts. At 7,500 ft2 and incorporating a real ice climbing wall, 130 Deansgate is a must-visit retail destination for all ski and mountain sports enthusiasts in Manchester and throughout the North West.

http://www.ellis-brigham.com/manchester.htm

Surfanic and The North Face are now both open at Chill Factor e.

http://www.surfanic.com/

http://www2.thenorthface.com/eu/

I live in Manchester so here is some recent retail news :)(Sorry if Posted)

Manchester Arndale
*Shakeaway opens in November inside former Gold Centre Unit.
*Exit has Closed Down (WOW didn’t see that Coming)
*New Store Domo Bags are almost open in former Ten unit.
*Helly Hanson is being fitted out for the seasonal store called MenKind
*Cushion Couture lease will expire before the end of 2009
*Go Italy are now fully open in Arndale
*Also USC returns to Arndale in Former Madhouse unit
*Comet opens it's new concept store on 24th October in Arndale near to the Market
*New stores Blooming Marvellous/Ellie Gray will open in Manchester Arndale later this week

Other Retail news
*Edible Arrangements have closed on Great Ancoats Street
*Aldi looks to be moving into the former The Pier part of ILVA soon as storage is being put in and barricades is surrounding the Store.
*Somerfield is on its final days in Piccadilly Gardens and Co-operative food has already put signs up inside the store.
*Manchester Evening newsagent on Bridge Street have finally closed
*Tiffany & co opens in Selfridges & Co very soon
*Forbidden planet are having some instore refurbishment while the store is open and also prices have been raised on products.

Huh. Exit didn't last too long did it? I always thought it was a little odd them moving from Oldham St into the Arndale. The shop in Leeds still going strong?

Yes the Exit store in Leeds is still open.

http://exit.uk.com/stores.asp

Helly Hansen open their first U.K store, in Manchester

Tuesday 27th October, Manchester Arndale sees Helly Hansen, the leading outdoor apparel brand open its first U.K brand store. The brands new concept store will showcase the full range of Helly Hansen product, from sportswear to outdoor wear, tailored for mountain professional, all set within in its own brand environment.

The Helly Hansen store is conveniently situated in Manchester centre, for outdoor enthusiasts who need to kit themselves out before heading off to nearby hiking hot spots such as the Lake District, Peak District and North Wales.

David Wiley, Helly Hansen UK Sales Director comments, “We are proud to open Helly Hansen’s first brand store in the UK, and hopefully this will be the first of many. By having our own store we can showcase the collection and the brand to its full potential and we hope the Helly Hansen shopping experience will inspire and welcome new and existing customers.”

Another great feature to the U.K’s first Helly Hansen store, will be its very own global weather station, which will deliver live weather reports and video footage to customers, from other Helly Hansen locations around the world. From Aspen to Mont Blanc, Jotunheimen to the Bering Sea, this aims to aid customers so they choose the right gear for the right environment.

For more information visit: http://www.hellyhansen.com/

http://www.manchesterfashion.com/c/19/215/helly-hansen-open-their-first-uk-store-in-manchester/

New shop and own label for Oi Polloi

17 October 2009

Manchester premium menswear indie Oi Polloi is to relocate to a larger unit in January.

Oi Polloi’s new 1,600 sq ft store on Thomas Street in Manchester’s Northern Quarter will be double the size of its current store in Tib Street. The existing store may remain open after the Thomas Street launch to clear stock.

Co-owner Steve Sanderson said: “We’ve outgrown the current store. We’d planned to move this season and took on a lot of new brands for autumn 09, including Gitman Brothers, Fracap and Universal Works.”

The retailer is also poised to set up a consultancy service to advise brands, launch its own menswear label and relaunch the Oi Polloi website with more editorial content.

Sanderson said that sales had doubled over the past two years, predominantly driven by online transactions. A name has not yet been finalised for Oi Polloi’s own-label collection, which will launch for autumn 10.

Sanderson and co-owner Nigel Lawson said they had decided to set up a consultancy after having previously advised brands including Sunspel on their collections on both an unofficial and a paid-for basis.

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/independents/news/new-shop-and-own-label-for-oi-polloi/5007164.article

It looks like there's a new tenant for the old Oasis store on King Street... They're currently replacing the shop front

It looks like there's a new tenant for the old Oasis store on King Street... They're currently replacing the shop front

^^ Thanks neil.

The long empty unit at Maybrook House (the former North American Travel Agency) has finally been let, but I dont think many people will like who will be opening their.


Tesco signs up for more space in Manchester

By Simon Binns

Tesco Express and IBM have both been signed up as new tenants at Maybrook House on the corner of Blackfriars Street and Deansgate in Manchester city centre.

Michael Lopian, a partner at Lopian Wagner Solicitors, acted for Manchester-based property firm Arbela on the lease deals.

Tesco Express will take 4,600 sq ft on the ground floor and IBM who have taken 11,500 sq ft in the building.

Lopian said: “My clients are pleased with the substantial covenants coming in to Maybrook House. I have dealt with a number of supermarket retailers in the past and whilst negotiations are never easy it is always a relief when the deal is finally done.”

Tesco expect to be open for the Christmas trade. This will be their first store on Deansgate.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091020/FREE/910209985/1083

This will be Tesco's sixth store in the city centre.

Tesco Metro - Market Street
Tesco Express - Quay Street
Tesco Express - Piccadilly
Tesco Express - Princess Street
Tesco Express - Church Street
Tesco Express - Deansgate

The last two both opening before Christmas.

I think Sainsbury's have far better locations. When I am in the city centre it always seems to be a Sainsbury's I buy quick snacks from although their store in Picciddilly Station may have something to with that.

The north american travel store is very small so I imagine they are taking the jessops store too as it seems it was put back on the market by co-op. Sainsburys will need find a new site to keep up as they have 5....
Oxford Rd/Whitworth St
Deansgate/Bridge St
Mosley St
Piccadilly Station
Quay St

Also Co-Op will have 4 stores in the city centre when they have refurbed the Somerfield store at Piccadilly to a Co-Op Food store.

Corporation Street
Piccadilly Approach
High Street
Piccadilly

Pets at Home are opening a new store soon at Trafford Retail Park, application for signage is online, but no documents yet.

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=388884&XSLT=/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/SiteFiles/Skins/Default_AA/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/SiteFiles/Skins/Default_AA/Menus/PL.xml&DAURI=PLANNING

Orange opens first mobile phone concession in Asda superstore

Mobile phone operator Orange has opened its first concession in an Asda store that could lead to 30 such units around the UK if the trial proves successful.

The shop-in-shop began trading on October 8 in the grocer’s Eastland store in Manchester and represents the latest move by the mobile networks to operate concessions within major retailers’ stores. Orange already operates 20 units in HMV outlets and Phones 4u recently opened a concession in a Currys Megastore in Birmingham.

The Orange unit in the Asda store has seven dedicated employees from the mobile company who are focused on selling phones, accessories and laptops. To avoid any conflict with the existing Asda mobile offer the concession will not be selling Orange prepay deals.

http://www.theretailbulletin.com/news/orange_opens_first_mobile_phone_concession_in_asda_superstore_21-10-09/

The Officers Club are reopening in Manchester and this time will be opening a store in the city centre in the Arndale, job applications are online now.

https://www.manchesterarndale.com/job_details-4059.htm

http://www.theofficersclub.co.uk/

http://www.theretailbulletin.com/news/orange_opens_first_mobile_phone_concession_in_asda_superstore_21-10-09/

its been there since at least early september!?

O'Neil and Freespirit are both having closing down sales, due to the company that own them going into administration.

New Look has been refurbished on Lower Peel Avenue

Kodak Express Print Lounge are opening their first store on Upper Peel Avenue in the former West One unit, it is a brand new concept store that will be a mix of a coffee store with printing out photos from the touch screen printers by the sounds of things.

The Applause Store are opening a new store on Lower Regents Crescent.


Applause Store opens incredible new shop in THE TRAFFORD CENTRE, MANCHESTER...[

Applause Store is opening a glittering new shop in The Trafford Shopping Centre, Mancherster on the 31ST OCTOBER 2009 and YOU are invited to check out exclusive TOP GEAR, X FACTOR, BIG BROTHER, DOCTOR WHO, BEN 10, MY NAME IS EARL, SUPERMAN, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS and RED DWARF merchandise, plus much, much more!

Located on the ground floor set between The Disney Store and River Island, why not pop-in, book some exclusive free TV audience tickets and pick-up some fantastic television related merchandise perfect for a unique and exclusive Christmas present!

We look forward to welcoming you there!

http://www.applausestore.com/applausestore-tv-news.php#news52

Adams plots expansion to claw back position under new owner

October 23, 2009

By Eve Oxberry

The new owner of Adams Childrenswear has vowed to return the retailer to its former position as a high street leader with an aggressive store expansion programme and more premium offer.

Habib Alvi, which operates in the textiles and financial services industries, bought Adams from former chairman and owner John Shannon in September. Shannon, who had rescued Adams from administration twice before, is no longer involved in the business.

Adams has re-opened five of its former stores in the past six weeks and will open five more before the end of November, in Dartford, Bolton, Andover in Hampshire, Coventry and Kettering in Northamptonshire.

Four Adams concessions will also open in Menarys department stores in Ireland within the next five weeks. Adams currently has 124 stores and 17 concessions.

Adams has also expanded its price points with the introduction of more premium ranges.

Retail director Paul Walkden said that he is initially proposing 15 new stores before Easter. “The owners seem very ambitious. I expect expansion to escalate in 2010.”

The kidswear chain will initially target key shopping centre sites it lost during its two administrations, including Bluewater, Manchester’s Trafford Centre and the MetroCentre in Gateshead. Adams is also targeting international expansion via its franchise partners, with India and Poland first on the agenda.

Walkden said that trade had been stronger than forecast since the takeover, but that year-on-year comparisons were difficult because the stores were discounting heavily last year in anticipation of administration.

He added: “We are far less reliant on discounting since the investment by Habib Alvi.”

Walkden also said Adams was committed to continuing its store refit programme, which began last September, and said the new investment would allow this.

Adams’ contract with US kidswear chain Gymboree, which saw two Adams stores carry Gymboree’s Crazy 8 product from autumn 09, is due for review at the end of this month. It is unclear whether it will be extended.

http://www.retail-week.com/property/adams-plots-expansion-to-claw-back-position-under-new-owner/5007321.article

Puma in the Arndale has finally closed

Puma in the Arndale has finally closed

WHY ? :bash:

^^ Puma are closing down all their stores in the U.K. except for one which is in London.


Puma to axe all but one UK store as it cuts costs after punishing Q1

29 May, 2009

By Ben Cooper

German sportswear retailer Puma is exiting all but one of its UK stores as part of a major international disposal programme.

The retailer, owned by French retail group PPR, will close 12 UK shops, leaving only its flagship store on London’s Carnaby Street.

In the past year Puma has opened stores in some of the UK’s most prestigious new shopping centres, including Liverpool One, Bristol’s Cabot Circus, Westfield London and Victoria Square in Belfast.

It is understood Puma has retained agent Kitchen La Frenais Morgan to dispose of its UK portfolio, which also includes shops at Manchester’s Arndale Centre, Meadowhall and on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street.

A Puma spokesman told Retail Week the retailer was implementing a “cost reduction programme” across the company that would involve “evaluating and streamlining its existing store portfolio”, but declined to comment on what store closures this would lead to.

In its first quarter Puma reported comparable sales fell 0.8 per cent worldwide but fell most sharply in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, by 3 per cent to €366m (£319m). Before restructuring costs, pre-tax profit was down to €112.4m (£98m) from €126.8m (£110.5m) the previous year.

Puma said it expected its worldwide cost reduction programme to yield savings of €150m (£130.7m) in the 2011 financial year. The retailer is also understood to be scaling back its international portfolio, with closures in France and Germany expected.

Puma chief executive Jochen Zeitz said at the results: “We have decided to implement further measures to align our cost structure with the current market environment, ensuring a platform for profitable growth in the future.”

Kitchen La Frenais Morgan was unavailable for comment.

http://www.retail-week.com/property/puma-to-axe-all-but-one-uk-store-as-it-cuts-costs-after-punishing-q1/5003100.article

Crains.

Harvey Nicks spends Christmas in Trafford Centre
12:00 a.m., Mon - Harvey Nichols is planning to open a 2,000 sq ft seasonal Christmas food market and wine shop in Peel Group's Trafford Centre.

Recession shuts down 26,000 shops
Mon Oct 26, 2009 12:08pm GMT

LONDON (Reuters) - The lingering recession has forced almost 26,000 shops out of business, draining life from the economy and leaving hundreds of town centres pockmarked with empty premises, figures from The Local Data Company show.

One in ten of the 251,462 shops in 705 town centres tracked by the data house closed up in the nine months to end-September, as restrained consumer spending and credit pressures took their toll on frail businesses, the data showed.

More than a fifth of shops in local malls, department stores and mail order centres have fallen victim to the crunch, closely followed by womenswear and childrenswear shops, with 18 percent closing in the period.

Crushing a broad perception that retail chains are more secure than independent retailers, The Local Data Company said both types had been hit equally hard by the slump, seeing 9.9 percent and 10.1 percent of failures respectively since January.

Local accommodation businesses have proved most resilient to the downturn so far, the figures showed, with just 4 percent of 5,039 premises failing to survive.

The figures will make particularly unpleasant reading for hundreds of retail property landlords, who are still required to pay business rates on their properties even if their tenant moves out, Liz Peace, chief executive of the British Property Federation, said.

"Business secretary Lord Mandelson said the government's empty property tax was 'good for business'. But if charging a hardship tax on real estate firms' vacancies is the government's idea of helping business then I'd hate to see him helping an old lady across the road," Peace said.

(Reporting by Sinead Cruise; Editing by Andrew Macdonald)

http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE59P20Y20091026

Crains.

Harvey Nicks spends Christmas in Trafford Centre
12:00 a.m., Mon - Harvey Nichols is planning to open a 2,000 sq ft seasonal Christmas food market and wine shop in Peel Group's Trafford Centre.

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1672/crainsarticleharveynics.jpg

The former Harpoon Louie's clearence store is now closed, ready for Vans to open their new store their in November.

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Domo are now open in the Arndale.

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Duffer are now open in the Arndale.

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Comet are now open in the Arndale.

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Helly Hansen are now open in the Arndale.

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Puma is now being striped out ready for a new tennant to take occupation.

Former Original Shoe Company store now has hoarding around the unit.

A new shopfront has been installed for TK Maxx on Market Street.

Poshu are now open on Police Street.

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/1593/manchester191.jpg

Hoardings are now going up around the former Oasis store on King Street.

Cabbage & Roses are now open within Jigsaw at The Triangle.

http://www.cabbagesandroses.com/

RCMods are now open at The Triangle.

Eyes N Brows are now open at The Triangle.

O'Neil and Freespirit are now both closed at The Triangle.

Tesco are going to be taking both the Jessops and North America Travel Service units when they open their new store on Deansgate, license notes are in the windows of both units.

Christopher James are going to be opening in the former Sportizus unit on St Anns St, signage is starting to go up in unit now, they could possibly be relocating from The Triangle.

Wave Contemporary Jewellery are extending their store at the Royal Exchange Arcade.

Loewe are going to be opening in one of the units at St James Sq, they will be in unit 1a, the unit nearest Moo Cow Coffee.

http://www.loewe-uk.com/uk/produkte.html


Loewe expands Galerie stores across the UK

02 OCT 2009

Check out the new Loewe GaleriesLoewe will open six more Galerie retail stores in the UK this autumn. They'll be located in Chichester, Kensington, the Lake District, Manchester, Sheffield and Southampton.

This will bring the total number of Loewe Galeries worldwide to 250 by the end of 2009.

The Kensington Galerie in London joins Loewe's other London Galeries in Hampstead, Battersea and concessions in Selfridges and Harrods.

Kevin Kelly, Loewe UK's managing director, says: "This second phase of Galerie openings endorses the great success of our existing Galerie stores since they launched a year ago."

Loewe Galeries can also be found in Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Copenhagen, Rome, Vienna, Moscow and Hong Kong.

The opening of the new stores will coincide with the launch of Loewe's flagship Reference TV.

http://whathifi.com/News/Loewe-expands-Galerie-stores-across-the-UK/

Great update flange

The bastard child of the Trafford Centre. No?

MEN.

Segro eye retail move in Trafford Park
October 27, 2009

PARTS of Trafford Park may be turned into retail and leisure operations as a major landlord looks to develop new opportunities.

Slough-based Segro bought 3.2 million sq ft of space at Trafford Park in June through the acquisition of Brixton.

Its tenants there include Speedy Hire and AKW Group.

It is now set to collaborate with Trafford council in talks about Trafford Park’s future, which could see the change of use of some units.

Segro managing director Ian Sutcliffe said: “I will be travelling up to meet with the borough council and want to develop a long-term plan.

“We want to make sure we do the right thing for the regeneration of all of the borough.”

Mr Sutcliffe said that parts of the park, particularly areas close to the Trafford Centre and Old Trafford, were not obviously suited to industrial use, and retail or leisure could be more appropriate.

He added: “We have got to take a step back and look at it on a plot-by-plot basis.”

Mr Sutcliffe said Segro is committed to tackling the 28 per cent vacancy rate on its Trafford Park holdings, but warned that there was no quick fix.

