I think the street scene/furniture could do with an upgrade if King St is ever going to reach its potential. Its not 'special' is it? Will the upper part between Cross St and Spring Gardens be pedestrianised when the 2CC goes ahead? Will that help?

I think the street scene/furniture could do with an upgrade if King St is ever going to reach its potential. Its not 'special' is it? Will the upper part between Cross St and Spring Gardens be pedestrianised when the 2CC goes ahead? Will that help?

It may sound strange but the success of luxury/high-end retail relies on accessibility by car - either directly outside stores or with car parking very close by. Most key shopping areas such as 5th Avenue (NYC); Champs Elysees (Paris); Bond Street & Knightsbridge (London) have this.

King Street has this together with the Kendals (sorry House of Fraser) car park. Spinningfields has this too but suffers from being hidden away - so would have been better for large lifestyle retailers such as Heals, Habitat and Waitrose.

What King St lacks is an identity for its stores and space - design code, decent paving, flags etc.

Sunday opening retrictions are something that King Street could play on. At 4.55pm on Sundays, Manchester city centre is buzzing. Then the shops shut.

Tens of thousands of people desert the place and by 6.15pm it becomes earily quiet until the night owls come out at 8pm, and it's all due to early closing of shops.

If shops could open a little later they would plug the gap between afternoon and early evening and many of these people would head to restaurants for tea rather than heading home and the 6-8pm Sunday emptying of Manchester City Centre would end.

Anyway, what King Street shops should do is get togather and agree a change to Sunday opening hours for the whole street. They could then advertise the street as an 'open 'til 6 on Sundays' destination and when the rest of Manchester (bar the Anrdale) shuts down people can flock to King Street, knowing that all the shops will still be open for an hour. They'd probably have to open an hour later but it'd be worth it.

The Vestery and Sunglasses Hut in teh Arndale have closed down.

^^ Not so surprising The Vestry and Sunglasses Hut have closed, their leases have been on the market for over a year, I know the Sunglasses Hut unit has been under offer for a while so that should be getting fitted out by the new tennant soon, The Vestrys unit I am not sure over but with it closing it could mean the new tennant is ready to start fitting out as well.

The Vestry went into administration so they closed it down.

notebookrepair.co.uk have opened in the former Morgan Computers unit at Piccadilly Approach.

Envy in the Arndale are now closed.

Diamonds & Pearls in the Arndale are now closed after going into administration again.

Quiz in the Arndale are now closed, will Office now start fitting out the unit soon?

Next Sport are opening inside Next on the ground floor on Firday 19th February.

Unique Boutique are now closed in The Triangle.

Huge brand showroom to open in Manchester

6 February 2010

By Laura Weir

Fashion entrepreneur David Mallon is to open a 60,000 sq ft showroom in Manchester in a bid to bring northern-based fashion brands together under one roof.

The seven-floor communal trading space will offer showroom space to rent and will also feature a permanent catwalk, conference and sales space. Mallon, who owns young fashion brands Ringspun and Elvis Jesus, is targeting brands operating in Manchester and the North, or those seeking to expand into the market, to join.

The space will be let at £15 per sq ft with brands encouraged to take a minimum space of 2,000 sq ft. Mallon told Drapers he was targeting a large number of “credible casual men’s and women’s young fashion brands” to fill the showroom.

He said: “This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and now I’ve found the building to do it. There are fashion hubs like this in Amsterdam and Berlin but nothing like it here for the trade. It will change the clothing landscape and how fashion brands do their business in Manchester.”

The centre, called Branded, is in Manchester’s Northern Quarter and is in a converted warehouse.

Mallon has secured one floor of the building for his own brands.

He said he has spoken to a “handful” of brands that have expressed an interest in taking the remaining space in the building, which is set to open in late March.

The 6,000 sq ft basement will host a permanent catwalk, a photography studio and a meeting space, as well as space for collection launches and sales meetings - all for communal use. The remaining six upper floors of the warehouse will be given over to the brands to create individual showrooms.

Interested brands should visit www.brandedmcr.com.

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/young-fashion/news/huge-brand-showroom-to-open-in-manchester/5010203.article

...Sunglasses Hut have closed, their leases have been on the market for over a year, I know the Sunglasses Hut unit has been under offer for a while so that should be getting fitted out by the new tennant soon

PANDORA Charms and Bracelets are opening in the Sunglasses Hut unit. I know someone who works for them.

Andrew

^^ Thanks AJD1984, Thats great new, had a feeling they would open there as Pandora have been opening alot of their own run stores most recently in Liverpool, Glasgow, London and Birmingham, and they dont take such huge units so the Sunglassess Hut unit seemed about right for Pandora to take.

^^ Thanks AJD1984, Thats great new, had a feeling they would open there as Pandora have been opening alot of their own run stores most recently in Liverpool, Glasgow, London and Birmingham, and they dont take such huge units so the Sunglassess Hut unit seemed about right for Pandora to take.

They are also looking at units in the Trafford Centre today apparently. Any idea where they might go in there as I'm not as familiar with it as I am with Manchester

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:

try 1.1 miles actually. Theres nothing like an agendist pushing exaggeration to the limit!

Lacoste on New Cathedral Street has closed for refurbishment

They are also looking at units in the Trafford Centre today apparently. Any idea where they might go in there as I'm not as familiar with it as I am with Manchester

Not really sure with a location at Trafford Centre, there are quite a few empty units for them to choose from though.
I would imagine Pandora would go for a unit either near John Lewis on Peel Avenue or Selfridges at The Dome possibly the former Whittards unit on first floor opposite Selfridges, it is probably a little bit smaller than the store they will open at the Arndale store I think.

Hugo Boss tipped for Heal's store

German fashion brand Hugo Boss is close to taking over the Heal's store in New Cathedral Street, close to Harvey Nichols.

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

Spinningfields targets autumn launch for retail

Uncertainty still surrounds the opening date for Allied London's The Avenue, the retail element of the developer's Spinningfields district in Manchester city centre.

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

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

I posted on this a couple of weeks ago in the Spinningfields thread. I hear they are having some problems and idea of opening with every store having a tenant is causing problems as more tenants drop out. I expect they will open with one part occupied and then open stores in bursts of 2-3 stores a time after that till it is full.

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

With just 8 fully confirmed units – The Avenue is looking decidedly shaky. Perhaps its time to reassess the scheme?

Abercrombie & Fitch – pulled out
Armani – two King Street stores consolidated into one as Allied London has taken old lease
Azendi – pulled out and went to Arndale
Brooks Brothers – new to Manchester
Cartier – was in the promo video and now looking at 100 King Street
Chanel – a target retailer that has never been linked to the scheme
Church’s – a target retailer who has never come close to signing
DKNY – pulled out and staying on King Street; Allied London was taking old lease
Ermenegildo Zegna – new to Manchester but shaky due to Flannels link
Flannels – relocations from elsewhere in Mcr and known financial difficulties
Hugo Boss – pulling out and tipped for New Cathedral Street
Joseph – relocation from King Street and could shaky due to Flannels link; Allied London has taken old lease
Kurt Geiger – relocation from St Anne’s Square
Mulberry – relocation from King Street as Allied London has taken old lease
Oliver Sweeney – new to Manchester
Paul Smith – pulled out
Polo Ralph Lauren – a target retailer who is now tipped for 35 King Street
Prada – won’t open a standalone store and will be within Flannels
Rigby & Peller – rumoured to have a unit under offer but not confirmed
Tiffany – chose a concession in Selfridges instead and now looking tipped for 100 King Street
Vivienne Westwood – opened Anglomania on Bridge Street instead

The list above suggests they’ve got the marketing completely wrong in trying to woo premium international brands to what is in effect a financial ‘support’ centre rather than a private/investment banking hub. Here’s my alternative line-up that would leave King Street and New Cathedral Street to focus on luxury retailing...

Aquascutum
Austin Reed
Bally
Banana Republic
Hackett
Hawes & Curtis
Heal’s
Karen Millen
L’Occitane
Mont Blanc
Waitrose

^^ I'm afraid your alternative line up is just not 'big name' enough to woo people to go out of their way to get down there. Bally and Bannana Republic possibly. Some of those other brands outlet in Kendals already, L'loccitaine does body scrubs and Waitrose does food. With the big big anchoring names going like Paul Smith, Boss and DKNY, its possible it will become another New Cathedral Street, just without the footfall. Its not a striking statement if I were to suggest that this will fall on its face.

It's looking like with all this hoo haa Manchester could end up having no specific luxury retail destination on offer. I wonder if the Council are looking into it as surely it cannot be good for the retail scene.

Maybe Allied should help the 5 or 6 confirmed stores find/lease back somewhere on King Street and go in a new direction. Maybe on both sides of the Avenue knock all the stores into one and on one side you could have John Lewis and on the other Waitrose. Surely both of the stores would have enough pull as a destination?

^^ I'm afraid your alternative line up is just not 'big name' enough to woo people to go out of their way to get down there. Bally and Bannana Republic possibly. Some of those other brands outlet in Kendals already, L'loccitaine does body scrubs and Waitrose does food. With the big big anchoring names going like Paul Smith, Boss and DKNY, its possible it will become another New Cathedral Street, just without the footfall. Its not a striking statement if I were to suggest that this will fall on its face.