“It is a symptom of the times and we have got to get set for the long haul,” he said.

“We’ve got a long-term commitment to the north west and Manchester in particular.”

He added: “The market is very difficult and will remain so for 18 to 24 months.

“A lot of businesses have not yet fully felt the effects of the recession. It is incredibly difficult to do deals when everybody is so concerned with costs, consolidation and saving space.” Segro also owns the 2.5m sq ft Heywood

Distribution Park, which it bought for around £150m in 2005.

Tenants there include Argos and Eddie Stobart.

It is now pursuing a Simplified Planning Zone (SPZ) at the park in a move that would see tenants’ planning applications fast-tracked through the system.

Mr Sutcliffe said he was confident the application would be successful.

He said: “We work closely with local councils and they realise that what we are trying to do is supply a secure and long-term employment base.

“We already have this status at our site in Slough and it works very well.

“It means that you can get a development moving quickly because the principle is already accepted, which gives us flexibility.”

Co-op rebrands Piccadilly Gardens store

By James Chapelard

The Co-operative has begun converting the former Somerfield branch in Manchester’s Piccadilly into a Co-operative Store.

As previously reported in Crain’s the new branch will be the fourth Co-op store in the city centre following recent openings on High Street and Station Approach. The Co-op said the move would secure 38 jobs.

The store will open at 7am on Friday (30 October) and is among the first Somerfield stores in the UK to convert to a Co-operative following The Co-operative Group’s £1.56 billion acquisition of the Somerfield supermarket chain earlier this year.

The store will feature enhanced and new product ranges, with an emphasis on fresh foods, including the Co-op’s own Fairtrade range, as well as its Healthy Living, Simply Value and premium Truly Irresistible ranges.

The conversion marks the beginning of a two-year rebranding programme which will see all the Somerfield branches convert to Co-operatives and feature the group’s new brand identity, which aims to highlight its commitment to ethical trading policies.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20091028/FREE/910289991/1159

They are moving fast with the new Tesco on Deansgate, three planning applications are now up, no documents are online yet.

Signage Application


50 - 52 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 2FE

Internally illuminated projecting sign and one internally illuminated fascia sign

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KR6UFGBC6K000

New Shopfront Application


50 - 52 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 2FE

External alterations comprising the installation of a new shopfront

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KR6UEBBC6K000

ATM Application

50 - 52 Deansgate
Manchester
M3 2FE

Installation of an ATM and associated door

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KR6UEWBC6K000

Looks like New Cathedral Street is going to be getting some official branding for the street.


New Cathedral Street
Manchester

Installation of 17 no. signs relating to the rebranding of New Cathedral Street

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?091414/AO/2009/C1

The New Cathedral Street Logo
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The New Projection Signage

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/3602/newcathedralstreetproje.jpghttp://img522.imageshack.us/img522/3602/newcathedralstreetproje.jpg

And finally the new signage for Selfridges and Harvey Nichols

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Anyone think their trying to fight back against the impending opening of The Avenue at Spinningfields.

What type face is that in???


Apparently Bonnie Prince Charlie was crowned King of England and the Jacobite Manchesterr Regiment was formed half way down what is New Cathedral St.

Fat chance that would be "celebrated" when it took almost 200 years to remember Peterloo.

Harvey Nichols will be opening their Christmas store at The Trafford Centre on Upper Peel Avenue in the former Toyworld Megastore unit right next to John Lewis.

http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/shopping/directory/harveynichols


Shops, which will open over the next week and close on Christmas Eve, will sell an “extensive range of festive treats”, including hampers and gift boxes.

http://www.retail-week.com/property/harvey-nichols-expands-christmas-shop-format/5007494.article

Jack & Jones are also reopening at The Trafford Centre soon on Upper Regents Crescent in their old store location next to Gap.

http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/shopping/directory/jackandjones

Tiffany & Co are now open at Selfridges Exchange Square.


Tiffany & Co are in town

Lynda Moyo dines on diamonds during breakfast at Tiffany, and she's not in London

Tiffany. The name may make you think of the Eighties singer, or perhaps the famous Audrey Hepburn film, but for most of us ladies, the first thing which springs to mind is diamonds. Lots of beautiful diamonds.

I am of course referring to Tiffany & Co, the jewellers. Everyone knows the signature charm bracelets and those love heart necklaces. And who could forget Charlotte's engagement ring from Trey in the Sex and the City series? You know – the one she couldn't bring herself to have melted down into earrings when they announced their separation. No wonder – it was after all, the classic Tiffany setting engagement ring worth thousands. Tiffany & Co have declared it the world’s favorite engagement ring and with its elegant simplicity, it's easy to see why it remains such a popular choice. At the launch of the new Manchester boutique this morning, I got to wear it.

In keeping with their namesake, the 172-year-old jewellers celebrated the opening of the first boutique in the UK outside of London with a Breakfast at Tiffany event. Given the chance to try any piece, I naturally went for the ultimate rock. It takes diamond rings to a new level with its elevated setting proudly presenting a vivid diamond against a dainty platinum band. Even my chipped red nail varnish couldn't detract from this gem.

Along with the whole Tiffany & Co range, it can be found in the new boutique on the ground floor of Selfridges, Exchange Square. It's easy to stand out from other concessions when your display features glistening jewels, however its eye-catching quality is not just down to the diamonds.

The Tiffany & Co boutique takes up a whole aisle of space to the right of the store as you enter through the Exchange Square entrance with its magnificent display. It's one of those places that's worth going to have a look at even if you have no intentions of buying. With plenty of space, you can peruse, purchase or simply dream at your leisure.

Speaking at the launch, Melvyn Kirtley, president of Tiffany & Co Europe, said: “Our plan is to provide all the amenities of the Tiffany shopping experience within the store’s elegant and gracious environment. Selfridges is ideal for a Tiffany & Co holiday boutique.”

The array of gifts available range from designs with a holiday theme to fine and fashionable jewellery and accessories. The items in the Manchester store have clearly been selected to satisfy everyone’s wish list with that all important Tiffany style and tradition.

The more affordable items include the new Tiffany Keys collection; colourful jewellery from the Tiffany Sparklers collection; and holiday charms such as the Tiffany Blue Skate, Snowflake and Candy Cane accented with gleaming enamel. Given the time of year, it's also worth checking out gifts such as keyrings, pens and cufflinks. Every design comes wrapped in the signature Tiffany blue box and a bow.

Our favourites include the Tiffany key pendant and chain in sterling silver for £135, the popular 'Return to Tiffany' charm bracelet for £165, huge purple and brown cocktail rings for £620 and of course the diamond engagement rings which range from around £1,000 up to around £30,000.

Mine was worth £5,000 but felt closer to a million. Unfortunately I had to leave it behind. Luckily though for me (and not so much for my boyfriend) it's such a classic and timeless piece of jewellery, that it will still be there in many years to come. Until then, hmmm maybe a bracelet...?

http://www.bodyconfidential.co.uk/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwy6IWXiJHqiNwF6IHqi

What type face is that in???

Century New Gothic?

Debenhams to restart store revamps after sales stabilise

October 30, 2009 | By Amy Shields

Debenhams is to resume its store refurbishment programme after revealing sales stabilised last year.

The department store group, which last week revealed total sales in the year to August 29 were flat at £2.3bn, said it will start investing in updating its stores again.

It put its refurbishment plans on hold last year, blaming the downturn. The group has 144 stores and 10 smaller Desire shops.

Debenhams chief executive Rob Templeman said he will approach the revamp programme cautiously. Four to six stores, including Glasgow and Manchester – where it trades alongside House of Fraser – are poised for an update in the spring, to bring them up to the standard of the Westfield London store.

The retailer will also devote capital expenditure to overhauling its own-label brands, including Red Herring, Jeff Banks and John Rocha.

During the year, like-for-like sales dropped 3.6% as Debenhams reconfigured its sales space to favour own-label. Pre-tax profit was up 13.7% to £125.2m, gross transaction values rose 0.2% and gross margin increased 70 basis points.

In the seven weeks since the year end, like-for-like sales have risen 0.6%. Debenhams has been driving margins through the expansion of own-label ranges.

The retailer, which has cut its debt mountain from £994m to £590m over the year helped by a £323m capital placing in June, said it remains acquisitive following the equity raising, and paid off £100m of borrowings early during the period. This week private equity backer TPG sold its 9.3% stake.

Investec analyst Katharine Wynne said: “Spending about £25 per sq ft, this is a bigger investment than Debenhams has previously made but indicates it is determined to keep on the front foot.”

She thought that sales projections for own brands “may be cautious”.

On the festive trading outlook, Templeman said: “I think that it is going to be a competitive and promotional Christmas and it will come late. We will be at the heart of the promotions. Ours are all planned.”

Altium analyst David Stoddart said: “The example of the Principles deal last year is encouraging; management has earned the benefit of the doubt on acquisitive growth.”

Chairman John Lovering will step down in March.

http://www.retail-week.com/city/debenhams-to-restart-store-revamps-after-sales-stabilise/5007524.article

Looks like The Avenue website is getting a refresh ahead of the opening in Spring 2010, its just a holding page so far saying what stores will be opening.

http://www.theavenuemanchester.com/

The Lab are opening in the Arndale in the former Original Shoe Co unit.

http://www.thelabuk.com/stores/manchester/manchester-findus.html

A little too busy for photographs in the Arndale today. However, here are a few randoms from around town. Not much new I'm afraid...

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http://i33.tinypic.com/wump2e.jpg

Poshu

Lynda Moyo visits Poshu: a shop fit for Posh Spice

Where is it:
Poshu
5 Police Street
Manchester
M2 7LQ

0161 819 2444
www.poshu.co.uk

History:
Owner, Emma Stanworth worked in HR before pursuing her shoe dream. She’d always had the name Poshu in mind for her own store and it became a reality in May 2006 when she opened the flagship store in her home town of Whalley, Lancashire. The Manchester branch opened a couple of weeks ago, with a newly assigned team including manager, Ciara Whitehead.

What does it sell?
Poshu is strictly shoes and accessories- and designer ones at that. Labels include: Beatrice Ong, Bjorg, Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Escada, Juicy Couture, Lulu Guinness, Marc Jacobs, Nicole Farhi, Olivia Morris, Paul Smith and Sonia Rykiel. Whilst there is plenty to choose from, the store itself is minimal- almost like a designer shoe and handbag gallery, but that does give it an air of exclusivity which sets it aside from other shoe shops. There's no searching for somewhere to sit down and try on or getting irritated with those tiny shoe mirrors; this shop was designed with a particular lavish shopping experience in mind.

Who shops there?
Ladies who love labels. Emma had her mind set on what she wanted Poshu in Whalley to be and the new store has kept in line with that vision. It’s designer shoes and designer accessories at designer prices, therefore a certain type of customer- with money to spend- will enjoy shopping here regardless of the recession. Ciara said: “There is still a market and we aim to target that market. This is about getting the latest pieces and catwalk collections out as soon as they come in.”

Why go there?
If you prefer to shop designer and often head to the department stores for your fashion fix, you’ll love Poshu. It’s the accessories hall of any department store, only in a nicer setting with a more intimate service. Poshu will be introducing a changing area downstairs where customers can have a drink and try their chosen shoes and accessories with an outfit they’ve brought along. Ciara said: “We’re trying to create a chain which still feels like a boutique. Each stores culture will be different.” They also have a style card which offers customers discounts as well as first dibs on special events and fashion shows in-store.

Future:
As we witness so many ‘to let’ signs going up around the King Street area, it’s interesting that a new shop should dare to throw themselves in at the deep end. Ciara said: “We weren’t put off by King Street. We feel that our niche for designer shoes and accessories will make it a destination store.”

Whilst it is uncertain times for many retailers, if the Poshu Whalley store is anything to go by the Poshu team may be on to something. We all know a new pair of shoes and handbag can breathe new life into that LBD you’ve had for over a decade, and the quality means the shoes will also stay in your wardrobe for as long as the dress has.

Emma plans to focus on the Poshu online shop as well as look toward opening more shops in cities possibly even as far afield as Paris.

Verdict:
Poshu played it safe by starting in the suburbs and it paid off. The expansion to Manchester certainly marks a new chapter which could take Poshu from small boutique to big brand.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNwIrNwXoIwY6IHqjNwB6IA

The Death of King Street

Jonathan Schofield dreams of the future on a street stumbling into decay

What happened to King Street?

Up until the nineties it was nick-named the ‘Bond Street of the North'. In 2009 a quarter of its shops are empty.

The walk from Deansgate to Cross Street starts badly with both the corner units empty and then gets worse as you progress. Looking into the empty units you see shutters half pulled down, mouldering piles of letters and the dust slowly settling.

So how did it come to this?

Confidential asked one of the principal letting agents on the street, Edwards and Co, what’s up. Partner Alun Jones has an office above the empty Jakes shoe shop on King Street. He outlined the key reasons for the current blight.

The first is, predictably, the recession. According to Jones: "There’s a general malaise in the retail sector. This is national and even international. Many shops are finding times tough and those who have the opportunity to do so are looking round for better deals."

The second ties into the first. As shops look for better deals, there’s aggressive marketing being directed at them. "Existing shopping centres and new retail developments, for example Manchester Arndale and Spinningfields, have been wooing existing retailers with rent-free periods and numerous incentives," says Jones. "It's easier, for example, for a shopping centre under single ownership, rather than a high street with several owners, to provide packages to attract nationally owned stores."

Then there’s King Street’s character change which began a decade ago. The ill-advised move from top end stores to middle market has now come home to roost, with the latter being the principal stores to up sticks and run when times get hard. Indeed, top ‘name’ shops such as Jaeger, Hermes, Mulberry, Watches of Switzerland and so on “have chosen to stay and some are keen to extend their lease,” according to Alun Jones. Maybe King Street needs to fill those empty units with quality again.

There’s another problem specific to older properties, many of which are listed for architectural merit.

“On occasion,” says Jones, “listed buildings have been subject to not only preservation but restoration clauses. In this way national agencies are trying to hang building restoration on tenants moving into properties. Preservation is one thing but should the tenants be asked to actively restore buildings? We have lost lettings on King Street because of this tactic and its cost implications.”

Then there are the rents. There’s a perception across the city that King Street’s rentals are way too high for the present market-place and that absentee landlords are simply refusing to give ground on these.

At last, Jones, has some good-ish news: "Rents were a problem but we are moving on this," he says, "reducing them significantly or at least keeping them at the same level. Many places have had the same rental rates for eight or nine years. We realise that rents have to be sustainable for the retailer, and in some instances rental rates have dipped substantially. For example there is one unit on the street which has fallen from £165,000 per year to £120,000.”

Yet it would seem that the earlier factors described here are still preventing the units from being filled despite the cheaper rents.

All in all Jones doesn’t offer much hope for the short term future of King Street as the glamour location of Manchester retail. “I’m staying positive about it and it hurts me to see it this way," he says. "There will be improvement as the economy improves but I don’t think such improvement lies around the corner. We’re a way off yet.”

Confidential also talked to Cityco, the City sponsored, city centre management company. Kate Harrison, the boss there, agreed with the points made by Alun Jones, also pointing out the expansion of Manchester city centre’s retail with the huge Arndale North development and the growth of retail along New Cathedral Street.

And maybe that’s part of the problem. Maybe we’re just being unduly sentimental about King Street.

I, for instance, don’t remember Oldham Street in its heyday in the first sixty years of the twentieth century. Apparently, it had stores such as Afflecks and Brown, which were our Harvey Nichols of the day. In fact the notion that it could ever have been a high-end shopping street viewed from the prism of 2009, seems absurd. Maybe we’re just seeing a cyclical shift in retail demographic with the decline of King Street. Maybe we just have to accept that the city centre simply can’t sustain the street we once knew.

We'll only know if this is the case when the big bad 'Recession' word has been put back in the naughty word bag. And beyond that.....?

Well, Confidential wonders if putting pressure on landlords to fill their hard-to-let stores with attractive independent retailers on easy rents such as Eternal Envy in Heaton Mersey or Rags to Bitches in the Northern Quarter might be a solution. This would surely give such a boost to King Street that it wouldn't look back for twenty years?

Alun Jones reluctantly pours cold water over the idea. “King Street has never been a seeding ground for smart independent boutiques,” he says. “The rents have always been too much for them, and even with the current reductions, remain so. As do the rates. They might get the footfall but they won’t be able to afford the other costs. More importantly the big landowners love the fifteen year, triple A covenant: in other words the big national stores that are more likely to give a return on investment. And the landowners will hold out until they find one, often no matter how long it takes.”

Confidential likes to dream however, and there is a model for what can be done with 'seeding' in the Barton Arcade and St Ann's Arcade. If they can be brightened by independents, why not King Street? Surely it just takes an act of will.

We have a couple of other recurring dreams as well. There have been plain bad developments on King Street. The beautiful Georgian town house formerly let to Virgin Brides is a case in point. This dates from the 1730s and is a disaster of a combo piece with some tacky 1990s additions. The house was formerly a bank and like so many old banks its future might lie in becoming a restaurant. Two floors of snappy life enhancing upper middle range dining like Grill on the Alley round the corner would do the trick, and help liven up the street, and in turn, help attract retailers.

We’re also thinking that pedestrianisation should be given up after 7pm – as it is on Cross Street. Presently after 7pm King Street is a lifeless cut through.