The alternative line up would sit alongside the existing 'confirmed' retailers and more closely meet the demographics and socio-economic profile of the workers at Spinningfields (more BC1 than A). L'Occitane, Heal's and Waitrose would be there to diversify the retail offer away from high risk fashion.

I agree that CityCo and MIDAS should be targeting those long-outstanding requirements from the likes of Bose, Canali, Ferragamo, Guess and Versace in order to strengthen the retail offer.

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



is heals going? or gone?

Just in time for Crimbo.

Crains.

Spinningfields targets autumn launch for retail

is heals going? or gone?

Does anyone have the full story on this? I don't have a Crains subscription.

Does it mention all or part of the Heal's store being taken by Hugo Boss as its over 26,000 sq ft.

A friend at Harvey Nics in London suggested it might extend the Manchester store by about 15,000 sq ft - maybe this is an option as the 1st + 2nd floors total 18,000.

Here is the article about Hugo Boss possibly moving to where Heals is, mentions about Hugo Boss Green opening at Spinningfields as well.

From this weeks Crains

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/5630/crainshugoboss.jpg

And here is the article about Spinningfields.

From this weeks Crains.

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/7867/crainstheavenueautumnop.jpg

Thanks Flange. Forgot to get it today. Any other interesting article's in this weeks edition? One's that make the heart race a little.

Posted some more articles from this week and last weeks in some other threads not that much though, some weeks loads, others hardly anything.


The Trafford Centre Launch a Boutique Shopping Experience

Manchester’s Trafford Centre, one of Britain’s most successful shopping destinations plans to give itself a new unique, fresh flavoring. As part of The Trafford Centre’s ongoing development, the grand scale retail outlet are planning an inspiring and sophisticated boutique shopping experience that’s just a stone’s throw from Topshop.

The charm and character of an English street meets the convenience of the north-west’s most powerful retail venue, at Georgian Crescent.

From the day it opened in 1998 The Trafford Centre has been a huge commercial success, dominating retailing and leisure in the north west. The combination of the stunning architecture, size and quality of the shopping and leisure offer, long opening hours, advertising, marketing and the constant drive to improve the customer experience has built a commercial success that grows with every year.

The new venture will see the opening of 9 new small spaces to let with the additions of:

• Less risk with 3-year leases

• Simple, stylish interiors for otptimised trading

• Classic Georgian facade adds character and difference

• Light, airy, open space

http://www.manchesterfashion.com/

Posted some more articles from this week and last weeks in some other threads not that much though, some weeks loads, others hardly anything.



http://www.manchesterfashion.com/

I.

Sometimes you can flick through it in seconds. Other times you can't wait to hand your money over to the women at the till. Quiet week then. Think I'll give it a miss this week.

BTW. Did you read the TC 20% rent rise from last weeks edition. Shop owners are not happy. Many went to arbitration.

^^ Here it is for those that have not seen it, from last weeks Crains.

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/1782/crainstraffordcentre.jpg

Hervia Bazzar opens at Spring Gardens on Friday 26th February.

http://www.herviabazaar.com/

Does anyone have the full story on this? I don't have a Crains subscription.

Does it mention all or part of the Heal's store being taken by Hugo Boss as its over 26,000 sq ft.

A friend at Harvey Nics in London suggested it might extend the Manchester store by about 15,000 sq ft - maybe this is an option as the 1st + 2nd floors total 18,000.

Can't say I'm suprised about Heal's. The London store is beyond depressing, especially when you think what it used to stand for, and it's a wonder the company's limped along as long as it has. Think it will be only a matter of time before they close all the non-London stores

Interesting re the poss Harvey Nics expansion. Is it true that they're thinking of closing the Leeds store?

No idea if this has already been posted, but the shanty town markets on High Street have gone. Looks like a new roof structure is being put in for a new market type affair.

if the avenue wasn't set on being retail destination the space seems that it might work as a cosy square filled with eateries. obviously will never happen though.

it seems absolutely demented that they thought a space which is set well back from deansgate, behind a building and down some stairs, end stopped by the courts would be the ideal place, out of all of spinningfields, for a high end retail destination.

Smithfield Menswear - Cardboard Interior

January 12th, 2010

Manchester’s newest independent menswear shop, Smithfield menswear, recently opened in the northern quarter. The store is unlike any other within the city, housed in the smithfield building, the store has been constructed using recycled cardboard boxes and tubes. For the interior of Smithfield menswear, Pete Masters wanted to create a ‘striking, interesting and unique design’ and he certainly achieved what he set out to accomplish. The whole idea behind this shop was to show, that retailers do not need to use vast manufacturing, materials and resource to make a retail shop that works and still retains an interesting design.

The store has payed tribute to the history of its premises and surroundings, aptly naming the store Smithfield; featuring a Smithfield collie, a dog synonymous with hard work and a fiery temperament, as the shop front logo. The proud cardboard Smithfield collies watch over the store and its wardrobe must haves, including a of shirts, knits and outwear.

Smithfield Menswear stocks a vast range of sleek, stylish scandinavian and european brands, which include the likes of Wood Wood, Spitfire Design, On Tour, Organic Label Knowledge Cotton Apparel, Dunderdon and local brand Three Crowns.

With unique aesthetics and quirkiness the shop will fit right into the Northern Quarter, long known as the creative hub of Manchester.

The Smithfield Menswear shop is a spectacle of interior design and should be visited, even if it is to only cue over the adorable cardboard collies and admire the vast array of stylish menswear brands.

http://www.manchesterfashion.com/blog/?p=593

http://www.smithfield-clothing.co.uk/

I was at a presentation today for Selfridges and they talked about the Exchange Square refurb. a bit. Interesting to learn that Selfridges actually own the building and that is one of the reason why it is having so much money spent on it! Although a figure of £15 - £20 million was quoted and this will be over a 4 year period. One of the major features of the refurb will be the building of a huge atrium all the way from basement to a new glass roof and the moving of the beauty hall to the basement. Towards the end of the refurb they will start on the outside of the building with the glass front to be converted into a huge yellow selfridges carry bag!! The architects/designers are the same firm responsible for a refurb on Maceys New York Store.

Not sure about the yellow carry bag. I'll reserve my judgement till i see it. Yes, you have to remember that Selfridges was originally Marks and Spencer, and the building was simply halved for a reasonable price. Selfridges didn't really change the layout or facilities when they moved in. In fact the toilets on the 2nd floor womenswear are exactly the same, as too are the escalators. Unlike Birmingham's purposely built store, Selfridges essentially moved into a Marks and Spencer store. After so much chopping and changing with the layout on the ground and 1st floor menswear (the inclusion of Chanel outlet and the removal of Size spring to mind), I'm not surprised they are investing money in their Manchester store.

^^^^ you also have to remember that Selfridges leased their share of the building from Marks and Spencer for a period before buying it.

No way would the city planning dept. allow the front of that store facing into Exchange Sq to be rebuilt as a yellow bag! Not in a million years. Not sure where you heard that from but they must have been smoking something. They may stick something on the windows to look like that but no changes to the building.
The orginal fit out cost £15m so this seems in line with what they spent almost 10yrs ago but back then it also including the work to split the store down the middle.

Boudoir Boutique grows with Liverpool relocation

13 February 2010

By Eve Oxberry

Liverpool womenswear indie Boudoir Boutique has grown its retail space more than tenfold by relocating to the city’s indie hub, Cavern Walks.

The premium and young fashion indie, which stocks brands including Arrogant Cat and Manoush, as well as vintage clothes and furniture, has moved from a 350 sq ft store on Mathew Street to the 5,000 sq ft unit in the Cavern Walks arcade, which is also home to designer indie Cricket and kidswear retailer Kids Cavern.

Director Louise Kavanagh, who previously owned four-store young fashion indie Drome, before selling it to Footasylum, said: “Sales have grown by more than 50% each year since we opened and we’d outgrown the original store. My daughter, Amy Louise Keating, wanted to join the business, so we expanded and she joined as buying director.”

The new store has two floors, which will eventually have separate entrances and fascias but will be connected by a central staircase.

The ground floor opened just before Christmas with a premium offer. The lower ground floor is under development and will have its own separate Boudette fascia and a younger, more directional brand mix. It will open next month.

Boudoir Boutique will also launch a transactional website next month.

Kavanagh said the store’s concept could be rolled out across the Northwest, adding: “We would like to open in Manchester and two other cities.”

http://www.drapersonline.com/

McGregor in UK retail and wholesale assault

13 February 2010

By Nicola Harrison

Dutch lifestyle business McGregor is to open a string of standalone stores to use as a springboard to launch its wholesale collections in the UK.

McGregor, which is owned by McGregor Fashion Group, already operates two concessions in House of Fraser stores but wants to open a raft of UK flagship stores and aims to have 10 to 15 sites in the medium term.

It is also poised to roll out its concession business within department stores, including targeting 35 concessions within House of Fraser. It hopes to get up to 150 indie stockists in the UK.

McGregor will initially only open menswear stores in the UK, adding footwear to the offer at a later date. The business’s overseas stores also stock womenswear and kidswear.

McGregor commercial director Jan-Paul ten Hoopen said the brand’s average customer was 30 years old and had a “good income”. He said McGregor’s competitors were Polo Ralph Lauren, Gant and Tommy Hilfiger, but that its prices were about 20% lower.

He added McGregor sold “quality sportswear with a functional point of view”.

“It’s quite contemporary. We make a difference in the subtle details. We’re not in the market to pleasure fashion victims. It’s affordable luxury,” he said.

McGregor is also considering opening a store in Glasgow’s St Enoch shopping centre as well as shops in Manchester and Bath.

Ten Hoopen said the retailer would consider acquiring a small chain in the UK in order to expand.

“In three to five years, we want to build up the brand name in important cities - not just London and Paris,” he said. “There is a lot of business to be done outside these cities.”

McGregor was established in New York but was bought by McGregor Fashion Group and relocated to Holland in the 1990s. The group has sales of €200m (£176.2m).

The group also owns a 33% stake in Dutch menswear retailer Suit Supply, which has two shops in the UK and is looking for a third in the City of London.

Property agent Cushman & Wakefield is acting for McGregor.

http://www.drapersonline.com/

Jessops have recently opened a concession within WHSmith inside the Arndale.


Jessops now in store

JESSOPS now in store at WHSmith.

We are excited to announce that our new look Jessops store in WHSmith.

With photobooks,canvas prints and calendars all made in store why don't you come and visit us to see how we can help you make the most of your favourite photos.

We even offer an Express Photo printing service-ready in 25 minutes or they are FREE.

And of course we still have a great range of digital compacts,digital SLRs and camera accessories to suit your needs.

http://www.manchesterarndale.com/offer_detail-1091.htm

Hoardings are up around the former Exit store and Carphone Warehouse store at the Arndale, The Carephone Warehouse is being refurbished and extended it looks like.

Hoardings are up around the former Quiz unit in the Arndale, possibly for Office to open up there.

Lacoste are now reopen at New Cathedral Street after their store refurbishment.

Flannels have now closed down at King Street.

Internacionale are having a closing down sale at City Tower.

Not to be a pessimist, with St.Ann square looking empty, not much there, Deanesgate/king street, and lower end deanesgate where Dwell is...with so many empty stores plus the old bit of the arndale, looking ugly, is Manchester is losing the retail edge?
Especially considering, the eastgate/trinity in Leeds, and Liverpool one plus the trafford centre? Something has to be done to get new stores in, perhaps slash the rent, attract bigger stores such as jimmy choo, laura ashley, etc... I don't know but it is quite unsightly when there are so many empty stores.

Adidas have opened a new store at the Trafford Centre on Regents Crescent in the former Principles unit.

I was at a presentation today for Selfridges and they talked about the Exchange Square refurb. a bit. Interesting to learn that Selfridges actually own the building and that is one of the reason why it is having so much money spent on it! Although a figure of £15 - £20 million was quoted and this will be over a 4 year period. One of the major features of the refurb will be the building of a huge atrium all the way from basement to a new glass roof and the moving of the beauty hall to the basement. Towards the end of the refurb they will start on the outside of the building with the glass front to be converted into a huge yellow selfridges carry bag!! The architects/designers are the same firm responsible for a refurb on Maceys New York Store.

I posted on the change of the beauty hall to the basement last year , they plan more boutique shops on the ground floor ,similar to Chanel and Hermes ,etc as well

http://i48.************/14w7ig8.jpg

Is that on Deansgate in the old BA shop?

Yes

People moan about Tesco's but that has to be the 7th Ladbrookes in town and no one says a thing. Yet gambling is surely worse to society than a food store!

People moan about Tesco's but that has to be the 7th Ladbrookes in town and no one says a thing. Yet gambling is surely worse to society than a food store!

So true. Nearly every other store is a Ladbrokes, or a BetFred.

Well it is a recession (it still is really). In with the betting shops, out with the travel shops.

Next Sport are now open on the ground floor within Next at the Arndale.

As was rumoured Office are opening a standalone store in the Arndale in the former Quiz unit, the hoardings around the store are now advertising jobs for Office.

does anyone know when the new shakeaway will be open?

^^ In a few weeks apparently, they have had terrible fit out problems with the unit. The news of them opening in the Arndale was in September and they have been working on the unit since early October, they had planned to be open in November.

does anyone know when the new shakeaway will be open?

Archies shakeaway is opening soon next to Grand Central on Oxford Rd :)

Looks like Spar are going to be opening a store at Green Quarter. A new license for a store there is now online.


Spar

Spar, 1 Red Bank, Vallea Court, Manchester, M4 4FE

Application Type Premises Licence New

Proposal Proposed trading hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises only:
Mon to Sun 0700 to 2300

Proposed opening hours for the premises:
Mon to Sun 0700 to 2300

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500047/city_centre/610/city_centre-current_licence_applications/13

Suits Direct/Suits You at the Lowry Mall & Trafford Centre are closing after a CVA. Not sure of the dates but I imagine they will have a closing down sale.

Looks like WHSmith are opening on Spinningfields adjacent to unit J wherever that is. So maybe they are wishing now to attract more mainstream retailers into the mix? Still says summer 2010 opening - is this true I wonder?

The Church Street market is being refitted with new permanent stalls, alongside the corner with High Street, and near the Light tower.

Looking good in my view, especially in relation to the 60s brutalist office block behind.

I live in hope that this might lead some of the philistines posting on this board to look more kindly on this fine and historic building (Leech, Rhodes and Walker at their best), but somehow I doubt it. Still, if you are looking at the new market stalls, do take the opportunity to look at the way that LRW handled the facade along Birchin Lane: an object lesson in stong sculptural concrete form.

Looks like WHSmith are opening on Spinningfields adjacent to unit J wherever that is. So maybe they are wishing now to attract more mainstream retailers into the mix? Still says summer 2010 opening - is this true I wonder?

Unit J is a unit underneath 3 Hardman Street. They will be opening in half of Unit J.

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/7017/spinningfieldsretailpla.jpg

The King St / St Ann's St area looks like its fortunes might be on the up as an agent friend of mine told me that the following empty units are now under offer:
1 King St (old Starbucks) and 2 King St/95 Deansgate; 2 St Ann's St (old Holland & Barratt) and 14-16 St Ann's St (old Ecco).
Unfortunately it looks like the Ralph Lauren move to 35 King St might be stalled.

Yes the old Starbucks, Holland and Barratt and Ecco stores have been under offer for quite a while now and the old Whittards unit is under offer as well. The former Holland and Barratt store is apparently going to be Fraser Hart, so that will be a relocation from St Anns Square and the former Whitards unit is apparently going to be a Whitewall Gallery. http://www.whitewallgalleries.com/

Hervia bazaar now open at spring garden

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn116/nigelsgolden/DSCN1017.jpg

The market stalls are now finished and look great now the steel sides and finishing have been added and the shutters have some images on them reflecting the NQ. Very nice imho.
Also the old News Point on high street looks ready to open as a CEX type trade in shop. The new unit next door which is in the Batchers building has been let but i am not sure who has taken it yet.
Next to the Abergeldie a fried chicken shop has opened.

The market stalls are now finished and look great now the steel sides and finishing have been added and the shutters have some images on them reflecting the NQ. Very nice imho.
Also the old News Point on high street looks ready to open as a CEX type trade in shop. The new unit next door which is in the Batchers building has been let but i am not sure who has taken it yet.
Next to the Abergeldie a fried chicken shop has opened.

Good to hear the old Bacher's unit is coming back to life, it's always been a favourite of mine, I had dreams of turning it into a 'Betty's' style tea room (something lacking in M'cr, me feels)

Mirage Hair and Bauty are opening in the former Sueno unit on Deansgate at Great Northern. http://www.miragebeauty.co.uk/flash.html

Living Oasis a new christian book shop is opening on Deansgate in the former Wesley Owens store. http://www.livingoasis.co.uk/

Ladbrokes are now open on Deansgate.

Blooming Marvelous and Ellie Gray are having a closing down sale at their store in the Arndale.

Hoardings are now up around the future Pandora store in the Arndale, in the former Sunglass Hut unit.

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/9850/manchester196.jpg

Thanks for the update Flange

The new market stalls are being fitted out and the one nearest Tesco is called The Farm and is a food stall and one other unit being worked on is the Hat stall that was previously located on the old stalls.

Thanks uklad1979.

Part of the first floor at Next is closed off and looks like more refurbisment is happening to the store on the womenswear floor.

The former Whittards unit on Deansgate now has the workmen in, turning it into Whitewall Galleries, a bit of competition for Castle Galleries just further up on Deansgate
http://whitewallgalleries.com/

Waitrose targets £10bn sales

March 5, 2010

Managing director Mark Price on a mission to remain fastest-growing grocer and grab market share

Waitrose managing director Mark Price has pledged that the grocer will double sales in a decade and expects to end 2010 as the fastest-growing supermarket for the second year running.

Price, who last night won the coveted Retail Leader of the Year Award at the Oracle Retail Week Awards, wants to take sales from £5bn now to £10bn and increase market share from 4.3% to around 8%.

Price said: “We were the fastest-growing supermarket last year, and we have so much more to come that this year will be another record year for us.

“The economy will give us nothing this year and there will be no easy wins, but our plans are well developed and we’re confident.”

He said Waitrose will continue to “lead on innovation” and focus on becoming “more accessible to more people”. Price will concentrate on store openings, building on Waitrose’s partnership with health and beauty giant Boots, and rolling out new products, including its Duchy Originals by Waitrose range.

Waitrose will open its first smaller convenience store within the next two months. Locations mooted for the 3,000 sq ft shops include Cambridge, Cheam in Surrey, Manchester and Liverpool.