So put all together, this is our vision for King Street. A lively, attractive retail corridor of classic national stores mixed with good Manchester independents plus a decent restaurant and traffic animating the area in the evening - helping provide custom for the restaurant. This may be pure fantasy, but it's better than the bleak reality.

What all parties - the City Council, Cityco, MIDAS, the landlords - agree is that the King has lost its crown, and that something needs to be done. Unfortunately there seems to be no timeframe for banging heads together and coming up with ideas. The Trafford Centre must be laughing its marble veneered head off as the city prevaricates.

We should perhaps dismiss the lofty notion of the street ever being the 'Bond Street of the North' again. In fact you have to wonder whether it’ll get worse before it gets better, after all empty units are like a virus that quickly spreads?

It seems King Street may be a gap-toothed beauty for a while yet.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.com/index.asp?Sessionx=IpqiNw86JWbkJ0qiNwF6IHqi&realname=The%20Death%20of%20King%20Street

Majestic Wine Warehouse open at Dalton House in Sale on Friday 6th November.

Hoarding are now up around the former Jessops unit only for the new Tesco Express store on Deansgate.

Signage is now starting to go up at the new Tesco Express at Church Street.

Lab Sports opening in the Arndale on Friday 6th November.

Menkind are opening in the Arndale in the unit next to Scoop, they should be open by the end of the week.

Swarovski are opening in the former Fruits & Passion unit, hoardings are up around the unit now.

High street retailer Peacocks is set to take a 7,000 sq ft shop at Thornfield’s 1.6m sq ft The Rock scheme in Bury, Greater Manchester.

The Rock will be anchored by Debenhams, M&S and Primark.

Other fashion tenants include H&M, Next and River Island.

The leisure offer includes Vue Cinemas, AMF Bowling and Pizza Express.

The 1.6m sq ft opens in summer 2010. Some 70% of floor space is either under contract or in solicitors’ hands.

Jason Marcus, chairman of Thornfield, said: “Peacocks is a great addition to the line up at The Rock, with its fashion-forward, great-value designs.

"We are delighted to be in the position of being close to signing with a number of other major retailers and leisure operators and will have further announcements to make soon."

Simon Anderson, head of property at The Peacock Group, said: “We are continually looking for new stores for our Peacocks chain and we are pleased to be part of this exciting new scheme, The Rock, in Bury.

"We believe that our fashion and footwear offer will prove very popular with the young demographic in the town."

Whitewall Galleries are opening in the former Whittard unit on Deansgate/ King Street.

http://whitewallgalleries.com/index.asp

Planning applications for signage are online

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?091568/AO/2009/C1

Harvey Nichols are now open on Upper Peel Avenue next to John Lewis.

Marks & Spencer have opened a Christmas Shop on Upper Peel Avenue in the former Early Learning Centre unit.

Kodak Express Print Café are now open on Upper Peel Avenue in the former West One unit.

Applause Store are now open on Lower Regents Crescent in the former Virgin Ware unit.

Jack & Jones are now open on Upper Regents Crescent in their former store.

Marketing agency owners set up Kodak Cafe

Founders of a Manchester-based marketing agency have joined forces with Kodak to open a digital print café in the Trafford Centre.

The Kodak Express Print Café, on the first floor, will enable shoppers to share and print digital photographs.

Alison Everett and Alan Robson, owners of experiential marketing agency Russiandoll Ltd, said they had spent three years developing the concept and secured Kodak's backing after presenting their ideas to the company's executive board.

They believe that combining digital printing with a café gives them the edge over rivals. The venture's start-up costs have been partially funded with a £90,000 Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme loan from NatWest Bank.

Robson said: “The digital revolution demanded changes in underlying technology but it also rewrote photography sociology, in other words we believe the giant photography manufacturers have failed to transition from a manufacturing brand into a effective retail brand and this is the opportunity we identified. We believe the Kodak Express Print Café will inspire people to print more and do more with their digital photographs – our long-term aim is to create a new printing culture.”

NatWest relationship manager Stephen Hogg said the due had impressed with the “thoroughness of their their business plan”.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20091109/FREE/911099998/1036


Kodak snaps up Trafford Centre unit for first digital print cafe

November 08, 2009

MANCHESTER entrepreneurs Alison Everett and Alan Robson have teamed up with photography giant Kodak to open a digital print café at the Trafford Centre.

The duo, who run marketing agency Russiandoll, received a £90,000 Enterprise Finance Guarantee loan from NatWest for their venture, to cover shopfitting costs and rent.

They spent three years developing the idea for a print café and secured Kodak’s backing after presenting their ideas to the company’s executive team.

The Kodak Express Print Café enables shoppers to print their digital photographs while having a coffee.

It also sells cameras, albums, frames and other accessories.

The duo plan to expand the concept into other shopping centres around the UK and in Ireland.

NatWest’s Stephen Hogg said: “Alison and Alan impressed us with their vision for the print café and the thoroughness of their business plan.

“They have worked extremely hard to establish a partnership with Kodak and we are very happy to provide financial support.”

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1181354_kodak_snaps_up_trafford_centre_unit_for_first_digital_print_cafe

Tesco Express on Deansgate opens in December.

The hoardings have now come down around Tesco Express at Church Street.

Photos from my mobile sorry for quality.

Manchester Arndale

Lab Sports are now open.

A new card and party shop is opening in the former Streetwise Sports unit called Celebrate, they will be opening in November

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/6528/celebrate1.jpg

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9753/celebrate2.jpg

Watch It Watches are opening soon opposite USC in one of the mall kiosks/ stands. http://www.watchitwatches.com/

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2690/watchit1.jpg

The Officers Club are opening in the former Puma unit, they will be opening in November.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/4841/theofficersclub.jpg

Menkind are now open next to Scoop.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/3286/menkind.jpg

Envy are having a closing down sale.

Work has now started on Bose in the former Samsonite unit, they are starting recruiting aswell.

Swarovski open in November in the former Fruits & Passion unit.

Lowry Outlet Mall

Blackwells Books Services have opened a store for Christmas.


Blackwells Book Services Now Open

Blackwells Books has now opened at the Lowry Outlet Mall for the busy Christmas period. From November to January you can find a vast range of books on all topics at discounted prices!! The perfect gift for Christmas.

http://www.lowryoutletmall.com/default.asp?f=/outletnews/


A new pottery cafe where you make the pots has opened called Pots + Paints.


Pots and Paints Opening

New pottery cafe comes to the mall

The Lowry Outlet Mall will be celebrating the launch of Pots and Paints ceramic cafe. Customers can design and paint a wide variety of blank ceramics including cups plates and models. These are then glazed by Pots and Paints and fired providing a professional standard finish and longevity to your creations. You can also enjoy a wide variety of hot and cold drinks whilst you paint as well as some delicious home made cakes.

http://www.lowryoutletmall.com/default.asp?f=/outletnews/


http://www.potsandpaints.co.uk/

At what point do you think Manchester City Council will stop allowing applications for new Tesco/Sainsbury's stores to go through? I know we need stores like this but they have about 6 each now.....surely that's enough. Manchester's not a huge city.

At what point do you think Manchester City Council will stop allowing applications for new Tesco/Sainsbury's stores to go through? I know we need stores like this but they have about 6 each now.....surely that's enough. Manchester's not a huge city.

How can the council stop allowing applications? These stores are all busy or they would be closed down and they wouldn't apply to open more. The units they take would have sat empty or have sat empty before they came and took the units and these stores provide jobs and extra footfall for stores around them.

Although it is a great shame it is Tesco ,I am really glad to see the unit on Deansgate let after many years of it being empty,it is much better to have occupied shops than empty premises around the city ! So a mixed blessing really !

I'm sure the council don't want every other shop to be a Tesco or Sainsburys....plus it will kill off other shops just like they have in small towns

No council can deny a planning app on the basis of the company that submitted it or on grounds that it will affect competition in the area.

Just like any other council, if Tesco put planning apps in for stores on every street corner, MCC have to treat each app individually as if they are all from seperate companies.

I'm still a little confused by this. Where exactly is this new Deansgate Tesco?

I wish they would open another Metro actually, as oppeosed to all these Express stores. That one on Market street is always so busy, but the Express stores don't have everything I need. AND they're more expensive - probably why they're expanding in that area....

The new Tesco Express store on Deansgate will be in the former Jessops unit (50 - 52 Deansgate), hoardings are now up around that unit.

THE Bury Times can unveil the latest images for the new Rock development — and more big name brands who will be setting up shop.

Here we publish some of the latest artistic impressions of the development to give local people a taste of what the £350m centre will look like, featuring a Vue cinema.

Between now and the opening next July, developers Thornfield will be busy letting the 408 des-res apartments, which overlook the borough, Manchester and Scout Moor.

They will also be confirming the last few retailers which will open up shop there.

At the moment, 70 per cent of the 1.6 million sq ft available has been let.

Two more high street names to join up are Peacocks and H&M.

Brands already confirmed are Primark, AMF Bowling, Pizza Express, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Next and River Island.

Thornfield chairman Jason Marcus said: “Peacocks is a great addition to the line up.

“We are delighted to be in the position of being close to signing with a number of other major retailers and leisure operators and will have further announcements to make soon.”

Peacock Group property manager, Simon Anderson, said: “We are pleased to be part of this exciting new scheme. With over 550 stores across the UK, Peacocks is continuing to expand and the new store due to open at The Rock will be one of two dozen stores to open in 2010.”


http://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/4728128.Rock_s___350m_shopping_project_shaping_up/

Crains.

Flannels attempts CVA deal
By James Chapelard


Trafford Park-based designerwear retailer Flannels is planning to close three stores as part of a Company Voluntary Arrangement, according to trade magazine Drapers.

The group has written to suppliers to outline its plans which will involve store closures and reduced payment for stock.

The CVA proposal is being supervised by Deloitte but it's unclear at this stage which stores will close or if future openings, including at Allied London's The Avenue scheme at Spinningfields will be affected.

Flannels managing director and owner Neil Prosser is understood to have written to suppliers explaining the move within the past few days.

In a statement he said: “This announcement details the steps required to implement our restructuring strategy to protect the ongoing viability of the company. With the support of Bank of Scotland, the directors are strongly of the view that the CVA proposal is in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders as a whole.”

Earlier this year, Flannels signed for 20,000 sq ft at Allied London's The Avenue in Spinningfields. The new store is set to replace two existing Manchester units at King Street and St Ann's Place, which are due to close.

In February, Flannels added a second store in Liverpool in the new Liverpool One development. The chain also has stores in Leeds, Birmingham, Cardiff, Altrincham and Nottingham.

The business was founded 32 years ago and stocks brands such as D&G, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and Gucci for men and women. Prosser, who owns the company with wife Jacqueline, admitted earlier this year that 2008 had been tough.

The business was forced to discount heavily which has pushed down margins. In January, Prosser told Crain's turnover for the year to the end of March 2009 was expected to be about £22m but said the company would remain profitable despite expectations of a difficult final quarter.

“The year to March 2009 is not looking good,” he said. It will not be disastrous but it will not be what we want. We are buying turnover, we are discounting more than we do normally. You pay for that in margin,” he added.

The most recent filed accounts for the year to March 2008 show that Flannels made a pre-tax profit of £10,512, compared to £542,798 in 2007.

I'm sure the council don't want every other shop to be a Tesco or Sainsburys....plus it will kill off other shops just like they have in small towns

I don't believe the bullshit these stores kill off others. The small stores are opening to provide something needed in the area they are opened in. If you open a store next to one that sells something they don't it will help your business prosper as you benefit from the increase in footfall and they stop areas looking run down by taking empty units and keeping the outside of the stores clean and modern looking. This is the same with coffee shops too where studies showed businesses opening next to Starbucks did better because of the large footfall they bring.

Shops are killed off by poor management and unwillingness to adapt and evolve to a new market place. The high street has been evolving ever since it began as tastes and trends change and so do our lifestyles.
Some examples of this are....
Rental Shops - Radio Rentals, Granada etc are no longer needed as cheap easy finance made it possible to buy your own appliances.
Blacksmiths we stopped riding horses around
Haberdashery stores - clothes became cheaper to buy and to throw away rather than mend

At the same time new high street businesses have appeared including many more places to eat out, gimmick stores, discount general stores, gaming stores, mobile phone stores, plus many more.

In the medium term we will see music stores totally disappear as music is no longer sold on cd's, DVD rental stores will disappear.

When do you think we'll see something happen to the revolting 'Visit North America' shop at the top of Deansgate?

A hairderssers called Close has opened in a unit next to the Travelodge on Gt Ancoats St

When does it Close?

When do you think we'll see something happen to the revolting 'Visit North America' shop at the top of Deansgate?

It is currently being turned into part of the Tesco Express that is being worked on in the jessops unit next door.

Ladbrokes are opening a new store on Deansgate in half of the former British Airways Travel Shop, opposite the new Tesco Express.


Ladbrokes

Ladbrokes, 43 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2AY

Application Type
Premises Licence (New) - Gambling Act 2005

Proposal Application is for a new Betting premises licence under the Gambling Act 2005 including allowing a maximum of 4 category B2 to D gaming machines.

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500047/city_centre/610/city_centre-current_licence_applications/12

Anger at Tesco 'takeover'

Dan Thompson

November 13, 2009

TWO new city centre Tesco stores threaten the future of independent food shops, a councillor has warned.

The supermarket's Express stores will open in the Northern Quarter and on Deansgate by Christmas. They will be the fourth and fifth Tescos within half a mile of each other.

Coun Marc Ramsbottom, who represents the city centre, said the number of chain supermarkets is `throttling' independent shops.

He said: "It's reducing the choice for people. There is a plethora of Tesco and Sainsbury's stores. They are strangling the independent shops.

Work is ongoing to turn the ground floor of Maybrook House, on the corner of Deansgate and Blackfriars Street, into a Tesco Express.

The supermarket has applied to sell alcohol during opening hours - 6am to 11pm.

The finishing touches are also been put to a Tesco Express on Church Street in the Northern Quarter.

Opposition

Permission was granted by the council in June - despite opposition from neighbours.

Coun Ramsbottom added: "The council has the power to stop the supermarkets' stranglehold over the marketplace but they don't have the commitment or the political will."

There are 64 Tesco stores in a 12-mile radius of Manchester city centre.

A spokesman for the supermarket said: "There is no reason why supermarkets and independent stores cannot thrive side by side.

"More often than not, independent stores offer something very different from Tesco."

Peter Babb, the council's head of planning, said: "The council does have sympathy with independent retailers and the character they can add to an area.

"Where a planning application has been submitted for a new shop use, the council is not in a position to discriminate against an individual company regarding its market share."

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1182340_anger_at_tesco_takeover

Thornfield today hands over a 103,000 sq ft unit to Debenhams at The Rock in Bury confident of further lettings prior to opening in July 2010.

Peter Warden, director of Thornfield, said he believed the scheme would be over 90% occupied when it opens on Friday 16 July 2010. The scheme is currently 70% let by floor area with seven further deals in negotiation.

The Rock will contain 500,000 sq ft of retail in more than 60 shops. The second anchor, Marks & Spencer, will take control of its 77,000 sq ft unit at the end of November.

Other retailers already signed up to the scheme include Next, River Island, Primark, H&M and Peacocks.

In addition to shopping, Bury residents and visitors will be able to go to the 10-screen Vue cinema, play at the 24-lane AMF bowling centre and dine in 120,000 sq ft of restaurants run by Pizza Express, Nando's and others.

There will also be 408 apartments, yet to be released to market, and a 1,250 car park. A healthcare centre and relocated church have already been completed near the 1.6m sq ft scheme.

Newly appointed centre manager, David Laycock, employed by managing agent DTZ, said he expects to begin naming the rest of his management team in February.

The Rock was designed by BDP and is being built by Laing O'Rourke. Agents on The Rock are GCW, CBRE and Nick Green & Co.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/4749-bury-s-350m-rock-will-open-over-90-full.html

I don't believe the bullshit these stores kill off others. The small stores are opening to provide something needed in the area they are opened in. If you open a store next to one that sells something they don't it will help your business prosper as you benefit from the increase in footfall and they stop areas looking run down by taking empty units and keeping the outside of the stores clean and modern looking. This is the same with coffee shops too where studies showed businesses opening next to Starbucks did better because of the large footfall they bring.

Shops are killed off by poor management and unwillingness to adapt and evolve to a new market place. The high street has been evolving ever since it began as tastes and trends change and so do our lifestyles.
Some examples of this are....
Rental Shops - Radio Rentals, Granada etc are no longer needed as cheap easy finance made it possible to buy your own appliances.
Blacksmiths we stopped riding horses around
Haberdashery stores - clothes became cheaper to buy and to throw away rather than mend

At the same time new high street businesses have appeared including many more places to eat out, gimmick stores, discount general stores, gaming stores, mobile phone stores, plus many more.

In the medium term we will see music stores totally disappear as music is no longer sold on cd's, DVD rental stores will disappear.

I agree , much as I hate to see Tesco all over the city, where are the independant stores trying to fight back? Look at LSTD ,where are they because of bad management ? How many stores did they have in Mcr before their demise ,almost as many as Tesco ,if I recall !But no one said they were taking over Manchester!
And the organic shop slated for the North America Travel unit never materialised after years of waiting. I am not a fan of Tesco at all , but would rather see the city shops busy than being boarded up !