Waitrose wants to open a mix of 10 larger and smaller convenience stores this year, and 30 next year. It will also push ahead with store openings for its full-line and market town format shops with 12 slated for this year.

The Boots deal will mean Waitrose provides a lunchtime offer in Boots stores, four Waitrose shop-in-shops will be tested in larger Boots stores, and Boots will provide health and beauty products in Waitrose shops.

Price said: “There are around 750 Boots stores that sell food, so that is a huge boost to our reach.” He added that if the shop-in-shop trials are a success, he could see “potential for around 200”.

Waitrose will also focus on international growth, which the grocer has “not yet scratched the surface” of. Waitrose has two shops in Dubai, will open in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain this year, and Oman next. Price believes there is potential for 23 stores in Arab countries.

Other regions are also being

considered. Price said: “I’m not convinced we should go with full-line stores in some regions, so we would have to consider what format to roll out.”

He said he is interested in the type of model that Tesco runs in the US for Fresh & Easy, rather than aligning with a partner.

Waitrose also revealed this week that famous chefs Delia Smith and Heston Blumenthal will act as food ambassadors for the brand. The duo will star in the grocer’s new ad campaign, breaking on March 15.

They will share their expertise, and tips, and champion certain ingredients. It will be the grocer’s first personality-led campaign.

Price said: “With our top tier sorted with Duchy Originals and our new marketing campaigns, we are well set up for the year.”

http://www.retail-week.com/

Confirmation from Heals that they will defiantly be closing in Manchester.


Heal’s in talks to shutter ailing Manchester store

March 5, 2010

Upmarket furniture retailer Heal’s is in negotiations with the landlord of its Manchester store to exit the site, after disappointing sales and a decision to focus more on its online arm.

Heal’s wants to close its 27,000 sq ft store on Manchester’s New Cathedral Street in spring. It is unclear if the shop will shut if negotiations with the landlord are not successful.

The closure would leave Heal’s trading from six shops, including its flagship on London’s Tottenham Court Road.

Heal’s chief executive Andrea Warden said the closure is part of the retailer’s plans to “strengthen performance overall and focus on expansion of the brand through Heals.co.uk”. She added that current trading in all its other stores is “encouraging and ahead of budget”.

Warden said Heal’s had invested in a website redesign resulting in “unprecedented growth. With this in mind, we’ve had to make the difficult decision to close our Manchester branch, which wasn’t performing to expectations”.

http://www.retail-week.com/

Tesco Extra at Baguley is being refurbished.

B&M Bargains have opened in the former JJB Sports unit next to Matalan at Baguley.

Trafford Centre

Applause Store have closed on lower Regents Crescent.

Effective Cosmetics have closed on lower Regents Crescent.

Reiss is closed for a store refurbishment on upper Regents Crescent

Envy have closed on upper Peel Avenue.

Mamas & Papas open their flagship store on upper Peel Avenue next to John Lewis on Saturday 22nd May.

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By Georgian, space for small traders

12:00 am, Mon, March 8, 2010

The Trafford Centre is creating a new quarter to allow small independent traders to take affordable space.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk

All Saints on King Street has closed down

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk

Another Extension?

Seems as though Festival Village will return in a different guise!

^^ Posted a previous article about Georgian Crescent a few weeks back. Yes it does seem like Festival Village will return in a different form, was always good to have a look around Festival Village.


The Trafford Centre Launch a Boutique Shopping Experience

Manchester’s Trafford Centre, one of Britain’s most successful shopping destinations plans to give itself a new unique, fresh flavoring. As part of The Trafford Centre’s ongoing development, the grand scale retail outlet are planning an inspiring and sophisticated boutique shopping experience that’s just a stone’s throw from Topshop.

The charm and character of an English street meets the convenience of the north-west’s most powerful retail venue, at Georgian Crescent.

From the day it opened in 1998 The Trafford Centre has been a huge commercial success, dominating retailing and leisure in the north west. The combination of the stunning architecture, size and quality of the shopping and leisure offer, long opening hours, advertising, marketing and the constant drive to improve the customer experience has built a commercial success that grows with every year.

The new venture will see the opening of 9 new small spaces to let with the additions of:

• Less risk with 3-year leases

• Simple, stylish interiors for otptimised trading

• Classic Georgian facade adds character and difference

• Light, airy, open space

http://www.manchesterfashion.com/

From this weeks Crains

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/6586/crainsdominos.jpg

From this weeks Crains

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/5222/crainsgeorgiancrescent.jpg

Spar on Sackville Street has closed down.

The Money Shop has opened near the Co-op at Piccadilly Approach.

Subway are opening a new Drive Thru in Trafford Park on Village Way, plans for the advertisments are online now.

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=390399&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

I quite liked that underground Spar.

Looks like Fraser Hart will not be opening up in the former Holland & Barrett store on Deansgate, but now next door in the former Ecco store on St Anns Street, plans are now online for the new shopfront.


14 St Ann Street
Manchester
M2 7LF

Elevational alterations consisting of installation of new shop front, relocation of entrance and installation of canopies and internal roller shutter

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?092416/FO/2010/C1

Hi guys I over heard today in EAT that another one will be opening where Scoop is in the Arndale. Either Scoop is relocating or closing down. I hope not because I love their ice cream

Andrew

John Lewis spending spree

March 11, 2010

A revamp costing up to £20m is on the cards at John Lewis's department store at Cheadle Royal to coincide with its 15th anniversary next year.

Maggie Porteous, managing director for the outlet and the chain's Trafford Centre store, said the overhaul would provide more sales space and would be on top of a £2.4m refurbishment of the womenswear department which has recently been completed.

In addition, John Lewis will spend around £250,000 during the remainder of 2010 on upgrades across both branches to create more space for designer clothing and accessories ranges.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1199987_john_lewis_spending_spree

Playing hard mall

12.03.10

By Paul Unger

Asset management is helping the region’s big shopping centres defy the slump

Much has been said about the plight of mid-sized towns where retail schemes failed to get started in the boom and now look like hopeless cases. But the recession has also hit the big boys, the Trafford Centres, Arndales and Liverpool Ones that dominate north-west retail spending year after year.

Voids have inevitably risen sharply as the retail sector suffers casualties, and centre managers must be careful not to erode rent levels by chasing new tenants to protect footfall at any cost.

“In 2008 we had our second round of rent reviews,” says Mike Butterworth, managing director of the Trafford Centre, which is part of the Peel Group empire. “Our primary concern was to manage these as well as we could and get the right mix of retailers while moving rents on.”

Butterworth says the rent review was a tussle, but a rewarding one: it led to rises of around 20% for roughly 140 tenants, following arbitration overseen by surveyor Cheetham & Mortimer.

“We got the figures we expected. Not everyone wanted to pay more and we took back a number of units, partly due to insolvencies, but also because we didn’t want to do deals at any price.”

Around 17 shops in the 240-unit mall are empty — 10 more than usual — and a handful of tenants are in administration as retailers continue to falter.

Like all the big centre managers, Butterworth finds that tenant incentives has made talk of straightforward zone A rents rare, but the prime pitch of around 80 stores enjoys a £400 zone A quoting rent.

“We will be flexible on rents with tenants that want to expand,” he says. “Other units are being taken by new names to the centre and we are doing normal arm’s-length deals.”

Bank and Next have expanded recently and newcomers include Mamas & Papas and Adidas. The centre reported a 12% rise in turnover to £87.8m in the year to the end of March 2009 and profits of £23m. Not bad for a recession.

Arndale sales

Also holding firm is Prupim’s Arndale in Manchester city centre, where footfall was up 8.5% in 2009 and sales rose 5.2%. Prupim claims 80% of all shoppers visiting the city centre pass through its doors at some stage on their trip.

Stephen Tregenza, partner at letting agent Tushingham Moore, says: “We are getting multiple interest on some units. We are still in a difficult market and have to be creative on rents to keep the voids down and the tenant mix interesting, to maintain footfall.”

Clothing retailer Helly Hansen and jewellers Swarovski and Pandora have joined that mix. The centre now has only five empty units, says Tregenza. Nominal zone A rents are £220/sq ft on the newest strip of 150 units in the extension to the centre.

“We are doing different deals for retailers,” says Tregenza, “and might do a mix of turnover and fixed rent, or a short-term trial, before taking a traditional 10-year lease.”

http://www.propertyweek.com

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Venture at Great Northern has temporarily closed down, according to the signs in the windows.

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/4365/manchester204.jpg

Signs now up advertising Whitewall Galleries opening in the former Whittards unit on Deansgate.

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/238/manchester206.jpg

The first and second floors at Heals are now closed to the public, the ground floor is still open and the lower ground floor is clearance.

Eden Florists have closed down in The Triangle.

RC Modz have closed down in The Triangle.

Apparel Menswear are now open in the former Karen Millen unit in The Triangle.

New fashion store opening in the former Unique Boutique unit in The Triangle, no name as of yet, they were fitting out and stocking the store today.

Hi guys I over heard today in EAT that another one will be opening where Scoop is in the Arndale. Either Scoop is relocating or closing down. I hope not because I love their ice cream

Andrew

Scoop have closed down at the Arndale, the windows of the store are now covered up and no signage for Scoop is visible on the unit, some workmen were doing stuff in the unit today with part of the shutters up.

Blooming Marvelous and Ellie Gray have now closed down in the Arndale.

Carphone Warehouse are now reopen on the upper floor in the Arndale after their store refurbishment and store extension.

Decent Cut Barbers have opened in the Arndale next to Boots on the upper floor.

More information on the refurbishment of Debenhams on Market Street.


Debenhams store gets facelift as sales grow

March 16, 2010

Debenhams has begun a major refurbishment of its store in Manchester city centre, which will see the introduction of more designer brands and a Virgin travel shop.

The grade II-listed building on Market Street will be upgraded with expanded cosmetics and fragrance sales areas, two new restaurants, womenswear concessions Berketex Bridal, Phase 8 and Miss Selfridge, as well as Ultimo lingerie ranges and Ted Baker.

The retail chain said the revamp would take 20 weeks to complete with a grand reopening scheduled for mid-summer. Structural alterations will also include opening the central escalators to improve vision throughout the store.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1200506_debenhams_store_gets_facelift_as_sales_grow

Groomhire to open in the empty Mai Bai shop on Princess Street

More information on the refurbishment of Debenhams on Market Street.



http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1200506_debenhams_store_gets_facelift_as_sales_grow

long overdue, the interior looks awfull at the moment

long overdue, the interior looks awfull at the moment

I agree , it is in a terrible state , never go in it now as it is so grim ....but not as bad as BHS over the road !

but not as bad as BHS over the road !
I keep wondering, seeing as that whole SW corner of the Arndale, of which BHS takes up the most space, is the most rundown part of the Arndale and has a lot of empty units, if there are major redevelopment plans for it? Maybe why BHS isn't investing in making is store more attractive?

Not sure - after the 96 IRA bomb this corner of the Arndale was never incuded in the redeveloment plans for the centre - although its physically attached to it - I guess it must be owned by separate property compmay

I guess they didn't want to refurb all of the Arndale at the same time. There were plans for 'BHS corner', but apparently BHS were not in agreement with what was being posed. I seem to recall that they have over 20 yrs to run on their current lease (Flange will no doubt be able to correct me if that is wrong) and the danger now is that all parties will simply hold their respective positions until the lease expires.

It's a dog-ugly relic of a pre-resurgent Manchester and really needs attention. It is another avenue to the Northern Quarter and has high footfall if you include trams to/from Victoria, so should really be a priority along with the surface car park at the back of Debenhams.

I keep wondering, seeing as that whole SW corner of the Arndale, of which BHS takes up the most space, is the most rundown part of the Arndale and has a lot of empty units, if there are major redevelopment plans for it? Maybe why BHS isn't investing in making is store more attractive?
There are plans for this around somewhere, similar to the opposite corner where NEXT is. If I recall correctly, it involves a much larger store than the current BHS, I think they were attempting to seduce John Lewis, but were unable to provide a new location for BHS. I suppose that the economic situation has halted progress.

New fashion store opening in the former Unique Boutique unit in The Triangle, no name as of yet, they were fitting out and stocking the store today.

Has now opened, the store is called Always Authentic - Designer Handbag Agency.


The always authentic Designer handbag agency specialises in the resale of authentic pre-owned luxury handbags shoes and accessories. You can find Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Chloe, Mulberry, Gucci and many Others.

http://www.trianglemanchester.co.uk/?Brands:Fashion


http://alwaysauthentic.com/

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Pop-up shop attracts Maharishi

March 18, 2010

A so-called “pop-up” shop – a retail outlet that comes and goes in as little as a few days or a few months – is to open at the Triangle shopping centre.

Influential designer label Maharishi is to open the pop-up shop at the Triangle for three months.

The deal, which is being facilitated by Manchester Fashion Network, has the retailer operating from the 2,119 sq ft former Adidas Originals unit.

Pop-up shops have become popular, allowing trend-setting designers and retailers a few moments in the spotlight – and then the chance to move on.

Some pop-up shops have very limited lives: retail guru Mary Portas ran a fashion store in the City of London for less than a day.

The Triangle pop-up will be the only Maharishi shop outside London and the deal follows a successful four-day sale before Christmas from another unit. The shop will stock both Maharishi and MHI labels for men, women and children.

Michelle Atack, marketing manager at the Triangle, said: “Pop-up shops have become very popular of late; they create a buzz and have an immediate effect on footfall and sales because of their short lifespan.

“We will be working very closely with Manchester Fashion Network over the coming year to look at other possibilities, and we welcome approaches from retailers who believe they would be a great addition to our retailer offering.

“With the all-inclusive deals also taken into consideration, we continue to take positive steps to fill vacant units and assist budding independents and smaller retailers.”

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1200790_popup_shop_attracts_maharishi

I keep wondering, seeing as that whole SW corner of the Arndale, of which BHS takes up the most space, is the most rundown part of the Arndale and has a lot of empty units, if there are major redevelopment plans for it? Maybe why BHS isn't investing in making is store more attractive?

BHS had begun a refurbishment of all their stores nationally to conform to a new standard, a style similar to the one at Barton Square (including the new logo). The program was put on hold due to the recession.

Simon Green have closed down on King Street West.

Howies have opened a sample sale in former Henri Lloyd unit in The Triangle, only on till Sunday though.

http://news.howies.co.uk/t/6IA-3YOG-29L18I4EF/cr.aspx

There has been years of talk of John Lewis moving looking at town for a location. Any new information?

BHS had begun a refurbishment of all their stores nationally to conform to a new standard, a style similar to the one at Barton Square (including the new logo). The program was put on hold due to the recession.

It was put on hold as sales didn't prove so Green decided to merge BHS into his Arcadia Group. The outlook for BHS is something along the lines of Outfit which is a collection of his brands. British Home Stores which is a homewares brand that has a store at Barton Sq will continue to grow.

Looks like Currys Megastore are going to be opening their first store in the north west soon. A planning application to install a mezzanine level at the Cheetham Hill store, so that it can become a Currys Megastore, is now online.


Currys
Unit C
Elizabeth Street
Cheetham
Manchester
M8 8BB

Creation of additional retail floorspace at mezzanine level (1864 sqm)

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?092461/FO/2010/N1

Bank overhauls store blueprint

27 March 2010

JD Sports Fashion’s young fashion chain Bank is to unveil a new store format when it opens its biggest branch to date, at Manchester’s Trafford Centre, in June.

The new concept will allow the chain to present the 20-plus brands it sells - including Superdry, Lipsy and Paul’s Boutique - in new shop-in-shop and branded area formats.

The 6,000 sq ft unit is double the size of Bank’s present store at the Trafford Centre, which is its best-performing outlet.

It will also have a new-look fascia. Bank founder and buying director Andy Scott said the store would be a “marked move on” for the retailer.

“There will be more emphasis on individual brands and it will have more clarity of brand mix,” he said.

Bank will roll out the new concept to larger store openings. It plans to open between 14 and 20 stores in 2010.

Scott will use the Manchester store as a test bed for new labels and is in talks with 10 brands about the possibility of bringing them on-board in time for the opening.

http://www.drapersonline.com

From Oi Polloi

Oi Polloi will be moving premises this weekend. On Monday the 29th we will be closed, we aim to re-open on Tuesday 30th March at our new store: Oi Polloi, 63 Thomas Street, Manchester, M4 1LQ.

I've been told they are keeping the original store on Tib Street for shoes, but don't quote me on that.

Thanks Seasonedbest, the Tib Street store is going to reopen as a sale shop from 5th April.

http://www.burytimes.co.uk/resources/images/1244561/?type=display

THE massive £350 million Rock Triangle development in Bury is becoming a marketing mecca.

An exclusive retailer open day introduced a clutch of national retailers to view the site.

The 506,000 sq ft retail and leisure development, which is due to open its doors in July, will be the only shopping centre outside of London to be completed in 2010.

The open day attracted 22 national and regional retailers to the site, including Arcadia, Cafe Nero, Starbucks, and JJB Sports. Following the tour, feedback from the retailers was described as “extremely positive”.

The development has so far recorded a high level of interest with major retailers, including Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Primark and Next, already announcing they will be taking up space.

Richard Poyser, the assistant director of retail leasing for developers Hammerson said: “The level of interest from potential retailers demonstrates the significance of The Rock.”

http://www.burytimes.co.uk/news/5083174.Retailers_get_a_preview_of_Rock_development/

White Wall Galleries soon to open on Deansgate end of King Street junction - premises now being fitted out.

whitewallgalleries.com

Reiss are now reopen on upper Regents Crescent at The Trafford Centre after their store refurbishment.

Lipsy are opening on upper Regents Crescent at The Trafford Centre in the former Elvi unit next to Accessorize.

Office Shoe Shop to open in The Arndale, Manchester

Get your shopping bags and credit cards at the ready because Office is opening a new branch in The Arndale Shopping Centre, Manchester.

The largest Office Store outside of London is due to open on the 31st of March and now makes 10 Office outlets in Manchester.The newest store welcome a variety of ranges and something to suit any mood you could wish to have.

Office pride themselves in bringing you trend reports to keep you up to date and on trend which you can see on their rather marvellous blog. Use these to your advantage and pick your perfect pair of shoes from a variety of ranges in-store. Office also stock a wide range of brands including Adida, Converse, Poste, Ugg Boots and Ted Baker.