You only have to look at New York to see how having a 'Duane Reade' (Pharmacy and General Store) on every corner has not damaged its retailing reputation or other independent stores. This sort of thing is now the norm in every worldwide city and its not going to change anytime soon.

Well ive recently been getting my shopping from the " Lakeland Grocers in the city " next to Deansgate Station its cheaper than the main supermarkets . but i still have to go in Tesco for the odd thing .

North American Travel Service is returning to Deansgate after a 5 years. They will be moving into a unit under No1 Piccadilly.

North American Travel Service is returning to Deansgate after a 5 years. They will be moving into a unit under No1 Piccadilly.

Don't you mean No1 Deansgate? Unless you meant to say Manchester instead of Deansgate.

Don't you mean No1 Deansgate? Unless you meant to say Manchester instead of Deansgate.

Yeah, it's No1 Deansgate - I saw a sign up advertising it the other day.

Trafford planning chiefs say no to Altrincham Retail Park expansion

3:07pm Monday 16th November 2009

A PLANNED expansion of Altrincham Retail Park has been given the thumbs-down, because of concerns over the lack of car parking.

Developer the Crown Estate wanted to open four more units on the nine-store retail park, on George Richards Way.

The new stores were earmarked for land currently used as a car park, cutting the number of spaces at the 802-capacity car park by 72, according to a planning report.

However, the developer said in its planning submission that the number of spaces that would be lost was 53 and ‘by reducing the number of spaces the proposal is making a significant contribution to encouraging a change away from car use’.

Planning officers recommended that the scheme was approved but that was rejected by the planning committee.

Cllr Laurence Walsh said: "The applicant has shown a total disregard for the problems that could arise."

Cllr Mike Whetton added: "It is plain to see that reducing the number of car parking spaces while increasing the number of units doesn't make sense for a centre where people arrive by car."

The committee refused the application on the grounds of road safety, additional traffic and congestion.

http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/4742029.Retail_park_expansion_rejected/

The planning application.


Altrincham Retail Park, George Richards Way, Altrincham, WA14 5GR

Erection of four retail units (total 800 square metres) for purposes within Class A1 (Shops) and/or Class A3 (Restaurants and Cafes) with ancillary plant and service area; external alterations to front and rear of existing Unit 7; alterations to existing access onto George Richards Way; landscaping and other alterations to public realm; provision of lighting and CCTV cameras.

http://planningdocs.trafford.gov.uk/pamsearch/planning_application_search_pam.jsp?APPLICATION_NUMBER=H/71396&SearchType=Planning%20Application/"

Yeah No1 Deansgate.

Went into the new Tesco on Church St and it was rather busy. Most likely full of the people that complained about it. Hopefully it will give the over priced Co-Op over the road a run for it's money.

New Loewe Gallery opened in Number 1 St James Square building

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6448/therock.jpg

From this weeks Crains

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/4888/debenhams.jpg

From this weeks Crains

Cafe Gio on Princess Street has been refurbished to Donate Cafe.

Ellis Brigham have opened a Mountain Equipment store in the former Deansgate unit opposite Nevisport.


World's First Mountain Equipment Store Now Open

We are pleased to announce the opening of the world's first Mountain Equipment Store in Manchester City Centre.

Mountain Equipment has long been associated with extreme mountaineering, arctic expeditions and history making alpine assaults and the store on 211 Deansgate will deliver an unrivalled range of clothing and accesories from this leading UK brand.

http://www.ellis-brigham.com/mountain-equipment-store.htm

Pets at Home opens 250th store in Trafford Park

November 18, 2009

RETAIL chain Pets at Home will on Friday open its 250th store with a £380,000 investment in an outlet at Trafford Park.

Pets at Home, which has its headquarters in Handforth, Cheshire, and is planning to float on the stock market next year, will create 16 jobs at the new shop.

It will stock pet products, small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and rats, and will house aquatics and reptile centres, the latter featuring bearded dragons and leopard geckos. Other unusual pets for sale will include chinchillas and degus, which are small rodents.

The new store, managed by Anthony Horner, will also feature a pet adoption section, where animals are cared for until a home is found for them.

Pets at Home, headed by chief executive Matt Davies and owned by private equity group Bridgepoint Capital, opened its first store in Chester in 1991.

It has grown into a £400m-plus turnover business, with pre-tax profits of £40m for the year to the end of March, up from nearly £31m in the previous 12 months.

The company ruled out an earlier float when stock markets fell, but has appointed JP Morgan Cazenove to advise on a listing next year.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1182907_pets_at_home_opens_250th_store_in_trafford_park

http://www.petsathome.com/

Aldi will be opening its planned 16,000 sq ft food store at Piccadilly Basin later this month and there has been a notable increase in enquiries for the rest of the available space.

From a TCS statement:
http://www.tcs-plc.com/announcements.html

http://i45.tinypic.com/jjsdap.jpg

Betfred are now open on King Street West.

Waterstones on Deansgate has new signage to match the new look Waterstones are rolling out across the country.

The new Christopher James store on St Anns Street is nearly finished would think they will open next week possibly.

Nothing is happening to the former Oasis store on King Street, just looks like they were refurbishing the shopfront.

Vans are now open on Church Street in the Northern Quarter.

http://www.vans.co.uk/event/item/5333/

Is it me or does there seem to be a (mini) boom in retailing and resturants ATM in Manchester?

^^ Defiantly jrb over the last few months new shops and restaurants have be opening all over the place you only have to look at the list of new restaurants that have opened or are opening up soon in the Northern Quarter.

Upcoming Northern Quarter Bars and Restaurants (as much detail as I can muster):

*The Bulb, Lighthouse, September (new one on me!)
*Hula cocktail bar, Stevenson Square, fitting out as we speak (Walrus guys doing this)
*Salad Bar thing, Front of the Hive development fronting on to Stevenson Square, licensing app gone in
*Swish pool/lounge bar, where Isobar used to be on Church St, might be underway? (owned by Ross who also owns Purple Pussycat etc).
*Bar/restaurant, Unit on Thomas St where Black Sheep was, planning app in I think (this is owned by Nicky of Soup Kitchen/Bay Horse)
*Tapas bar, in the old Six-pack unit on Thomas St, licensing app gone in
*Marble Bar, in the old LSTD site on Thomas St, licensing app in I think
*Common, expanding into the site next door (despite their whining over rates), planning stage

And these are coming off the back of the recently refurbed Castle, the revamped Walrus, the refitted Cord, the relatively new (and seemingly successful) Apotheca and Dough, and An Outlet (in the old Dale St LSTD site) which is also bedding in well.

Also the majority of the Arndale is now pretty much full only a handfull of units are left that are empty which is meaning alot of stores around the city centre are getting filled with new tennants and with The Avenue opening next year it is only going to get busier with retail and restaurant openings in the city cente.

The retail units at Piccadilly Place are now started to get filled up, with the first tennant opening their being Starbucks.


The ground floor restaurant and shop space at Piccadilly Place is also starting to let and Starbucks will take a corner site between the office and the residential phase.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/4802-deals-imminent-at-piccadilly-place.html

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/6448/therock.jpg

From this weeks Crains

Whilst all of this is good for the Rock development - it will be interesting to see how the 'old' retail in Bury copes. So many existing retailers are moving out there and it will leave many gaps. M&S, River Island and Next are curently all in a row with Superdrug and JD sports very close and all are moving to the Rock. Topshop and Dorothy Perkins are together elsewhere. I had thought that Peacocks might take the space in the old M&S building - but they are also earmarked for the Rock.

Where does all this leave the existing retail - and who is out there that could take their place?

Fraser Hart are relocating from their existing store at St Anns Square to the former Holland & Barrett store on Deansgate, planning application is now online.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?091433/AO/2009/C1

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/9361/fraserhart1.jpg

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1830/fraserhart2.jpg

The Triangle

Vicky Martin are now closed

Hoardings are up around The Body Shop, possibly being refurbished.

Looks like Christopher James is now closed and their new store at St Anns Street next to Habitat it now open.

Manchester Arndale

Watch It Watches are now open opposite USC.

Officers Club are now open in the former Puma unit.

Celebrate the new card and party store, are now open in the former Streetwise Sports unit.

The former Exit unit is becoming the Arndale's Christmas Gift Wrap store which opens this Saturday (28th November.)

Royal Exchange Arcade

Seems like Royal Exchange Arcade is starting to get filled up again now, with alot of jewellery stores opening up and expanding with the arcade.

Wave Contemporary Jewellery have now relocated next door in their new double fronted unit.

Erica & Edwards are opening in the former Jenny Jones unit this Saturday (28th November.)


Erica & Edwards
The new jewellers on the block... Opening 28th November. Bringing you the latest trends and fashions in silver and fine jewellery. At Erica & Edwards there's must-have for everyone from affordable fashion jewellery to coloured gem stones and diamond rings. There's also a shop in shop of Thomas Sabo's charm club and sterling silver jewellery.

Verve & Brite are opening in the former Wave unit


Verve & Brite
Gorgeous silver design led jewellery for men, women and children, fantastic for gifts or to compliment your festive outfit.

The Wholesale Christmas Store is open next to Jenny Jones.

Piccadilly Approach

Antonios Cafe and Take Aways is closed until further notices it says in the windows.

Looks like Morgan Computers has closed as well, the shutters were down at the shop today.


Morgan under new management

12/11/2009 17:36:00

John Oates

Morgan Computers - one of Britain's longest surviving independent retail PC dealers - has sold its online business to a Jersey-based businessman, but questions remain over its retail arm. Morgan's owner Robert Nicklin was unwilling to comment to The Register on Friday, but the firm's flagship store on Oxford Street remained closed on Friday. But the company's website, which disappeared on Tuesday, was back online by Friday lunchtime. We spoke to the site's new owner Anthony Moxon. Moxon said: "It's a lovely old established business with a large base of loyal customers. We will probably change as little as possible." Moxon said he had been assured that there were no customers with outstanding orders. Moxon said he'd welcome interest from would-be customers, and from suppliers wanting to sell him kit. Morgan's headquarters was on Oxford Street, London but it also had branches in Manchester and Birmingham and a warehouse in West London. It started as a secondhand camera shop and started selling end-of-line and discounted computer kit in 1983. Morgan has run its online business since 1997 and also had an auction site, which is also currently unavailable

http://www.morgancomputers.co.uk/news/article.asp?NewsArticleID=141


Other Areas

North America Travel are now reopen on Deansgate at No1 Deansgate in the former Around Wine unit.

Tom Wolfe will be opening a concession within Debenhams soon, job applications are being advertised at Envy before it apparently closes down.

Unit next to Walkabout on Quay St is being fitted out ,,, any clues ?

Greater Manchester Stores axed under Blacks CVA

By James Chapelard

The creditors of Blacks Leisure Group Plc, the company behind outdoor clothing chains Blacks and Millets have voted through the company voluntary arrangement (CVA) proposal.

Under the plans, 89 stores will close including Fort Retail Park in Manchester; Merseyway in Stockport, Bolton’s Victoria Place; Market Street in Wigan and Grove Street, Wilmslow.

CVA supervisor KMPG said the move would save 4,300 jobs across 291 stores which will remain open.

The CVA sets out a financial compromise between landlords of the unoccupied stores and the company. To come into effect, a CVA has to be approved by 75 per cent of creditors. In the event, the Blacks CVA was voted through by 98 per cent.

The remaining creditors have not been asked to compromise financially but the landlords of the open stores have been asked to move to a monthly payment schedule for 18 months.

Richard Fleming, UK head of restructuring at KPMG and supervisor of the CVA, said: “This is a pivotal moment in the turnaround of Blacks. Without the approval of the CVA, the company faced administration, putting 4,300 jobs and 291 trading stores at risk. The CVA agreement shows a less destructive insolvency process is possible.”

As part of the CVA, the landlords of the unoccupied stores will receive a total compensation of £7.25m, which equates to approximately six months rent each. The company will also continue to pay rates until the leases are surrendered or forfeited in consultation with landlords.

In addition, the joint administrators of Sandcity Ltd, the boardwear subsidiary of Blacks Leisure Group plc, have been unable to find a buyer for its pair of Greater Manchester stores, in the Trafford Centre and Manchester ‘s Triangle shopping centre, which have been forced to close.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20091124/FREE/911249995/1016

Pizza Hut on Oxford Road has closed - Not sure if it's being refurbished or it's the site of the new Barburrito

Pizza Hut on Oxford Road has closed - Not sure if it's being refurbished or it's the site of the new Barburrito

It never seems to be very busy so maybe it's closed down. The one on Deansgate is next to close down as the site is for sale.

The Pizza Hut on Deansgate was supposed to be the next location that Rice were going to be opening at, but nothing has happened about them opening their yet, dont even know if it is still happening.

http://www.ricemanchester.com/page.php?17

Bargain hunters boost Lowry Outlet Mall

November 25, 2009

THE Lowry Outlet Mall in Salford today announced a new tenant as bosses toasted a seven per cent rise in footfall for the year to date and a five per cent increase in like-for-like sales across its stores.

Lingerie chain Camille has taken over a former Reiss menswear shop and has begun fitting out the premises.

Camille, which stocks brands such as Pretty Polly and Aristoc, will start trading early next month and will create eight jobs.

It takes the number of shops at the mall to 85, up from 82 this time last year.

Ten retailers have moved into the complex during 2009 while seven have left. Eleven shops remain empty. More than 540 people work at the mall.

Meanwhile, negotiations are continuing for a third Kurt Muller clothing store, and another new retailer is expected to sign up soon.

Footfall in 2008 reached four million but has increased by seven per cent so far during 2009, a faster pace of growth than the three per cent seen in the previous 12 months.

Sales have grown by seven per cent overall, compared with one per cent in 2008.

Mall boss Robert Hallworth said menswear outlets, including Flannels, Petroleum, Austin Reed and Suits You, have enjoyed a 17 per cent increase in revenues, with house and home, including crockery, tableware, bedding, soft furnishings and DIY tools, up 12 per cent.

“We had a very strong first six months for sales, followed by a flatter September and October but this month's performance has seen a big improvement,” he said.

“This time last year, as the recession deepened, we wondered what would happen during 2009 but we have benefited as consumers have sought to make their money go further.

“The recession also appears to have increased demand for suits and ties, perhaps as people have smartened up or have been going for interviews.”

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1183856_bargain_hunters_boost_lowry_outlet_mall

Quite a bit of scaffolding going up outside M+S. Anybody know why?

B&M Bargains are opening in a unit next to Matalan at the old BigW store facing Manchester Fort Retail park.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1183856_bargain_hunters_boost_lowry_outlet_mall

I think they must have forgot a few closures looking at the figures they quote. In the past 3 years over 40 stores have closed. They don't half spin things at that place.

Closed this year
A.May Home Interiors
Snowy's Ice Cream
Liz Claibourne
Chilli Pepper
The Designer Room
Golf Land
QV Shoes
Shoes @ The Lowry
Pet Zone
Blackwell books (since returned)
Elegant homes and gardens

Looks like Borders will be closing at Manchester Fort and Stockport Peel Centre.

Borders makes notice to appoint administrators

09:50 | 26.11.09

By Laura Chesters

Borders UK, the book chain, has made a notice of intention to appoint administrators. It is thought it has now gone into administration.

it had been looking for a buyer for the business but it was not successful.

Borders was owned by private equity firm Valco Capital Partners, the private equity arm of restructuring specialist Hilco.

BDO is the administrator.

Borders UK had 45 stores and did not have enough working cash to trade through the Christmas period.

Its problems were caused by intense competition from internet booksellers as well as cheaper competition on the high street and supermarkets.

It traded from large stores and its rent bill is large compared to turnover.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=297&storycode=3153888&c=1

Looks like Borders will be closing at Manchester Fort and Stockport Peel Centre.


http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=297&storycode=3153888&c=1

Yes. Sad.
Wailing and gnashing of teeth from the baby bypasses - they love going to Borders to buy a book and then pigging out at starbucks.

If there ever was a need to blow up a shopping centre and 90% of the people(if that's what you can call them) that shop there, then this would be it. Even a refurb would be wasted. Been once. My God, it was.................

Crains.

PCP to sell Salford Shopping City
27 Nov 2009, 16:09


Salford Shopping City, the 80-unit precinct on Hankinson Way, has been put up for sale by Prime Commercial Properties for £45m.

Surevyor Savills has been retained to market the mall to investors at a yield of 8.5%.

The centre sits on a seven acre site and could be redeveloped.

PCP has opposed long-running plans by Tesco to open a large store next to Salford Shopping City which it says would damage trade.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v397/jrb041067/jrbnm.jpg

booo, do not approve jrbl, this is Salford's heart, people come from all over Salford to shop here, it's not just an estate parade.

booo, do not approve jrbl, this is Salford's heart, people come from all over Salford to shop here, it's not just an estate parade.

I'm not a snob, honest, but what I witnessed on that fateful day will live with me forever. I can't even talk about it to this day. :lol:

The expansion of Macnchesetr City Centre will expand in other directions first, but 25years down the line, if Salford Quays steams on, Middlewood Locks happens and Chapel St & Crescent development gathers pace, this will be connected to the city centre in many ways. The ambition must be that it all fits in sealessly. Not meaning that they should be identical, but that they should be of the same high quality in their own perspective. One day.... but lets face it, most of us should still be around in 25 years, so why should this not be achievable?