Not only for girls, The Arndale store also stocks Men and Children ranges for to cater to everyone! Head into store to feast your eyes on the exclusive range.

http://www.manchesterfashion.com/c/19/322/office-shoe-shop-to-open-in-the-arndale-manchester

Looks like the former Starbucks unit on King Street has a tennant finally, plans are online for new signage and shopfronts for the unit, the new tennant that will open there is GUD Wholesome Foods. Plans online here.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?092644/AO/2010/C1

Also the former North American Travel Agency unit on Deangate looks like it has a new tennant aswell, plans for a change of use are now online for The Money Shop to open up in half of the former Travel Agency unit.


Unit 2
48 Deansgate
Manchester

Change of use from retail (Use Class A1) to financial and professional services (Use Class A2)

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?092279/FU/2010/C1

Scoop have closed down at the Arndale, the windows of the store are now covered up and no signage for Scoop is visible on the unit, some workmen were doing stuff in the unit today with part of the shutters up.


Wow. We did their branding and shop frontage design.

Wonder if their first shop in Warrington is still open?

Reiss are now reopen on upper Regents Crescent at The Trafford Centre after their store refurbishment.

Lipsy are opening on upper Regents Crescent at The Trafford Centre in the former Elvi unit next to Accessorize.
Not sure if it has already been posted but Mamas and Papas are opening a flagship store next to John Lewis in the Trafford Centre.
Lego Discovery Centre has opened in Barton Square , and is looking really busy, though this is only its first week !

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Groom is opening next to Frank Rostrum on Princess Street.

www.groomhire.co.uk

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That kid in the trolley is saying

"Dad? Dad!!!! Dad!?!?!?"

Thanks for the photos marky.

Zorba Sweets are going to be opening a store soon in Manchester in the Arndale near Aldi according to their website.


Coming Soon Zorba, New store in Manchester.
Location:- Adjacent To Aldi

http://www.zorbasweets.co.uk/about-us-1-w.asp

Thanks for the photos marky.

Zorba Sweets are going to be opening a store soon in Manchester in the Arndale near Aldi according to their website.

I think that maybe one of those temp stands they have around the centre.

^^ Ya I would imagine Zorba Sweets will be in one of the mall kiosks that they have Watch It Watches, BT and that nail place in uklad.

Bradford & Bingley on Mosley Street has been refurbished to Santander.

New Figaro have closed at Manchester House on Bridge Street.

Office are now open in the Arndale.

Pandora are now open in the Arndale.

FM Boutique are opening in the former Blooming Marvelous/ Ellie Gray unit in the Arndale.

http://www.fmboutique.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/FM-Boutique/338302024835?v=wall&viewas=710902628#!/pages/FM-Boutique/338302024835

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Thanks for the photos Marky, Legoland is really busy went there last week, the Lego Shop on the ground floor is manic.

Plans for Kutchenhaus opening at Barton Square are online, no documents are online yet though. It is good to see another unit being occupied there, but obivously Kutchenhaus will close down at Trafford Retail Park.

Signage Plans


Unit 5C Barton Square Trafford Centre Manchester M17 8AS

Display of 6 no. internally illuminated fascia signs and 1 no. non-illuminated fascia sign to north-west and south-west elevations.

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=390830&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

Shopfront Plans.


Unit 5C Barton Square Trafford Centre M17 8AS

Installation of shop front to north-west and south-west elevations.

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=390828&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

And finally we get a unit taking one of the units in the block where Next Home is, it has been empty since Barton Square opened.

Plans are now online for Afflecks Palace building to be refurbished.


Afflecks Palace
52 Church Street
Manchester
M4 1PW

External refurbishment of Afflecks Palace Buildings

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?092480/FO/2010/C2

Before Refurbishment

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6108/afflecksbefore.jpg

After Refurbishment.

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5982/afflecksafter.jpg

Also the arcade on Oldham Street will be branded to Afflecks and three new signs will be put up at each entrance in the new Afflecks logo which will be made out of mosaic.

Bank overhauls store blueprint

27 March 2010

JD Sports Fashion’s young fashion chain Bank is to unveil a new store format when it opens its biggest branch to date, at Manchester’s Trafford Centre, in June.

The new concept will allow the chain to present the 20-plus brands it sells - including Superdry, Lipsy and Paul’s Boutique - in new shop-in-shop and branded area formats.

The 6,000 sq ft unit is double the size of Bank’s present store at the Trafford Centre, which is its best-performing outlet.

It will also have a new-look fascia. Bank founder and buying director Andy Scott said the store would be a “marked move on” for the retailer.

“There will be more emphasis on individual brands and it will have more clarity of brand mix,” he said.

Bank will roll out the new concept to larger store openings. It plans to open between 14 and 20 stores in 2010.

Scott will use the Manchester store as a test bed for new labels and is in talks with 10 brands about the possibility of bringing them on-board in time for the opening.

http://www.drapersonline.com

Bank are relocating to the former Zavvi unit on lower Regents Crescent at The Trafford Centre.

I noticed that old HSBC unit on High Street is finally being worked on the other day. Do you know what they could be turning it into Flange?

Well from license appliactions that were online last year, it is apparently going to become a Betfred.

Well from license appliactions that were online last year, it is apparently going to become a Betfred.

Another Betfred? If it is true, how many bookies will that be now? All it seems to be nowadays, that every other shop is a bookies or a newsagent/supermarket.


I thought it was going to be Jamie's Italian...

I thought it was going to be Jamie's Italian...

That is the former HSBC on King Street that is next to Armani.

That is the former HSBC on King Street that is next to Armani.

Ye, got you.
I never liked Jamie Oliver anyway, at least it is good sign for king street and town in general.

Cheers Flange, I suppose its better than being empty.

Apparel Menswear are now open in the former Karen Millen unit in The Triangle.


Apparel moves into the Triangle

By Simon Binns

Men's clothing shop Apparel has moved into the Triangle Shopping Centre in Manchester city centre.

The company, which opened its first shop in Blackpool more than ten years ago, has taken a 1,560 sq ft unit on the ground floor on a short-term, all-inclusive lease lasting six months.

Samuel Adair, co-founder of Apparel, said: "We feel that Manchester is a great city centre retail location, but we see a large gap in the market based on unique brands and limited edition clothing, which is mainly sourced from Germany, Italy, Spain and France.

"Given our stock and target customer, we know we have to be in the right location and surrounded by similar stores, and I believe we have found the ideal position. The pricing structure is a secondary bonus as it also allows us to keep a firm control of finances over the initial six months."

Michelle Atack, marketing manager at Triangle Shopping Centre, said: "This is the third tenant we have signed on this unit pricing structure, and we are in advanced negotiations with two others, details of which will be announced very soon."

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20100407/FREE/100409943

Plans are now online for Afflecks Palace building to be refurbished.



http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?092480/FO/2010/C2

Before Refurbishment

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/6108/afflecksbefore.jpg

After Refurbishment.

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5982/afflecksafter.jpg

Also the arcade on Oldham Street will be branded to Afflecks and three new signs will be put up at each entrance in the new Afflecks logo which will be made out of mosaic.


Bruntwood unveils plans for Affleck's refurb

By Simon Binns

Manchester-based property firm Bruntwood is planning to refurbish the exterior of its Affleck's retail arcade in the city centre.

Plans submitted to Manchester City Council said the building, on the corner of Oldham Street and Church Street in the Northern Quarter, had become “tired and is in great need of redecoration.”

The developer wants to change the colour of the building from its current pastel white colour to red and sandstone, similar to the render it recently used when refurbishing 79 Piccadilly. The red colour was chosen to reflect the ‘Manchester Red' shade of brickwork.

The remaining ground floor stonework of the building along Church Street will also be cleaned, and a new fascia will be added to that part of the arcade, as well as the ground floor fronting Oldham Street.

Bruntwood acquired the arcade in February 2008, from former landlord Elaine Walsh. The developer already owned the freehold, but bought the leasehold from Walsh and then changed the name from Affleck's Palace to avoid infringing her intellectual property rights.

Although Bruntwood initially said it did not intend to manage the arcade in the long term and would look to appoint someone more familiar with the retail sector instead, the firm is still running the building.

Parts of the interior have been refurbished and there has also been an increase in tenants since the developer took the building on.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20100407/FREE/100409946/1026

Conran Shop pop-up trial could pave way for small-format stores

April 9, 2010

By Tim Danaher

The Conran Shop is trialling a smaller store format that could be used to extend the brand into new locations in the UK or overseas.

Last week Sir Terence Conran’s furniture and homewares business launched a 900 sq ft pop-up store in Westfield London showcasing its entry price point product range Well Considered.

The store will be open until early June, but managing director Nick Moore sees potential for the format to be used on a permanent basis by international franchisees to open more stores, and also potentially in other UK centres like Manchester or Glasgow if it was successful.

“Until now the only option has been 16,000 sq ft to 20,000 sq ft flagship stores, but this gives us another element in the toolkit which we can take to franchisees,” said Moore. “A brand like Conran has to be finding new things to do, new things to try.”

The store was opened by Conran last Wednesday and showcases 80 of the 88 lines in the Well Considered range. The range was launched last year in response to the recession and now accounts for 20% of Conran Shop’s sales. It is to be extended to 200 lines this autumn.

Moore said he expected the business to move into profit next year for the first time in a decade, after reducing losses by 40% in the financial year that ended March 31. Sales at its two London stores climbed 8% over the year, but performance was held back by its New York store - which is being relocated from a low footfall location on the Upper East Side to the basement of famed flooring store ABC Carpets - and a change of franchisee in Japan.

http://www.retail-week.com/

Starbucks secured at Three Piccadilly Place

12 Apr 2010, 10:01

Michael Hunt

Private equity firm the Carlyle Group and developer Argent has signed Starbucks as the first retail tenant at Three Piccadilly Place in Manchester.

As tipped in Place in November the coffee chain will take a corner site between the office and the residential phase. Starbucks has taken a 1,500 sq ft ground floor retail unit on a five year term, which will also include outside seating on the Piazza.

Mark Harris, director of the Carlyle Group, said: "We wanted to ensure that our occupiers at Piccadilly Place would benefit from a strong retail offer on the ground floor and Starbucks is an ideal first retail tenant to secure. Starbucks is a universally popular brand and concept and is therefore a perfect fit for the site, so we are looking forward to welcoming the team to Piccadilly in June."

Three Piccadilly Place forms part of the 675,000 sq ft Piccadilly Place development, which officially launched last November following the completion of Four Piccadilly Place.

Tushingham Moore advised The Carlyle Group on the deal and is sole retail agent for Piccadilly Place.

Details of the rental agreement were not disclosed.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/5837-starbucks-secured-three-piccadilly-place.html

That makes what feels like the 2 billionth starbucks in town...
But they're good for attracting business so i guess we can't be too picky.`

Folli Follie to open two Selfridges concessions

By Rachael Taylor

Apr 12, 2010

Folli Follie is planning to open two new Selfridges concessions in the coming months and will make its website transactional in May.

The Greek jewellery and watch brand will enter Selfridges Birmingham in May and Selfridges at the Trafford Centre in Manchester in June. The openings are part of a strategy to build the business through concessions in department stores.

Folli Follie is also planning to open another UK standalone store, most likely in London, by the end of the year.

The brand will make its website, follifollie.com, transactional in May, allowing shoppers to buy direct online.

Folli Follie UK brand general manager Penny Grivea said that the brand is focusing on building awareness of the brand in the consumer marketplace, and as awareness increases it will roll out more stores. She said: “We want to raise the awareness of our brand and then open up other stores. The awareness isn’t there.”

Folli Follie has nine stores in the UK as well as two Brown Thomas concessions and one House of Fraser shop in shop.

http://www.professionaljeweller.com/article-7626-folli-follie-to-open-two-selfridges-concessions/

That makes what feels like the 2 billionth starbucks in town...
But they're good for attracting business so i guess we can't be too picky.`

yup, attracting business such as Tesco Express, BetFred, Greggs ;)

Anyone care to take a punt at which of those will be announced next?

Heal's on New Cathedral Street are now only trading from one floor, anyone know when it will close?

Doesn't anyone else think it is strange that a company such as this could fail in a city that manages to support not only 3 Habitat stores (St Anns, Barton Square and Wythenshaw Outlet) but also 2 John Lewis stores, 2 Selfridges and a Harvey Nichols?

Not really. Very expensive for what it was if you ask me. I went in there the other week looking for a rug, hoping to find a brgain. Even in the clearance they were still more expensive than what I'd seen in JL and Habitat, and they ain't cheap... I think Heals is to Habitat what Ilva was to Ikea. I imagine the rent was sky-high too.

I agree, however it seems a shame that an iconic brand such as Heal's is leaving the city.

Price was probably a main factor, but I also think the range they stocked was abysmal compared to the products they showcase online. I regularly popped in to see an item that I had seen online to be told by a staff member that it was only available from their London store.

Even the London store is rubbish tbh

Doesn't anyone else think it is strange that a company such as this could fail in a city that manages to support not only 3 Habitat stores (St Anns, Barton Square and Wythenshaw Outlet) but also 2 John Lewis stores, 2 Selfridges and a Harvey Nichols?[/QUOTE]

The Heal's site on NCS was always a bad choice. It has a very narrow frontage compared to Habitat and other Heals stores. It is also smack bang in the middle of the street next to high fashion offerings.

Their other stores are either very visible or co-located with other lifestyle stores. They would have been better off in the unit occupied by Zara or somewhere in St Ann's Square.

On another note, Hugo Boss (via agencies) have started advertising for a flagship store in the centre of Manchester - not sure if this will be for Spinningfields, NCS or King Street but it does mention a new store in the centre of Manchester.

There could be more openings on King Street with Gieves & Hawkes, Reiss Accessories and Hawes & Curtis viewing units there in the past week.

Tiffany have ruled out a standalone store and intend to stick with their Selfridges concession.

Over at Spinningfields - both Waitrose and M&S are considering a 12,000 sq ft unit foodstore in the proposed 1 Hardman Street.

Again, I agree, garethwyn. The Tottenham Court Road store is awful, and the staff there don't help its image either!

On another note, Hugo Boss (via agencies) have started advertising for a flagship store in the centre of Manchester - not sure if this will be for Spinningfields, NCS or King Street but it does mention a new store in the centre of Manchester.

There could be more openings on King Street with Gieves & Hawkes, Reiss Accessories and Hawes & Curtis viewing units there in the past week.

Tiffany have ruled out a standalone store and intend to stick with their Selfridges concession.

Over at Spinningfields - both Waitrose and M&S are considering a 12,000 sq ft unit foodstore in the proposed 1 Hardman Street.

Thanks Vision 2020 MCR, I imagine the Hugo Boss vacanicies ads will be for New Cathedral Street, if the article from Crains is correct as their new store at Spinningfields will be Hugo Boss Green according to Crains, also if they are opening at New Cathedral Street the existing Hugo Boss store on King Street will close.

Is interesting with the King Street news, Hawes & Curtis and Gieves & Hawkes would fit in very well on King Street what with TM Lewin already open there and Charles Tyrwhitt rumoured to be opening on King Street. It is also good to see Reiss Accessories possibly opening their Accessories store, especially with the big store they already have on New Cathedral Street. It is not so surprising over Tiffanys though.

And good to hear about Waitrose and M&S looking over possible opening at Spinningfields, like many people have said there needs to be more mainstream stores opening there and Waitrose or M&S would help especially with WHSmith already confirmed to be opening underneath 3 Hardman Street.

Talking about King Street, job applications are now online for a new store opening on the Street.


Manager / Store Manager

Luxury, Menswear, Fashion

Kings Street, Manchester.

We are currently searching for a STRONG STORE MANAGER for A LUXURY MENSWEAR BRAND – NEW STORE OPENING on KINGS STREET, MANCHESTER.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well established, in-style formalwear company who specialise in tailored shirts, ties and accessories for both sexes.

The successful applicant MUST HAVE PREVIOUS STORE MANAGERIAL EXPERIENCE of working within HIGH-END FASHION RETAIL.

•You must be a well-spoken, confident and well-presented!
•You must maintain a high standard of customer service which you will be required to implement within your team to ensure that they are fully maximising sales for the company.
•You must obtain strong management techniques and have experience of recruiting, training and development.
•This job entails lots of back-of-house duties so you must have experience of carrying out wage costs, budgets, rotas and much more!
•You must be target-driven and have a very clear understanding of KPI’s. You must obtain COMMERCIALITY!

We are looking for a ‘people-person’, someone who is approachable and is personable. Someone with good charisma and who obtains a ‘can-do’ attitude at all times. We are also looking for someone who is able to use their own initiative and enjoys a challenge.

You must be within commutable distance of MANCHESTER, KINGS STREET.

In return the company offers a fantastic salary of £27,000-£28,000 per annum with an excellent bonus scheme and lots of incentives!

http://www.careersandjobsuk.com/elite-associates-europe-ltd-506318/store-manager-luxury-menswear-new-store-kings-street-manchester-job-in-manchester?c=tgjq&utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed

Sounds like it could possibly be Charles Tyrwhitt.

Kitbag are opening a new concept store in the Arndale for the World Cup, they will be open from 7 May until 31 July.


FOR 12 AMAZING WEEKS WE ARE WORLD CUP 2010

FROM 7 MAY TO 31 JULY WE BRING THE WORLD'S GREATEST FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT RIGHT TO THE HEART OF MANCHESTER

Something new is coming to Manchester. Open from 7th May and until the last ball has been kicked in South Africa this summer, this exciting and innovative new retail experience has been created as a place of worship for all true followers of the world's greatest tournament.

Yes, we are the leading online football store, but we believe that this World Cup is going to be a bit special, so we've decided to do something a bit special too. Situated in the very heart of the city's busiest shopping area, the exclusive new Kitbag concept store is entirely dedicated to providing only the very best of World Cup 2010.

http://www.kitbag.com/

Xpress Convenience Store are now open on Whitworth Street West.

Whitewall Galleries are now open on the corner of King Street and Deansgate.

Work is going on in the former Lodge @ The Circle unit at Barton Arcade.

Perfume at Next is now open on the first floor of Next in the Arndale.

The Shoe Room is now open on the first floor of Next in the Arndale.

FM Boutique are now open in the Arndale.

Cushion Couture are having a closing down sale at the Arndale.

Kitbag are opening in the former small HMV unit on Market Street.

The new Tourist Information Centre is now being fitted out underneath City Tower on the corner of Portland Street.

Central Perk has closed on Piccadilly Approach.

It looks like there may be another Tesco Express opening in the city centre... in one of the City Tower units

Which unit neil, went past City Tower today and the only unit being worked on was the new Tourist Information Centre on the corner of Portland Street.