Borders at Stockport Peel Centre now has signs up in the stores windows saying 'Store Closing'.

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/4888/debenhams.jpg

From this weeks Crains

Actually this article is not quite right - the refurb will bring the Manc store up to the standard of the Liverpool store - Westfield was a copy of the Liverpool One store styling...and pretty impressive it is to (for a Debenhams!)

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/2977/wholefoodsmarket.jpg

I'm not a snob, honest, but what I witnessed on that fateful day will live with me forever. I can't even talk about it to this day. :lol:

I like Pendleton Precinct (or 'Salford Shopping City'), people would give you their part unexpired tickets to each other as cars entered/exited the car park, which required careful co-ordination.

It has lost a few 'profile' tenants like Burger King and Currys, it would be much better with bigger units, the TJ Hughes and Iceland stores are well cramped, they need lots more space, to cope with the busy trade. Get rid of the surface parking and multi-lane roads, which deter activity/connectivity with the local areas.

Shame it could do much better, given its dense(ish) housing, university and having a reasonably (for GM) well served railway station.

Not so surprising that the Flannels store on King St will be closed due to the CVA, it is already closed on Mondays and at least they are still committed to their new store at The Avenue at Spinningfields.


Flannels CVA approved

1 December 2009

By Eve Oxberry

The proposed Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) of Flannels has been approved by creditors, securing the future of the designer mini-chain.

Some 89% of creditors by value of debt voted in favour of the proposal, which needed a 75% rate of approval to go through. Of the 94 creditors who had a vote, just one voted against the arrangement.

Three stores in Liverpool’s Met Quarter, Birmingham Bullring and on 55 King Street in Manchester will be closed as part of the CVA, and 12 stores will remain open.

Under the terms of the proposal creditors and members of the company will receive approximately 60p in the pound. Suppliers with retention of title rights will receive 70p in the pound.

Flannels appointed financial services firm Deloitte to handled the proposed CVA in November after a troubled trading climate and decline in consumer spend hit the 15-store retailer.

The CVA proposal needed the support of 75% of unsecured creditors and 50% of the company’s members to be approved.

Landlords of the 12 continuing stores and the head office have agreed to a 20% discount of the principal rent in 2010 and a 10% discount in 2011.

Landlords of the three stores to be closed will receive a payment of 10% of the remaining rent due under the terms of the lease, with a de-minimus payment of six months’ rent.

Flannels managing director and owner Neil Prosser said: “The result of the voting demonstrates the fairness of our proposal that was put to creditors. We have worked hard to balance the interests of all creditors as part of this process. The proposal allows the business to restructure to a size that mirrors the extraordinary trading conditions that retailers are currently facing. Being able to restructure will preserve the ongoing viability of our business.”

Bill Dawson, partner in the Reorganisation Services practice in Deloitte’s Manchester office, said: “This is good news for creditors as the CVA allows the Company to remain as a going concern and maintain its trade. It gives the Company and its stakeholders greater certainty as it enters the Christmas trading period and greater job security to around 165 employees.

“The CVA demonstrates that seeking advice at a sufficiently early stage can allow time for companies to develop and implement a successful restructuring plan.”

The Flannels Group Limited is a retailer of luxury fashion clothing. It has stores predominantly based in the midlands and north of England.

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/womenswear/news/flannels-cva-approved/5008493.article

Spinningfields Retail Brochure.

http://issuu.com/seedesignlimited/do...owFlipBtn=true

Just posted this in Spinningfields thread will post here aswell.

Thanks jrb, saw that a few days ago, is good to see they are going to go with the retail pods ideas down The Avenue and around it aswell, will be interesting to see who they get signed up for them units. From the plan it shows that the majority of the retail units at The Avenue are now exchanged, are in detailed discussion or are with the lawyers just one unit on The Avenue itself is available, the rest of the unlet units are outer units at 3 Hardman Street and the court building, also is good to see the brands that Flannels will be bringing to their new store when they open.

Was mentioned a few months back, now more information has been released about Hervia Bazaar.


Luxury Menswear and Womenswear Designer Boutique to open in Manchester

Hervia are perhaps best known for their status as leading retailer for Vivienne Westwood within the UK, and also for being the first to bring Manchester directional designers in the early 90’s. Come February 2010 Hervia are set to bring us a fashion retail experience unlike any other in the North West. Hervia Bazaar will be an exquisite luxury store, set in Spring Gardens and will house some of the most influential designers and labels that the fashion world has to offer. The store is also set to launch their own site, http://www.herviabazaar.com/ to coincide with the store opening, which will
emulate the same perfect retail experience as shopping in store.

The brand directory of the store will be a veritable feast of top directional designs including Jean Paul Gaultier, Comme Des Garcons, Antonio Berardi, Yohji Yamamoto, Hussein Chalayan, Zero+Maria Cornejo, Pierre Hardy, Gareth Pugh, Jean Charles de Castelbajac, House of Holland and Rick Owens. Many of these labels can only be found in the fashion capitals and in the flagship stores. As well as the designers main lines most will also stock handbags, shoes and accessories as part of their instore collections.

Hervia Bazaar will also showcase a collection of the most innovative and stylish jewellery and shoe designers in the world, carefully chosen by Managing Director, Oscar Pinto-Hervia in the Parisian showrooms during Paris fashion week.

As well as featuring the more established designers Hervia Bazaar are investing in fresh names that may not be familiar to as many people but who are incredible talented and who have worked for many of leading designers themselves. For example Michael Lewis, the shoe designer who has previously worked for Louis Vuitton, Tom Ford and Jean Charles de Castelbajac, and Atalanta Weller who has just been named one of the most progressive shoe designers in the world alongside Christian Louboutin and Guiseppe Zanotti.

Hervia Bazaar are working closely with Vivienne Westwood’s son and founder of Agent Provocateur, Joe Corre. Joe and his business partner Barnzley have recently set up new Menswear label ‘A Child of the Jago’. The label is working with Hervia Bazaar to create a special dedicated area for the brand that will see one off vintage pieces mixed with their S/S collection.

Oscar Pinto-Hervia says, ‘It has been a dream of mine for many years to bring exciting, directional designers together in one luxury space. I have felt for a while there was a lack of choice in Manchester when it came to buying clothes of great quality and style, many people had to travel to London to shop from the designers they loved. London has Dover Street Market and now Manchester has Hervia Bazaar!’

We are in agreeance that there are a lack of luxury directional design stores in Manchester, especially ones that stock exquisite high end garments, so Hervia Bazaar will be a welcome change and will be highly anticipated within the local fashion industry. All that is left to say is, role on February 2010!

http://www.manchesterfashion.com/c/19/231/luxury-menswear-and-womenswear-designer-boutique-to-open-in-manchester/

Antonio Berardi, Yohji Yamamoto, Hussein Chalayan, Zero+Maria Cornejo, Pierre Hardy, Gareth Pugh, Jean Charles de Castelbajac, House of Holland, Rick Owens, Michael Lewis, Tom Ford, Jean Charles de Castelbajac, Atalanta Weller, Christian Louboutin, Guiseppe Zanotti, Joe Corre

WHO?!

http://www.antonioberardi.com/
http://www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp/
http://www.husseinchalayan.com/
http://zeromariacornejo.com/
http://www.pierrehardy.com/
http://www.garethpugh.net/
http://www.jc-de-castelbajac.com/
http://www.houseofholland.co.uk/
http://www.rickowens.eu/
http://www.tomford.com/
http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/atalantaweller
http://www.christianlouboutin.com/
http://www.giuseppe-zanotti-design.com/
http://www.kitmeout.com/blog/2008/08/06/terrorist-clothing-by-joe-corre/

I must admit, I'd only ever heard of Christian Louboutin, from SWMBO.

Selfridges to spend £30million on a total refurbishment of Exchange Square store next year after huge rise in profits, according to Drapers

Manchester Fort sold

December 04, 2009

MANCHESTER'S Fort Shopping Park today changed hands for £101m.

The complex in Cheetham Hill was acquired from the Universities Superannuation Scheme by global asset management firm Henderson Global Investors.

Tenants at the 36-store Fort retail park include Next, TK Maxx, B&Q and Boots.

Henderson has funded the deal by selling two retail parks in Newcastle upon Tyne to USS for £50m, and has issued £51m of new units in its UK Retail Warehouse Fund to the scheme.

Henderson said the deal reflects a net initial yield of 7.1 per cent at the Fort.

Michael Neal, fund manager of the Henderson Retail Warehouse Fund, said: “The Manchester Fort Shopping Park provides the fund with opportunities to add value through active asset management, and we will continue with the excellent progress made by USS in strengthening the attractiveness of this dominant shopping park.”

The Fort, which employs around 1,000 staff, opened in 2005.

USS bought it in that year for £167.3m.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1185093_manchester_fort_sold

Oh that interesting about Fort manchester for us Northsiders.

Now that Blacks and Borders have departed, its locally anticipated that will quickly turn into a poundland type site ala salford shopping centre.

So maybe selling it is a good move for USS.

Selfridges to spend £30million on a total refurbishment of Exchange Square store next year after huge rise in profits, according to Drapers

so m&s dont want the building back anymore then?

We were in Aldi on Gt Ancoats (former Ilva) on Saturday, and overheard the manager talking about 'near done deals' on unit space. According to him, there are firm plans for a M&S moving in at the far end unit, and a gym opening in the basement space.

A web search hasnt turned up any info to back this up, but i did come across a commercial property estate agents offering the building in the following layouts;

1 unit on the entire 1st floor
1 unit on the entire basement
4 units at street level.

So this would suggest they are looking for a total of 6 tenants / seperate units, which as a local resident is quite interesting. Especially considering how run down the retail park opposite is. About 18 months ago i was talking to the guy in charge of AncoatsUrban Village(now swallowed up by New East Manchester) who said the retail park owners had been trying for years to get planning permission to knock the place down and redevelop it for something more profitable.

The NWDA had supposedly demanded they did something more beneficial to the area than a quick buck scheme. He suggested that the latest set of plans involved updating a couple of the shop units, and creating an upmarket leaisure (restaurant / bars) at the end near Royal Mills. Obviously this was a while back now, but its in a sad state yet 'Urban Exchange' is apparently confident of getting in 6 tenants.

Plus markets are messy. Messy floors, canals and a stiff breeze will mix a little too easily.

Hmm! Have you ever been to Campden LOCKS ??? If not their is a hint in its name...:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

We were in Aldi on Gt Ancoats (former Ilva) on Saturday, and overheard the manager talking about 'near done deals' on unit space. According to him, there are firm plans for a M&S moving in at the far end unit, and a gym opening in the basement space.

A web search hasnt turned up any info to back this up, but i did come across a commercial property estate agents offering the building in the following layouts;

1 unit on the entire 1st floor
1 unit on the entire basement
4 units at street level.

So this would suggest they are looking for a total of 6 tenants / seperate units, which as a local resident is quite interesting. Especially considering how run down the retail park opposite is. About 18 months ago i was talking to the guy in charge of AncoatsUrban Village(now swallowed up by New East Manchester) who said the retail park owners had been trying for years to get planning permission to knock the place down and redevelop it for something more profitable.

The NWDA had supposedly demanded they did something more beneficial to the area than a quick buck scheme. He suggested that the latest set of plans involved updating a couple of the shop units, and creating an upmarket leaisure (restaurant / bars) at the end near Royal Mills. Obviously this was a while back now, but its in a sad state yet 'Urban Exchange' is apparently confident of getting in 6 tenants.

Here is the letting brochure for Urban Exchange showing in more detail how the former Ilva unit will be split up on the basement, ground floor and first floor.

http://www.shopproperty.co.uk/Pdf/40002086953BVBG.pdf?id=599a4918c1ed419082d4438d6c7c2b3c

Oh that interesting about Fort manchester for us Northsiders.

Now that Blacks and Borders have departed, its locally anticipated that will quickly turn into a poundland type site ala salford shopping centre.

So maybe selling it is a good move for USS.

Unless those amazon.co.uk bricks & mortar rumours prove true. Apparently Amazon are looking at taking on the leases of a number of former Borders stores.

Any news on this from the inside track flange or UKlad1979?

Hervia Bazaar will be opening in the empty retail unit at 40 Spring Gardens in February to March next year.

Work is going on in the former Interior Hub unit at Barton Arcade.

Warehouse Perfume Clearence Sale has opened in the former Early Learning Centre unit at St Anns Sq.

Verve & Brite are now open at Royal Exchange Arcade.

Erica & Edwards are now open at Royal Exchange Arcade.

Swarovski are now open at the Arndale, their store at St Anns Sq is still open.

Sherunsheruns at the Arndale, has been refurbished to Sweatshop.

The Food Chain at the Arndale has been rebranded to Food Court with all new signage, also new signage will go in place facing Market St and Corporation St in the new year when all the christmas decorations have been taken down.

The new NHS Health Centre at Boots on Market St/ Corporation St is now open.

Selfridges to spend £30million on a total refurbishment of Exchange Square store next year after huge rise in profits, according to Drapers

Looks like it will be a £40million refurbishment at Selfridges Excahnge Square.


Selfridges plans £40m store refit as profits soar

5 December 2009

By Mark Faithfull

Selfridges is to pump up to £40m into refurbishing its Manchester Exchange store next year after the iconic department store group said it would beat the downturn to smash the £100m profit barrier this year – which marks its 100th birthday.

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/multiples-news/selfridges-plans-40m-store-refit-as-profits-soar/5008610.article

The rest of the article is subscription only.

Unless those amazon.co.uk bricks & mortar rumours prove true. Apparently Amazon are looking at taking on the leases of a number of former Borders stores.

Any news on this from the inside track flange or UKlad1979?

I don't see them happening as Amazon has a low over head business model and does well by selling such a vast range of products that are not all suplied directly by them. I see them getting into food before bricks and mortar maybe a takeover of ocado which is a great set up but needs Amazons big bucks behind it.

Crumpler is to open in the former Pancake Express shop on Cross Street

Thanks neil, Crumpler have been looking at opening a store in Manchester for a while now, not so sure on the location, lets hope they can make a better go of it than Pancake Express and all the other retailers that where in the unit before them did.

Crumpler is to open in the former Pancake Express shop on Cross Street

Ah yes those bloody buggers...I work at the Royal Exchange and have almost had to stop shows cos they're always setting the bloody alarms off...sooner they finish the better!

Forever 21 fashions Euro expansion

11.12.09

US retailer Forever 21 is to embark on a European expansion and has appointed Harper Dennis Hobbs to search for UK and European stores

It is eyeing Paris, Milan, Munich, Amsterdam, Vienna, Madrid and Barcelona, where it seeks to open stores of between 30,000 and 50,000 sq ft.

The retailer is thought to be in talks for a flagship shop in London. It nearly took a store in Covent Garden but is now eyeing Oxford Street and south-east shopping centres.

It will then target Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

James Ebel, Harper Dennis Hobbs director, said: “This is an exciting young US fashion brand. The timing is perfect for Forever 21 to hit Europe.”

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3154979

Double Post

Tesco on Deansgate opens on Weds. Seems they didn't take the american travel shop and knock it through.

Tesco on Deansgate opens on Weds. Seems they didn't take the american travel shop and knock it through.

Its such a small shop aswell. They are obviously just trying to go for blanket coverage so as to engrain the brand into peoples minds, thus reenforcing the brand to get people to do their weekly shop at Tesco too.

Tesco on Deansgate opens on Weds. Seems they didn't take the american travel shop and knock it through.

It's very odd as there is defifnitely work going on inside the travel shop, and the license apps are still on the window.
The actual Tesco store is surprisingly large though when I had a peek in the other day...

Maybe they are opening in stages, with the travel shop bit to open later?

As pipkin says though, the shop is already big so if they did open into next door you'd be looking at a store as large as the upper floor of Market Street (only a few hundred meters away!). It's good to see Manchester joining in the Tesco always within sight phenomenon. It reminds me of the way a dictatorship has the leader's portrait always visible. All heil Tesco.

New app for a foodstore & two retail units at White City:
74483/FULL/2009 (http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=389535&XSLT=/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/SiteFiles/Skins/Default_AA/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning%20Application%20Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/SiteFiles/Skins/Default_AA/Menus/PL.xml&DAURI=PLANNING)
White City Retail Park White City Way Old Trafford

Erection of new foodstore (Class A1) (9036 sqm. gross floor space) and two new non-food retail units (class A1) (2357 sqm. gross floor space) with associated parking provision and landscaping, partial demolition and extension and alterations to existing non-food retail units, alterations to existing car park layout.

Got access to article about the £30-£40 million refurbishment of Selfridges Exchange Square, some intersting things mentioned and timescale for refurbishment.


Selfridges plans £40m store refit as profits soar

5 December 2009

By Mark Faithfull

Selfridges is to pump up to £40m into refurbishing its Manchester Exchange store next year after the iconic department store group said it would beat the downturn to smash the £100m profit barrier this year – which marks its 100th birthday.

Selfridges chief executive Paul Kelly said group revenue would be up by “high single digits” for the current year against sales of £809m last year. He added that its regional stores in Manchester and Birmingham had performed well, “showing that this [performance] was not just about tourists visiting the London store or the weak pound but about strong local sales growth”.

Kelly said complete refurbishment of the Manchester Exchange store in the city’s centre would begin next year, once planning permissions had been granted, and that work would last for several years and cost in the region of £30m to £40m.

“The redevelopment of the Manchester store will be a massive project and will be a major influence on the centre of the city,” said Kelly.

Plans for the refurbishment are likely to make some indies that trade in the city centre and stock similar brands nervous, but other indies said a refurbished Selfridges would help bring excitement and therefore more shoppers into the city, which would be a long-term benefit to anyone trading in Manchester.

Selfridges has also invested in developing its first transactional website, which will go live next spring, and it will open a 32,000 sq ft footwear department in its Oxford Street store in London next year.

Kelly added: “We are not in that many locations and so this [the web] gives us the opportunity to touch a lot more people. It has been two years in the making and is another multimillion pound investment that we have thought about carefully.”

He added: “We have already made a sizeable investment in the ecommerce site and it is going to take a lot of our focus in 2010 – it’s very much like opening a new store. We have looked at many aspects of what we want to offer and obviously it will be based around the big brands and complementing our own brand offer. It is impossible to recreate the buzz of visiting the stores but it will be an energetic site and we will do all we can to entertain.

“We have continued to invest in our stores and we will continue to do so. I think people make their decisions about where they want to shop and fortunately many people continue to like what we do at Selfridges.”

The women’s footwear department in the London store will grow by more than a third. It is scheduled to open in the second half of 2010. Kelly said the department would be “of a scale and execution that blows any other department store away”.

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/

Got access to article about the £30-£40 million refurbishment of Selfridges Exchange Square, some intersting things mentioned and timescale for refurbishment.



http://www.drapersonline.com/news/


any mention on the selfridges in the trafford centre?

It's very odd as there is defifnitely work going on inside the travel shop, and the license apps are still on the window.
The actual Tesco store is surprisingly large though when I had a peek in the other day...

Is this tesco a metro store? I think we do need another metro store and not an express store.


Anyone with any information whether John Lewis and Hollister are comming to town?

New app for a foodstore & two retail units at White City:

Derwent Holdings also own the Ellesmere Shopping Centre, Walkden. They are currently building a big new store for there No.1 tenant there, Tesco. Wonder if this is a back-up plan for Tesco if the joint plan with LCCC doesn't get approval? There is a precedant, look at what happened on Church Street in the NQ.... didn't get the old Christopher Wray unit so went over the road....

[QUOTE=nosey;48539737]Is this tesco a metro store? I think we do need another metro store and not an express store.
QUOTE]

The Tesco Express on Princess St opposite the Town Hall was originally supposed to be a 'Metro' store (according to the plans submitted) but was halved in size at the last minute to be an 'Express'. The credit crunch took a bite me thinks... that and a 2nd rate location...

A bit more on the Selfridges refurb


Selfridges to invest £40m in city centre store

By James Chapelard

Upmarket department store chain Selfridges is to invest up to £40m in its Exchange Square store in Manchester city centre.

The refit will take two to three years and although it will not involve an extension or additional floors, the retailer said it would be a “major influence” on the city centre.

Selfridges marketing director Sally Scott said: “Putting between £30m-£40m into a store is bound to make it stand out even more than it does now. Watch out for something extraordinary. It's looking at every single aspect of customer experience. There will be some departments that will see changes in terms of feel and style.”

The 120,000 sq ft glass fronted store, opened in 2002, attracts some 4 million visitors a year. Scott said trading had been strong in the past year but declined to give figures.

Selfridges, privately-owned by the Weston family, is on track to make £100m pre-tax profit in the year to January 2010, up from £88.1m last year, on sales of about £815m.

Kate Harrison, interim chief executive of Cityco, Manchester's city centre management company, said Selfridges' plans showed confidence in Manchester city centre, where retail turnover figures are “consistently higher then the national average”.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/

Is this tesco a metro store? I think we do need another metro store and not an express store.


Anyone with any information whether John Lewis and Hollister are comming to town?

No it's an express store. Hollister are not coming anytime soon and John Lewis need a site big enough.

No it's an express store. Hollister are not coming anytime soon and John Lewis need a site big enough.
Part of the Coop site would be perfect for John Lewis, a coop with The Coop as landlord.

Part of the Coop site would be perfect for John Lewis, a coop with The Coop as landlord.

If West ever get funding to build the development across from Harvey Nick's I would expect to see John Lewis on the corner. Any plans for them being near Market St/Arndale have come to nothing.

Administrators forced to close Borders

By Simon Binns

Administrators of failed book-store chain Borders (UK) Ltd have been unable to find a buyer for the business and will close the remaining stores on December 22.

Philip Duffy, Geoff Bouchier and David Whitehouse of corporate recovery firm MCR were appointed joint administrators in November but said it had “not been possible to agree a sale of any part of the business as a going concern.

“The Joint Administrators continue to negotiate with a number of parties regarding a sale of the assets of the business,” the firm said in a statement.

Borders has outlets at the Manchester Fort Retail Park and in Stockport.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20091218/FREE/912189987/1083

PW.

Swarovski alights on the north
18.12.09

Crystal retailer Swarovski, advised by Harper Dennis Hobbs, is to open four stores in Manchester, Aberdeen, Doncaster and Warrington before Christmas

In Manchester Swarovski will open a 1,317 sq ft first-floor store in the Arndale Centre on a 10-year lease, paying an average annual rent of £141,000 with a rent-free period.

In Aberdeen Swarovski will open a 1,200 sq ft store at British Land and Land Securities’ Bon Accord centre, on a 10-year lease, paying annual rent of £130,000 with a rent-free period.

In Doncaster and Warrington the retailer will open 775 sq ft of ground-floor stores.

In Doncaster Swarovski is paying £65,000 a year for a store at 49 Frenchgate Shopping Centre on a 10-year lease with 18 months rent free.

In Warrington, its store at 47B Golden Square is also on a 10-year lease. Swarovski will pay £45,000 a year and has a “considerable” but unspecified rent-free period.

Lunson Mitchenall and FG Burnett acted for landlords Frenchgate Nominees in Doncaster and Lend Lease in Warrington respectively; Harper Dennis Hobbs advised Swarovski on all the lettings.

Premier Express is now being fitted out on Whitworth Street West next to Reeds Rains.

Sunflower Snacks are opening soon on Whitworth Street Westnext to Thornley Groves.

Ecco have closed their store on St Anns Street.

Christmas markets set to break records

22nd December 2009

By Richard Kay - Business Reporter

MANCHESTER'S Christmas markets are expected to have broken visitor records this year.

Council chiefs believe more than 1.6 million people will have visited the popular attraction, which ended yesterday.

Hope are high that despite the bad weather of the last few days, which will have affected footfall into the city, that the markets will have boosted trade in the city by more than £42m.

The markets were establiished 11 years ago to bring a cosmopolitan European feeling to Manchester.

This year there were a record 400 stalls across six central locations - the largest being in Albert Square near the Town Hall.

Traders from across Europe flock to Manchester with the German sausage and gluhwein stalls and Dutch flower sellers in particular doing a roaring trade.

The markets and other attractions such as the ice rink in the Spinningfields district were supported by a major marketing and advertising campaign.

The initiative by CityCo cost £600,000 and included prime-time television adverts.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/

TWO MORE STORES JOIN THE BIG LINE UP AT MANCHESTER FORT

Manchester Fort Shopping Park is pleased to announce that a further two more stores have opened at North Manchester’s most popular shopping destination on Cheetham Hill Road.

Famous Footwear, is well known on Factory Outlets offering branded footwear and accessories that are up to 30% off the high street prices. Now customers will be able to get those great offers at Manchester Fort. Stocking such brands as Hush Puppies, Lotus, Gola, Lonsdale, TrueForm and many more this will be Famous Footwear’s 37th outlet in the UK.

When it’s Gone it’s Gone, a local high end discount store selling branded and licensed goods at extremely competitive prices, also opened recently. Selling a whole range of products from toys, housewares, electricals, textiles and stationery there is something for everyone in this store. But don’t forget you need to be quick because When it’s Gone it’s Gone! This will be the retailers 4th outlet .

Commenting, Philip Byrne, Manchester Fort Centre Manager said: 'As well as being good news for local shoppers in Manchester, the opening of these two new great stores, is also good news for the local community as they will be creating a further 18 more jobs at Manchester Fort Shopping Park which currently employs almost/over 1,000 local people'.

http://www.manchesterfort.co.uk/news/19/

Famous Footwear have opened up in the former Martin Dawes unit, When it’s Gone it’s Gone have opened up in the former Jessops unit and another new store has opened up in the former Lilley & Skinner unit called Branded Clearence.

The Borders shop at Fort Manchester is I am informatively informed to be a Toys R Us.

In response to your last post, the inclusion of just a few desperate bargain bin shops and the disappearance of Borders and Blacks has very quickly turned this area into a new Salford Shopping centre.

those bargain bin shops could be on short leases for the Xmas period. Even the Arndale, Market St and St Annes square have a few these. I reckon these could be gone early in the new year.

those bargain bin shops could be on short leases for the Xmas period. Even the Arndale, Market St and St Annes square have a few these. I reckon these could be gone early in the new year.


Do you think so? Pound shops will be going, I do feel at times they degrade the city centre to be honest.


About Hollisters, what about th Virgin Bride Store...It is empty, and nowt there really.

I know the Trafford Centre is bad on Boxing Day but today it was just hell luckily was only in there for 30 minutes, every car park full and people parking on the pavements, ended up parking in Asda.


Crowds turn out for Boxing Day sales

Deborah Linton and Paul Bentley

December 26, 2009

SHOPS were reporting the busiest Boxing Day sales ever as thousands of bargain hunters descended on stores.

Manchester city centre and The Trafford Centre were open for business from 7am with cash registers ringing to the tune of tens of thousands of shoppers.

Despite online sales – and some on the high street – launching earlier in the week, more than 15,000 people were in The Trafford Centre's malls by 9am. The figure had doubled by 11am.

Manchester Arndale opened for the first time on Boxing Day with Next reporting its busiest opening day of the sales in a decade. Around 3,000 people were queuing outside the store for its 7am opening – with the first in the queue camping out from 3.30am. The store was expecting to have taken £1m by 5pm.

The savviest shoppers had finished their trolley dash in time for Selfridges, in Exchange Square, opening its doors at 8am. More than 2,000 people are reported to have been queuing outside the department store from 5.30am. Crowds were pushed up against the glass and stormed the store, heading straight for the Gucci concession and mountains of designer handbags with up to 75 per cent off.

Paramedics

Shoppers were only momentarily distracted when a roof panel fell down in the packed accessories department leaving four customers requiring treatment by paramedics, including one woman for minor head injuries.

General manager Jane Sharrocks said: “We can confirm that a three-foot square piece of plastic from the ceiling light fixture fell in our Manchester Exchange Square store.”

She added: “All four customers sustained only minor injuries such as nose bleed and superficial bruising. Selfridges is currently assessing the cause of the incident.”

One shopper, Adam Caulfield, from Oldham, said: “It was pandemonium.”

The store said it had been a particularly busy year for accessories and designer wear.

Discounting

Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at The Trafford Centre, said: “At this point it certainly feels busier than previous years. People have no doubt been waiting for the sales because we didn't have the same level of discounting beforehand that there was last year.”

The fact that Boxing Day has fallen on a Saturday, the return of VAT to 17.5 per cent in the new year and free parking in Manchester city centre are all credited with encouraging this year's sales success.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1187338_crowds_turn_out_for_boxing_day_sales

I know the Trafford Centre is bad on Boxing Day but today it was just hell luckily was only in there for 30 minutes, every car park full and people parking on the pavements, ended up parking in Asda.



http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1187338_crowds_turn_out_for_boxing_day_sales

Queues on M60 as far as junction 18

Queueing up from 3.30am on Boxing Day to get in a shop?

Takes all sorts.

Done (BetFred) bookmakers are opening in the old HSBC next to Debenhams so you dont need to walk 1 min to the one on Fountain St or 3 mins to the one on Oldham Street.

Hi

What about Toys R Us in Manchester Fort is it going to be it.

I live about 500 yards from it

Hi

What about Toys R Us in Manchester Fort is it going to be it.

I live about 500 yards from it

SOD Toys R Us!
Want Borders/Starbucks back NOW!
Or equivalent!

Centre pleads for all-day Sunday shopping

Pat Hurst

December 29, 2009

TRAFFORD Centre bosses are calling for a change in Sunday trading laws to avoid an ‘absolute nightmare’ at next year’s sales.

Boxing Day falls on a Sunday next year and the shopping centre wants the government to relax the rules that stop them opening for more than six hours.

Bosses say they still had 30,000 people shopping when the centre was forced to shut on the Sunday after this Christmas.

They say the demand is there for them to be open longer – and warn of chaos next year if nothing changes.

Operations director Gordon McKinnon said: “It is going to be an absolute nightmare unless something is done.

“Turning people away in the current economic climate is just lunacy. The Government could take a real positive step to support the hard hit retail sector to eliminate this ridiculous situation on Sundays.

“Over the years shopping on a Sunday has got more and more important. The Sunday trading restriction is a piece of regulation that is not required in the modern day. Hour for hour, Sunday is the busiest day of the week for us. The demand is there, as illustrated for everyone to see this year across the country.”

The Trafford Centre says it had 20,000 customers inside before stores even opened on Sunday.

Mr McKinnon said a group of shopping centres including the Trafford Centre, Meadowhall in Sheffield, Bluewater in Kent and Westfield in London were proposing to lobby the Government to change the laws.

He also said a number of big individual retailers were also looking at how to resolve the situation for next year.

The Sunday Trading Act was brought in in 1994 to allow shops to open legally for the first time in England and Wales. Small shops can open all day but bigger shops are restricted to six hours.

The legislation has been seen as a compromise between commercial interests and those who wanted to keep Sunday special.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1187502_centre_pleads_for_allday_sunday_shopping

^^ I agree with them. I don't see why the government should dictate to people that they may shop only at certain times.

^^ I agree with them. I don't see why the government should dictate to people that they may shop only at certain times.

What about people who work in the retail industry? The demands on them in terms of hours are already very high, and employee contracts in the retail industry are not exactly known for being good for the worker. Consumers already have a vast amount of options such as 24 hr supermarkets, home delivery etc. Do they really need all day Sunday too?

I don't see why not. It's a free country so I don't see why the government should limit shopping hours on a Sunday when it's just an ordinary day to most people.

I agree with you that workers need time off, but that should be introduced under separate legislation. In my opinion, if workers want Sundays off, they should get Sundays off. But plenty of people would be happy to work on Sundays to get extra money (especially students) and if they want to, then I think that's ok.

Treating Sunday like all other days will create many jobs badly needed right now. This needs changing now, we live in a time when weekends are the only time many people can shop.

Screw Peel Holdings and Tesco. The Government should force just Tesco and the Trafford Centre to close all day Sunday just to piss the pricks off. When shops open all day Sunday it means as a country we've totally lost the plot. Sunday is the day of rest and has been for 1000s of years, theres no reason to change it in 2010 because some rich prick says so. No Student should be forced to work from 9 to 5 on a Sunday in a shop. If they do open all day Sunday, the Government will not bring in any law to omit Sundays from Contracts easily, it will never happen.

Treating Sunday like all other days will create many jobs badly needed right now. This needs changing now, we live in a time when weekends are the only time many people can shop.

As far as I can see Sunday trading costs jobs. People buy the same amount of crap they always did but the costs of running a store increase by one seventh (as you've got to pay the staff/heat the building/pay the electric bill for an extra day). This means is less economic to run a shop as costs increase. If stores were shut for six days a week all that would happen is that people would buy the same stuff in the one day that the stores were open.

However it does mean that owner occupiers get screwed over by the big boys as they can't have a day off (or they'll lose out to those who do open up on a sunday).

So this is capitalism at its worst (again).

NB the only reason why people don't have the time to do the shopping is that their working hours are too long in the first place, something which Sunday trading makes worse (for those who work in retail).

No Student should be forced to work from 9 to 5 on a Sunday in a shop.
Is this forced work going to be compulsary then !;) I bet there isn't a person on this site who hasn't bought something on a Sunday , or after 5:30 in the week ! I don't think the public use their Sundays to go to church anymore either ,times have changed dramatically !!

What about the employees? They currently work 6.30 hours on a Sunday. If Peel and others have their way they would have to work 8.30 hours. A normal day. Who listens to them? Obviously not Peel or John Whittaker.

Sunday may well have once been special, but in reality it’s now just another day - and to be honest, Sunday trading is just a pain in the arse. I keep getting caught out by the 24hr tesco in Prestwich shutting at 4 on Sunday. Same applies to the licensing laws. In this day and age it’s ludicrous.

Also - why should “workers rights” apply just to shop workers ??
We all expect to be able to use electricity, telephones, emergency services, hospitals, pubs, gas, watch television, use the internet, 24 hours a day, and every one of those things and countless others need staff to operate - yet we don’t seem to pity those people in the same way we do shop workers.

Sunday may well have once been special, but in reality it’s now just another day - and to be honest, Sunday trading is just a pain in the arse. I keep getting caught out by the 24hr tesco in Prestwich shutting at 4 on Sunday. Same applies to the licensing laws. In this day and age it’s ludicrous.

Also - why should “workers rights” apply just to shop workers ??
We all expect to be able to use electricity, telephones, emergency services, hospitals, pubs, gas, watch television, use the internet, 24 hours a day, and every one of those things and countless others need staff to operate - yet we don’t seem to pity those people in the same way we do shop workers.

Do office workers work on a Sunday? Do bank workers work on a Sunday? Do post office workers work on a Sunday? Etc. It's a 24 hour society isn't it, so why are they and other workers allowed Sundays off?

electricity, telephones, emergency services, hospitals, pubs, gas, watch television, use the internet, 24 hours a day

Those services are a necessity. Shoppping at the Trafford Centre for an extra '2 hours' on a Sunday so Peel can make even more money isn't. Don't be silly.

One more point. The Trafford Centre is already open Monday - Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday 10am-8pm and Sunday 12noon-6pm (some stores open at 11am) If you can't do your shopping within those hours then there's something seriously wrong with you and your life style.

Instead of rushing down to the TC first thing on a Sunday morning, take it easy, chill out, have a lie in and get a life.

I don't think anybody should be judging anyone else's lifestyles or their choices.

Quite frankly, the only basis by which Sunday was ever deemed to be a day of rest was a religious one. Not being Christian, I really don't care about such arguments. If I want to shop on Sunday, then I should be able to. If shop owners want to be able to open their shops on Sunday then they should be able to - without restriction.

I used to work every second Sunday for 2 years when I worked at the bank. It never caused me any problems. I still only did a 35 hour week, unless I made the choice to work overtime. When I was studying, I worked almost every Saturday and every Sunday in McDonald's. I don't think that's a necessary service is it? Yet that is open from 6am to midnight - and there is always plenty of demand for it.

All this nonsense about working hours is ridiculous. If an employee agrees to working hours that they don't really want to, then that is their own fault. No employer can force their staff to work hours that they are not contractually obliged to work.

I don't think anybody should be judging anyone else's lifestyles or their choices.

Quite frankly, the only basis by which Sunday was ever deemed to be a day of rest was a religious one. Not being Christian, I really don't care about such arguments. If I want to shop on Sunday, then I should be able to. If shop owners want to be able to open their shops on Sunday then they should be able to - without restriction.

I used to work every second Sunday for 2 years when I worked at the bank. It never caused me any problems. I still only did a 35 hour week, unless I made the choice to work overtime. When I was studying, I worked almost every Saturday and every Sunday in McDonald's. I don't think that's a necessary service is it? Yet that is open from 6am to midnight - and there is always plenty of demand for it.

All this nonsense about working hours is ridiculous. If an employee agrees to working hours that they don't really want to, then that is their own fault. No employer can force their staff to work hours that they are not contractually obliged to work.

Yet he'd be quite happy for me and others to start earlier on a Sunday so he can shop earlier. You were saying about lifestyles and choices Priscilla. I currently have one as far as Sunday's go.

The point being. The law regarding Sunday working and shopping hours is fine as it is. The only people that want to change it are shopping centre owners, etc. And we all know why.

The vast majority of people who don't work on a Sunday prefer to spend Sunday morning's with their family, have a lie in and perhaps go shopping later on.

As I've already shown there's plenty of time in the week and on Sunday's to shop until you drop.

Leave the Sunday trading hours as they are. There is nothing wrong with them, unless you happen to be John Whittaker and own the Traffford Centre.

Yet he'd be quite happy for me and others to start earlier on a Sunday so he can shop earlier. You were saying about lifestyles and choices Priscilla. I currently have one as far as Sunday's go.

The point being. The law regarding Sunday working and shopping hours is fine as it is. The only people that want to change it are shopping centre owners, etc. And we all know why.

The vast majority of people who don't work on a Sunday prefer to spend Sunday morning's with their family, have a lie in and perhaps go shopping later on.

As I've already shown there's plenty of time in the week and on Sunday's to shop until you drop.

Leave the Sunday trading hours as they are. There is nothing wrong with them, unless you happen to be John Whittaker and own the Traffford Centre.

I disagree. The fact still remains that Sunday is no different to any other day, and everybody should be free to go about their business on that day, as any other. If they want to shop - at any hour, they should be able to. If they want to work, then they should be able to. None of that stops others from lying in if they want to.

So much for the '24 hour party people', eh? No, let's just shut down in the evenings and weekends. :nuts:

It isn't just shopping centres who want this, lots of ordinary folk do too. As somtastic said above, the stupid Sunday trading laws are a pain in the arse. Plenty of people have to work on Sundays to keep things moving, I don't see why shop workers should be any different.

If I want to shop after 6pm on a Sunday then why should the government tell me I can't? What business is it of theirs?

I disagree. The fact still remains that Sunday is no different to any other day, and everybody should be free to go about their business on that day, as any other. If they want to shop - at any hour, they should be able to. If they want to work, then they should be able to. None of that stops others from lying in if they want to.

In that case you could apply that criteria to everyday life. Laws are made for a purpose. As it stands the law states limited opening hours on a Sunday. I see no need to change that law whatsoever.(not even for people that 'need' to get to the TC by 9am on a Sunday morning) Hopefully neither the current Labour Government or a future Conservative Government will either.

In that case you could apply that criteria to everyday life. Laws are made for a purpose. As it stands the law states limited opening hours on a Sunday. I see no need to change that law whatsoever.(not even for people that 'need' to get to the TC by 9am on a Sunday morning) Hopefully neither the current Labour Government or a future Conservative Government will either.


The law harks back to a time when the church had more power and when most of the population would've been expected to be at service on Sunday morning. That is no longer the case and so the law is outdated, even in it's now ammended, relaxed form.

I notice you keep mentioning the Trafford Centre. I know you have quite an intense dislike of Peel (which, incidentally, I usually share), so I can't help but wonder that if it was M&S or some other generally more respected retailer that had been pushing for this law change, you might not be so opposed.

I think we're going to have to agree to disagree on this one! :lol:

Anyways, I am off out for the old NYE celebrations, so as, I am sure that I will be in no fit state to type when I return:

HAPPY 2010 everybody! :cheers:

http://i46.tinypic.com/2mngarl.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/2wdykjt.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2k3atc.jpg

New planning application for Mancheseter Fort.


Manchester Fort Shopping Park
Cheetham Hill
Manchester
M8 8LN

Erection of two storey building to form Class A3 Use (cafe/restaurant) and associated landscaping and boundary treatments

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KUZVWVBC03K00

No documents are online yet.

New planning application for Mancheseter Fort.



http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KUZVWVBC03K00

No documents are online yet.

I imagine this will be in the carpark next to Pizza Hut. This place always seems packed so I can see the need for more units but the carpark is often packed. I wonder if they will buy any surrounding land to expand the Fort.

HOLLYWOOD-style searchlights are illuminating the night sky to herald a bright future for Bury.

The light show from The Rock highlights the creation of an urban village shopping, leisure and living destination, scheduled to open in July next year.

The searchlights which propel their beams into the Bury skyline are intended to symbolise a “starstruck” time ahead for shoppers, thanks to the £350 million Rock Triangle development.

Property firm Thornfield, which is managing the project, says that this time next year Christmas shoppers will be able to choose from more than 60 stores opening in Bury during 2010, including Primark and H&M, Debenhams and M&S.

Visitors will be able to eat at restaurants including Nando’s and Pizza Express which will be open in the evening, choose a film from 10 screens showing at the new Vue cinema or have fun at the AMF Bowling and Entertainment Centre.

Thornfield Properties’ Rock centre director, David Laycock, is already making plans for the launch and events through to Christmas next year.

He said: “When it opens in July, the development will be the biggest of its kind in the UK.

“It is hugely exciting and my New Year’s message is that Bury will rock the UK.”

Mr Laycock added that the work is on schedule and has not been disrupted by the weather.

The company says that locals can look forward to job opportunities as well as improved shopping and leisure activities in the town.

http://www.burytimes.co.uk/resources/images/1142682/?type=display

I could see these searchlights from Sale !! Didn't realise they were in Bury !

Yet he'd be quite happy for me and others to start earlier on a Sunday so he can shop earlier. You were saying about lifestyles and choices Priscilla. I currently have one as far as Sunday's go.Anyone who works on a Sunday , is hardly treating as a day of rest though , if this lifestyle doesn't suit then people should change to a job that is Mon to Fri ,9-5 ;and before anyone gets upset I have worked shifts for years , weekends,nights,Bank holidays ,away over Christmas etc.I don't mind it as I can do my shopping in the week and avoid the crowds of the weekends .If Sunday trading had no demand then it would have finished long ago , the reality is retailing has changed over the years as Priscilla said, next thing is a lobby for the return of half day closing !:ohno:

Anyone who works on a Sunday , is hardly treating as a day of rest though , if this lifestyle doesn't suit then people should change to a job that is Mon to Fri ,9-5

Yes, because finding another job is as simple as that.

I've only worked one place, not retail mind, where they had Sunday shifts (actually, they operated 24/7, 365 excluding Christmas day) and it was nigh on impossible to change your shifts, so if you were landed with Sunday or any other unsociable slot you were screwed. Unless you were mates with one of the supervisors.

The idea of full trading hours on a Sunday though has wider implications than just workers rights. It's symptomatic of a country which has lost its way and is becoming more and more about consumerism and instant gratification.

I stayed in Lyon a few times in 2007 and even the supermarkets close at 12 on a Sunday, but people still find stuff to do, go to museums, the cinema etc. get a bit o' culture down em. It makes for an actual 'day of rest' atmosphere and a nice bit of respite from the constant torrent of shopping.

Yes, but what happens if you don't want a "day of rest" and would prefer to do something else?

I don't understand why some people like to tell other people how to spend their free time.

To those who don't like shopping on Sundays, I'd say don't go shopping. Stay at home all you wish. But if others do prefer to go the Trafford Centre, Arndale, etc. then they should be allowed to as well. I don't see what the problem is.

New app for a foodstore & two retail units at White City:

Well the food store will apparently be run by Sainsburys


Rival stores to battle for Trafford dominance

J Sainsbury is looking to build a 90,000 sq ft food store at the White City retail park in Trafford.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/

Sainsbury's? A bit close to their Regent Rd store (if I remember right has permission to be extended still further?) which according to Google maps is only 1.5 miles away... Or just a spoiler to stop a possible Trafford Tesco taking sales away from their Regent Road and Sale stores?

Looks like Argos at Central Retail Park will be one of the first stores in the U.K. to get the new Argos look.

Old Logo

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4867/oldargos.jpg

New Logo

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7661/newargos.jpg

Plans online now for the new logos around the store at Ancoats here.


Argos Ltd
Central Retail
Ancoats
Manchester
M4 6DJ

Installation of 1 non illuminated entrance sign and 2 internally illuminated high level fascia signs to the southern and south eastern elevations

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?091974/AO/2009/N1

New planning application for Mancheseter Fort.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KUZVWVBC03K00

No documents are online yet.

Planning application online now.

The retail unit will be directly opposite the new KFC by their drive thru road and the new entrance/ exit road that was built when KFC was.

New store opening at the Manchester Arndale Food Court called Southern 11, job applications are now online.


Southern 11 - Full Time Member

Manchester Arndale

Closing Date: 07/01/2010

Type: Full-time , Permanent

Hours: 40 Hours

Details:
Southern 11 are opening up a stand in the Manchester Arndale Foodcourt, they require experienced full time team members to help with the daily running within their company.

You will be required to work as a team member, cashier or on the grills.

https://www.manchesterarndale.com/job_details-4162.htm

Sainsbury's? A bit close to their Regent Rd store (if I remember right has permission to be extended still further?) which according to Google maps is only 1.5 miles away...

That's miles compared to the 2 Tesco stores in Whalley Range, one on Withington Rd and just round the corner on Upper Chorlton Rd there's another one, I'd say about a 1/4 of a mile if that. Ridiculous.

That's miles compared to the 2 Tesco stores in Whalley Range, one on Withington Rd and just round the corner on Upper Chorlton Rd there's another one, I'd say about a 1/4 of a mile if that. Ridiculous.

Oh I agree totally rediculous, Tesco also have superstores in Burnage and East Didsbury (Parrs Wood) probably the same distance apat, Tesco bought the Burnage site to stop Asda getting it (I used to live on Parrs Wood Rd), hence the last sentence of my previous post. At least the Tescos in Whalley Range are those little convenience ones, whereas both these Sainsburys are pretty big, if not huge, superstores....:ohno:

New Logo

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/7661/newargos.jpg



looks like a smiley face, a bit like the Hasbro logo. Guess they (Argos) sell a fair bit of the latter company's products!

Plans for the Sainsburys at White City are now online

The existing Site Plan

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8805/whitecityexisting.jpg

Proposed Site Plan

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/9138/whitecityproposed.jpg

From the plans looks like they plan on doing a Tesco with the car park being underneath the store, like Tescos store in Altrincham and like the planned Tesco at Old Trafford.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/9153/whitecityplans1.jpg

Also the whole retail park will be refurbished with new facades aswell to look more modern.

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/2447/whitecityplans2.jpg

Oh I agree totally rediculous, Tesco also have superstores in Burnage and East Didsbury (Parrs Wood) probably the same distance apat, Tesco bought the Burnage site to stop Asda getting it (I used to live on Parrs Wood Rd), hence the last sentence of my previous post. At least the Tescos in Whalley Range are those little convenience ones,

From memory, wasn't the Burnage store originally intend as a Tesco Extra store?

I seem to remember the City Council blocked the plans for the Extra store and so Tesco watered down the proposals to the smaller store that is there now.

At the time I had the impression that Tesco intended to replace the East Didsbury store with a larger store in Burnage.

Sainsbury's? A bit close to their Regent Rd store (if I remember right has permission to be extended still further?) which according to Google maps is only 1.5 miles away... Or just a spoiler to stop a possible Trafford Tesco taking sales away from their Regent Road and Sale stores?
Whenever I'm in Regent Road these days it is virtually empty. I have thought a few times recently that the store doesn't look like it is going to survive. A Tesco Extra at Old Trafford will probably finish it off.

At least the Tescos in Whalley Range are those little convenience ones, whereas both these Sainsburys are pretty big, if not huge, superstores....:ohno:

Thats true but the effect on traffic has been dramatic, to 'not funny' level.

PropertyWeek.

Organic Spa Company makes prime retail splash
08.01.10

If, in the midst of these financially straitened times, you have had the pleasure and the pockets to enjoy a cruise, the Organic Spa Company might be a familiar name to you.

The company, which, as its name suggests, uses its own organic products, pampers passengers on 35 liners. But now, the seafaring spa has its feet on dry land.

In the past month alone, the company has opened six O Spa London-branded branches: in the capital on New Bond Street (4,643 sq ft), Leadenhall Market (206 sq ft) and the Royal Exchange (1,000 sq ft) in the City, Westfield London shopping centre (3,656 sq ft), Cabot Place in Canary Wharf (1,230 sq ft); and in Windsor’s Royal shopping centre (675 sq ft). O Spa plans to open 20 more outlets in London in 2010. A further five will open in key regional cities such as Leeds and Manchester.

This month, it will open in 587 sq ft at Devonshire Square in the City and on Regent Street. This will be followed by further stores in Kensington and Covent Garden in February. Another five London outlets are in solicitors’ hands. Most branches will operate as full treatment centres, with the exception of those in the City, which will be retail only.

“The spa division has evolved in recent years and, as we sell and use only our own organic products in our stores, it gives us a niche that is allowing us to grow quickly,” says Spencer McGuinness, managing director of O Spa.

For its new stores, McGuinness is targeting prime shopping sites of up to 4,000 sq ft and has so far been successful in securing them. This, he explains, is in part because he has been able to negotiate on rents, but also a reflection of the fact that more sites in prime areas have become available.

Units in the Royal Exchange or on New Bond Street are not always readily available — or affordable — during buoyant times, says McGuinness. Moreover, landlords of such high-end retail patches are usually reluctant to let units to untried start-up companies such as O Spa. However, because landlords are keen to fill empty space quickly, O Spa has been able to massage itself into position. 

BC Commercial acts for O Spa.

And if memory serves me right haven`t Morrisons lodged a planning application for a Superstore in Ordsall?

The smaller HMV on Market Street has closed.

Ecco on St. Ann's St has closed.

All of the market stalls on Church Street are now closed and ready to be demolished.

All of the market stalls on Church Street are now closed and ready to be demolished.


Good riddance

The smaller HMV on Market Street has closed.

Ecco on St. Ann's St has closed.

Thanks pipkin, not so surprising over HMV closing down their smaller Market St store now that they have a bigger store in the Arndale itself, and it only leaves them to refurbish the big HMV on Market St now to there newer look like the Arndale store, lets hope the former HMV gets filled up soon.

The markets at Church St are coming back highriser, new modern units are being built in their place.


Manchester looking streets ahead

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/255/churchstmarkets.jpg

A new project that could have a drastic effect on Manchester's Church Street

A “bright new look” is heading for the streets of Manchester city centre, thanks to fresh investment from the city council.

Five stalls, which have sold everything from records to fruit and veg on Church Street for decades, will be demolished and replaced by a modern steel and glass structure housing 11 stalls.

The £300,000 from Manchester City Council will see the arrival of a new structure, which they say will also look attractive when closed with shutters decorated with bright street art murals.

Cllr Pat Karney, Manchester City Council’s spokesman on the city centre, said: “This is an exciting project that will provide an attraction for shoppers to cross High Street Manchester looking streets ahead from the Arndale market and draw them towards other businesses in the Northern Quarter of the city centre.”

Mark Legomski, Head of Manchester Markets, added: “We have all the finance in place and planning permission agreed so we plan to start work on demolishing the old stalls, which have become rather tired, and start rebuilding the new-look market towards the end of January next year.

“The existing stallholders have been offered stalls and we already have traders lined up for the additional six stalls, which is planned to include a food outlet.”

While the eradication of decades of tradition is usually frowned upon by those it involves, Mark McCall who has sold fruit and veg on Church Street for 30 years remained positive hailing the move as the ‘dawn of a new era’.

“There’s incredible affection for this market, and many of our customers have been coming here for decades,” he told local media.

“It’s undoubtedly the dawn of a new era, and I hope that the venue never loses any of the individuality which makes it so popular.”

Bookseller Eddie Hopkinson, who has ten years on Mark, added: “The investment in this market is very much to be welcomed.

“There is slight concern among stallholders about the short length of the three-year leases we are all being offered - particularly as it’s going to cost each of us thousands to kit our new stall out.

“But this will hopefully be resolved in the fullness of time.”

Martin Hellewell, a spokesperson for Manchester City Council, told Market Trader that the current traders would be relocated somewhere on Church Street “close to their present location” while the work is carried out at the start of January 2010.

He added that they are aiming for a quick turnaround with the new units complete and ready within four weeks.

http://www.manchestermarkets.co.uk/Features/Featured-Market/Manchester-looking-streets-ahead_69.asp

Rochdale has a 17% vacancy in its retail units, the highest in the country and independant store holders are launching a campaign to get the Council to give grants to new small retail businesses.

The next phase (2) for the redevelopment of the Ellesmere centre in Walkden has been approved. 54,000 sq ft of new shops and new walkways and travellators all anchored by the new Tesco store.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1189220_goahead_for_salford_shopping_scheme

HMV have closed their Branch at the bottom of Market Street facing Gamestation in Manchester Arndale

I was wondering with a lot of empty of retail units, should rent charge decreased? St Annes Square, king street and even parts of Deanesgate need something to get new shops in?

Mamas & Papas are opening a store at The Trafford Centre in June in the unit Harvey Nichols had their temporary Food Hall in over Christmas right next to John Lewis.

Cafe Latino next to Mosley St tram stop seems to have closed as it hasn't been open since before Xmas.
Go Italy on Piccadilly Plaza has closed down.

Waitrose is opening a store in Poynton during 2010. Dunno if that has been mentioned in here before. No mention of any Central or Greater Manchester stores, however.

http://www.waitrose.com/forum/default.aspx?g=posts&t=1651

Go Italy has closed! God will I miss those greasy microwaved pizzas!

HMV have closed their Branch at the bottom of Market Street facing Gamestation in Manchester Arndale

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo! I always go here first when going to the city centre, for a general browse. Guess i'll have to walk further to the other one. :(

Events boost footfall at Triangle

January 19, 2010

MANCHESTER’S Triangle Shopping Centre today announced an 8.4 per cent rise in footfall for December as a free Santa’s Grotto and other events attracted visitors.

A History of the Triangle exhibition and a temporary store run by the Manchester Fashion Network also helped to bring in shoppers.

The centre said a number of new outlets, including RC Mods, which selling remote control toys, and health and beauty business Eyes-N-Brows, also helped bring customers to the complex.

A further four shops are due to open in the near future at the Triangle, which is a mix of boutique stores and restaurants.

Triangle spokeswoman Michelle Atack, the centre’s marketing manager, said: “It has been a tough year, but the events and a number of new retailers leading up to the December period helped enormously.

“We must now push on.”

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1189507_events_boost_footfall_at_triangle

Could've fooled me. Seems to be dying a slow slow death to me......

Instead Priscilla. What is left in the triangle to go to?

The increase is probably all the poor folks discovering that shops they had previously thought open had closed.

And then quickly walking out.

Think the only stores that get many people in them at The Triangle are probably Jigsaw and Aspecto but thats probably as they have entrances on Exchange Square, the restaurants do pretty good as well I think.

There is the toilets I suppose.

There is the toilets I suppose.

not since they took the posh soap out :)

Looks like Moss at St Anns Square is going to get refurbished to Savoy Tailors Guild.

http://www.mossbros.co.uk/stg/Home.htm

Planning application online here for new signage and shopfront.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?092068/AO/2009/C1

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Income and visitor numbers up at Trafford Centre

By James Chapelard

Despite the tough retail environment the Trafford Centre has seen its turnover rise by 12 per cent to £87.8m as profits remained level at £23m.

Accounts for its parent company Peel Holdings (TCL) Ltd show an operating profit of £78m for the year to the end of March 2009, up from £72.9m the year before. Directors said the second half of the year had been one of the most difficult in the centre's history.

A note reads: “Insolvencies have caused us to have more non-trading units that any time since the original opening programme.

“Whilst the higher numbers of insolvencies has been unwelcome, it has, not unsurprisingly, been coincidental with a significant fall in demand for new or additional from the up and coming brands.

“Consequently at March 31, 2009 13 units were void and a further 23 tenants were in administration – although some of them continued to trade and were subject to pre-pack arrangements.”

Visitor numbers in the year increased 9.3 per cent to over 35m although visitor spend had remained similar to 2008 levels, directors said.

Total rental income for the Trafford Centre, excluding its new destination quarter Barton Square, was £84.8m, up from £77.8m, including turnover rent of £2.2m.

New names to arrive at the centre during the financial year were Calvin Klein, TGI Fridays and Hollister, while the first Legoland Discovery Centre opened in Barton Square.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20100125/FREE/100129928


Trafford Centre holds its own in ‘most difficult’ retailing period

25th January 2010

By Joanne Birtwistle - Deputy Editor

THE Trafford Centre has seen annual turnover rise by more than 12%, and profits hold steady, despite what it called the most difficult retailing period since the centre opened.

Accounts filed at Companies House by the centre's owner and parent company, Peel Holdings, show turnover increased to £87.8m to March 31, 2009 (2008: 77.9m), with an operating profit of £78.1m (2008: 73m).

Pre-tax profits for Peel Holdings (TCL) Limited remained steady at £23.6m (2008: £23.7m).

The directors’ report said the second half of the year had been “the most difficult period for retailing in the ten years The Trafford Centre has been open” and admitted that insolvencies had caused it to have more non trading units than at any time.

“Whilst the higher number of insolvencies has been unwelcome, it has, not unsurprisingly, been coincidental with a significant fall in demand for new or additional space from the up and coming brands,” it added.

Despite the tough climate, visitor numbers increase 9.3% on the previous year, although it admitted that overall sales levels had remained flat and not reflected the increased footfall.

The report said the centre had resisted pressure to reduce rentals, as other landlords present attractive propositions, in order to “maintain the quality threshold” that it says sets it apart from other centres.

The arrival of the Legoland Discovery Centre at Barton Arcade, and the Airkix skydiving centre in the leisure area at Trafford Quays, would further enhance the Centre’s overall appeal, it added.

Asset values fell considerably to £564m, from £956m a year earlier, following a revaluation of investment properties.

Meanwhile, pre-tax profits for subsidiary The Trafford Centre Limited, came in at £41.5m, boosted by a return of around £15m for interest received on inter group loans.

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/northwest/news/

MCC News

ten for Arndale Market
Published Thursday 21st January 10

Manchester’s Arndale Market has been named one of the UK’s top ten markets by The Guardian travel guide.

The Arndale Market joins markets in London, Bristol and Belfast as among the best in the UK according to the review on http://www.guardian.co.uk/, which describes the Arndale Market as 'the millennial take on the traditional market'.

High quality retail outlets offering designer and budget savvy fashion sit alongside a magnificent food hall, which offers international foods such as Jamaican, Greek, Brazilian, Chinese and Indian, where busy shoppers and visitors can relax and watch the world go by.

Food lovers will also be in seventh heaven with the vast choice of fresh produce on offer including meat, fish, fruit and veg, which are all locally sourced from around the region.

Councillor Paul Andrews, Manchester City Council's executive member for neighbourhood services said: "It's great to see the Arndale Market make the Guardian's top ten list. It's contemporary in both feel and layout and welcomes thousands of visitors every day. The market is a real asset to the city centre and we're extremely proud of it."

Nail bars, hairdressers, shoe and clothing repairs, beauty products, electrical and household goods, textiles, gifts, cards, jewellery, accessories, mobile phones and a florist are among the wide variety of stalls offered at the Arndale Market.

The market is open Monday to Saturday 9am until 6pm and Sunday 11am until 5pm.

It is located on High Street in Manchester city centre and is accessible from the Wintergarden area of the Manchester Arndale.

Good to see it getting some recognition.

The greek place, Kosmos, is my personal favourite. Shame Gastronomica went, their brocolli and sausage pasta was ace.

They have recently added a mexican and carribean place.

It would be great if the market moved somewhere 'proper' eg. the old smithfield market, but alas, 'twill never happen.

I know eavesdropping shouldn’t be condoned but couldn’t help hearing this on a train coming back from Mcr to London earlier today, not sure how accurate it is or whether its poor speculation/gossip. I’m guessing that Ralph Lauren is lined up for 35 King St (old Virgin Brides) and Charles Tyrwhitt in the glass fronted unit.

“Given the size of the unit and situation on King Street, I thought it’d be on the market for quite some time longer, let alone manage to attract Ralph Lauren”
“...what a stroke of luck that Tyrwhitt signs next door”
“...and Pringle opposite”.

[the conversation continued around rents bottoming out, vacancy rates etc.] then interestingly some key lines...

“They’re back looking at that end of King Street now”
“...who’d have thought they’d anchor with Cartier and Tiffany just as Armani ups sticks”
“...I’m not sure its [The Avenue] going to have the pull-factor Allied were expecting”
“...who knows it could end up being their Mailbox, just take a look at the mess that’s in now”.

At a guess, I would say 100 King St is where Tiffany and Cartier are ‘anchors’ as its unlikely Allied London would want them replacing Armani’s two stores which it takes on the leases for.

Does anyone else have more info on this? DKNY's reason not to move to The Avenue could support these.

Sounds interesting, cheers.

I was looking forward to The Avenue as one of the most exciting developments in the last year or so but it's just not going to work. You only have to stand on Deansgate, between No.1 The Avenue and the RBS building to see that it won't work.

It will never get the footfall required and Allied London should look to a change of use for the street. No.1 The Avenue, as much as I love it, was a mistake. The plot should've been left clear. It's become a barrier to what it is supposed to draw you towards and it's cost them the entire street. :ohno:

It's the crown court at the end of the Avenue thats just plain odd. It doesn't fit in with the rest of the surroundings, or maybe the rest of the surroundings don't fit in with the court. Anyway, I don't associate courts with justice anymore, I just associate them with crime and criminals, and even though it seems a bit silly to say, but crime and shopping do not mix, and in peoples minds, especially when both are located next to each other.

Can anyone actually say they have ever seen an expensive store like Paul Smith locate next to a court before? Sorry for the flippant comment, but to me, it just doesn't work. I like the Spinningfields development, its just this part of it seems to do nothing for me. If one day I happen to feel flush, I'll stick to Oi Polloi.

I've never got 'The Avenue'. I've always thought something that would benefit the office workers would stand a better chance, i.e M+S, Boots, even a small supermarket (Waitrose?). In any case, as macc said no.1 The Avenue has seriously restricted its visual prescence from Deansgate. Really it (The Avenue) needed to be much wider and be the main route into Spinningfields (Hardman St seams to have assumed that mantle) from the word go. I can only hope the further development of Spinningfields give more importance to The Avenue and some shops open there....

I know eavesdropping shouldn’t be condoned but couldn’t help hearing this on a train coming back from Mcr to London earlier today, not sure how accurate it is or whether its poor speculation/gossip. I’m guessing that Ralph Lauren is lined up for 35 King St (old Virgin Brides) and Charles Tyrwhitt in the glass fronted unit.

“Given the size of the unit and situation on King Street, I thought it’d be on the market for quite some time longer, let alone manage to attract Ralph Lauren”
“...what a stroke of luck that Tyrwhitt signs next door”
“...and Pringle opposite”.

[the conversation continued around rents bottoming out, vacancy rates etc.] then interestingly some key lines...

“They’re back looking at that end of King Street now”
“...who’d have thought they’d anchor with Cartier and Tiffany just as Armani ups sticks”
“...I’m not sure its [The Avenue] going to have the pull-factor Allied were expecting”
“...who knows it could end up being their Mailbox, just take a look at the mess that’s in now”.

At a guess, I would say 100 King St is where Tiffany and Cartier are ‘anchors’ as its unlikely Allied London would want them replacing Armani’s two stores which it takes on the leases for.

Does anyone else have more info on this? DKNY's reason not to move to The Avenue could support these.

Very intersting Vision 2020 Mcr, we know that Charles Tyrwhitt are signed up for a store in Manchester it has be known for over a year know but the location was never known.

Interesting with the former Virgin Brides/ V Store could finally be taken over, it has been on the market ever since the Arndale recevelopment was completed, and if the Pringle store is correct it will be in the former Oasis unit and will be their only store outside of London.

The only other locations for these three stores could possibly be Pringle in the former Crombie unit, Charles Tyrwhitt in the former Jake Shoes unit and Ralph Lauren in the former Warehouse unit

After restricting the Northern entrance, I think Allied London should try harder with the southern end of the avenue. In the future the second axis retail axis of the city, with a pedestrianised King Street and King Street West could carry on with a John Lewis type anchor at the pensions build and then carry straight through into Spinnigfields by the Gateway hotel build all the way into the avenue.

Very intersting Vision 2020 Mcr, we know that Charles Tyrwhitt are signed up for a store in Manchester it has be known for over a year know but the location was never known.

Interesting with the former Virgin Brides/ V Store could finally be taken over, it has been on the market ever since the Arndale recevelopment was completed, and if the Pringle store is correct it will be in the former Oasis unit and will be their only store outside of London.

The only other locations for these three stores could possibly be Pringle in the former Crombie unit, Charles Tyrwhitt in the former Jake Shoes unit and Ralph Lauren in the former Warehouse unit

Funnily enough I walked up King Street yesterday and it looked like a bit of building work had been going on inside one of the glass-fronted units.

Interesting rumour re: Tiffany and Cartier. The Tiffany concession in Selfridges has always been busy whenever I've seen it - could it have been a successful trial to encourage them to open a standalone store? As the Selfridges one is just a Christmas pop-up store if I remember rightly. 100 King Street is the HSBC building is it not? That would be a grand location for them.

Are Armani definitely moving out or is the Spinningfields store in addition to what they already have? Also, I seem to remember the Tommy Hilfiger lease being on the market, is that still the case? Either way, if the speculation is true it could signal the start of a turnaround in fortunes for King Street and a real bonus for higher-end retailing in the city.

Interesting rumour re: Tiffany and Cartier. The Tiffany concession in Selfridges has always been busy whenever I've seen it - could it have been a successful trial to encourage them to open a standalone store? As the Selfridges one is just a Christmas pop-up store if I remember rightly. 100 King Street is the HSBC building is it not? That would be a grand location for them.

Are Armani definitely moving out or is the Spinningfields store in addition to what they already have? Also, I seem to remember the Tommy Hilfiger lease being on the market, is that still the case? Either way, if the speculation is true it could signal the start of a turnaround in fortunes for King Street and a real bonus for higher-end retailing in the city.

It might take a little bit more for King Street to turnaround as it will still lose Hugo Boss, Flannels, Joseph and the 2 Armani stores (yes, they will close and will be relocated in a single store at No1). The Hilfiger store is still on the market and there was a rumour that the Diesel store was too.

Its a real shame as King Street could be one of the best shopping streets in Europe given its range of landmark buildings. MIDAS, the CityCo et al. should really be making it a priority and try to woo the likes of: Gucci, Chanel and Versace along with great British brands such as Paul Smith, Hackett and Gieves & Hawkes.

It might take a little bit more for King Street to turnaround as it will still lose Hugo Boss, Flannels, Joseph and the 2 Armani stores (yes, they will close and will be relocated in a single store at No1). The Hilfiger store is still on the market and there was a rumour that the Diesel store was too.

Its a real shame as King Street could be one of the best shopping streets in Europe given its range of landmark buildings. MIDAS, the CityCo et al. should really be making it a priority and try to woo the likes of: Gucci, Chanel and Versace along with great British brands such as Paul Smith, Hackett and Gieves & Hawkes.

Fair point, I wasn't aware of Boss and Joseph. Still, they would both be major signings if they come to fruition and at least provide some ammunition for CityCo et al to try and attract further retailers of similar stature.

I agree on the range of buildings - wasn't the RBS building opposite Diesel bought not so long ago? I'm sure I remember mention of a hotel there.

Fair point, I wasn't aware of Boss and Joseph. Still, they would both be major signings if they come to fruition and at least provide some ammunition for CityCo et al to try and attract further retailers of similar stature.

I agree on the range of buildings - wasn't the RBS building opposite Diesel bought not so long ago? I'm sure I remember mention of a hotel there.

If you mean the Lloyds Building - yes it had an hotel/restaurant plan about a year ago when sold. Also, forgot to add Mulberry to the list of those vacating King Street for The Avenue :(

That said, perhaps the success/failure of the new Hervia Bazaar on Spring Gardens might influence the fate of upper King St.