Think it was unit D - There was a license application in yesterdays MEN

Think it was unit D - There was a license application in yesterdays MEN

Unit D is the closed down Internacionale so it would be the right size for a Tesco Express. I wonder how is will affect the over priced Spar and Newsagents on the same street.

http://i42.************/2qkkp6h.jpg

Unit D is the closed down Internacionale so it would be the right size for a Tesco Express. I wonder how is will affect the over priced Spar and Newsagents on the same street.

Well the newsagents is getting a refurb soon, but think it will affect M&S Simply Food more really with them being so close together and could affect Quality Save as well.

Well the newsagents is getting a refurb soon, but think it will affect M&S Simply Food more really with them being so close together and could affect Quality Save as well.

I think M&S have a different more affluent customer and doesn't compete as much on price so I don't see it affecting them too much plus they don't sell any brand names. Quality Save could take a hit on non food but the Tesco Express stores are light on non food so I would expect them to be complimentary and could even give a boost to Quality Save as the Tesco store will bring people over.
Spar and the newsagents sell products in the same range categories as Tesco but often cost more and in the case of the Spar are not always of a matching quality. Again it depends on the ranges and the size of them, maybe they will add a magazine/newspaper section and a larger range of sweets to cater for the passing commuters.

I imagine we will see a few more Tesco's in the city centre this year someone told me the new stores opened are performing above expectations. The store at 1 Portland Street is under performing, most likely on the wrong side of the road.

I think M&S have a different more affluent customer and doesn't compete as much on price so I don't see it affecting them too much plus they don't sell any brand names. Quality Save could take a hit on non food but the Tesco Express stores are light on non food so I would expect them to be complimentary and could even give a boost to Quality Save as the Tesco store will bring people over.
Spar and the newsagents sell products in the same range categories as Tesco but often cost more and in the case of the Spar are not always of a matching quality. Again it depends on the ranges and the size of them, maybe they will add a magazine/newspaper section and a larger range of sweets to cater for the passing commuters.

I imagine we will see a few more Tesco's in the city centre this year someone told me the new stores opened are performing above expectations. The store at 1 Portland Street is under performing, most likely on the wrong side of the road.
If they are opening a few more, there is a need for more metro stores than Express stores. Do you know if Tesco are considering opening one in Oxford Road near the universities?

Not sure if this has been mentioned already. Apparently, John Lewis has no plans to set up shop in town.

Good, I like Manchester uniqueness in not having a John Lewis.

Mmm. I thought they were after a city-centre store? Where did you hear/read this?

"John Lewis has a number of new shops in the pipeline.

We plan to open new department stores in Croydon, Stratford, Leeds, Oxford, Portsmouth, Dublin and Preston. I apologise that there is currently no plans to open a store in Manchester city centre"

A reply from an email that was sent.

Yes Croydon, Stratford, Leeds, Oxford, Portsmouth, Dublin and Preston have always been stores that have been confirmed to have a John Lewis opening there for a long time now, Manchester City Centre has been heavily rumoured over the last 3 or so years, but nothing has ever been confirmed on a location in the City Centre, that why we have had the rumours of them opening in the Arndale, Primarks building and Debenhams but nothing has ever been confirmed.

http://www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk/Display.aspx?MasterId=260436d1-d6b9-493d-8a96-ff23f98397ab&NavigationId=1604

"John Lewis has a number of new shops in the pipeline.

We plan to open new department stores in Croydon, Stratford, Leeds, Oxford, Portsmouth, Dublin and Preston. I apologise that there is currently no plans to open a store in Manchester city centre"

A reply from an email that was sent.

True, though this relates to their confirmed sites with agreed planning permission. The JLP has for some years had a requirement for one or more of the following with several locations considered:

1) A Full-range department store (150-250k sq ft) - there are a number of sites that have been connected to this such as the former Lewis's, The Triangle and Arndale Centre.

2) A John Lewis at Home / Waitrose Food & Home (20-40k sq ft) - Spinningfields, The Arndale and Ramada site

3) 1-2 Waitrose stores (5-20k sq ft) - Spinningfields, Arndale, Royal Exchange and Origin (Whitworth St).

Had Origin and the Ramada development not been stalled, I think we would have one of the above under construction by now.

Theres one in Cheadle and the TC. You can see why theres no plans for one in the city centre, being that two already serve the greater manchester area.

I do wonder how different the city centre would be if the TC did'nt exist.

Waitrose were trying to convert the Royal Exchange Shopping Centre into a store for ages, but major planning issues seem to have stopped it. Spinningfields would be a good idea, It would be quite a good footfall driver for the rest of the retailers too. Can't think of any units currently available in a good enough location of a decent size to suit a Waitrose in (or more likely external) the Arndale. I've always though the 'unpopular' concrete building on the corner of Church St and High St would be a good spot, would have to give the building a bit of TLC and evict the current tennants 1st though!

I'd bet we would already have a city centre JL if the TC didn't exist, or at least in line for one. Guess they would rather open in areas that have no JL at all before they risk canabalising sales at existing stores.

There's not many spaces left available for a large Waitrose of John Lewis store in Manchester. I don't think they would risk locating a store in an area of the City that doesn't already have proven minimum amount of footfall and the shopping appetite for the goods they sell.

Waitrose will start selling a selection of ready meals and snack foods in Boots next month.

I hpe that they open or announce opening a store. John Lewis is somewhat important to town to have. I am sure GM can cope with three JL stores.

Look at Selfridges, One in TC and One in town. Town and TC are barely apart to be honest. Yet they are both successful.

There's not many spaces left available for a large Waitrose of John Lewis store in Manchester. I don't think they would risk locating a store in an area of the City that doesn't already have proven minimum amount of footfall and the shopping appetite for the goods they sell.


Waitrose have been opening Tesco Express (and slightly bigger) sized stores in city centres lately. I imagine it'll be something like this that opens in Manchester as opposed to a full-size store.

Good, I like Manchester uniqueness in not having a John Lewis.

Well, nor Birmingham or Leeds have John Lewis stores either.

Does anyone know what is happening to the part of the Royal Exchange Shopping Arcade that was refurbished a couple of years ago? Despite Frogmore's and then Quintain's plans to create a luxury destination, the scheme has failed to attract a single tenant.

Has always been a mystery the Royal Exchange Shopping Centre, the whole place is fitted out and has been finished development wise as there has been photos posted of the interior.
In the run up to the planned opening in 2007 there was rumours of Wint & Kidd, Theo Fennell, Terence Conran (D&D London) and Tiffanys & Co opening there, but nothing has ever been confirmed on the tennants opening there and even when it would open. The most recent bit of news we got (this was over a year ago) was that planning applications were going to go in soon for the three entrances into the centre to be improved but nothing ever happened.

Thornley Groves will be opening a new branch soon, in the former Apollo Blinds shop on John Dalton Street.
Barburitto is now open on Deansgate.
Simply Delish has closed down on Bridge Street
A new tailors has opened in the former Mervs Sandwich Bar on Bridge Street
Work seems to have started on both the old Cross Street and King Street branches of HSBC.

According to the website, Thornley Groves will have a 3 metre high video wall facing John Dalton Street

Rumour is, the old HSBC on Cross Street is to be a Sainsbury's Local...

what a surprise!

B&Q to create more jobs with TradePoint

April 23, 2010

B&Q is to roll out its TradePoint business across Greater Manchester, creating dozens of jobs by the late summer.

The Kingfisher-owned group currently has 38 TradePoint operations supplying products from bricks and blocks to tools and fixings from dedicated areas within B&Q stores.

Existing TradePoint outlets include branches in Wigan, Oldham, Stockport and Warrington.

B&Q is to open 118 TradePoint stores nationwide at a cost of £26m, including in Trafford Park, Bolton, Bury, Ashton under Lyne, Rochdale and Cheetham Hill, Manchester, creating around 60 jobs.

Another will open in Blackburn.

Euan Sutherland, chief executive of B&Q and Kingfisher UK, said: “TradePoint represents a massive opportunity for Kingfisher in the UK. We hope to bring a real boost to Britain’s builders and tradesmen by creating new jobs in the sector and giving the trade what it wants – speed, personal service, trade products at trade-only prices.”

Customers using TradePoint must provide evidence of their trade status before being issued with a membership card.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1223148_bq_to_create_more_jobs_with_tradepoint

^^ works already started on the tradepoint at the Trafford Pk 'Trade Point'

Retail expansion high on Forever Unique’s agenda

24 April 2010

By Eve Oxberry

Premium short-order womenswear brand Forever Unique has outlined plans for retail expansion and will launch a higher-priced premium range and its first forward-order offer.

Forever Unique, which sells via 250 UK wholesale accounts, as well as via its own website www.foreverunique.co.uk, wants to capitalise on its rapid online sales growth with the opening of standalone stores.

Managing director Sandeep Malhotra expects web sales, which account for 25% of turnover, to double for autumn 10 compared with autumn 09. He will open outlet and full-price stores from 2012 in cities including London, Manchester and Liverpool to reach 10 standalones by 2015.

Forever Unique, which is stocked by Asos and Shop Direct Group, will also launch its first forward-order range for spring 11. Malhotra said: “Orders from multiple accounts are growing each season and I know many would buy forward order.”

Forever Unique is also developing a higher-end limited-edition premium sub-brand with prices 50% higher than its current £30 to £250 wholesale price range, which will target the likes of Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Its launch date is yet to be confirmed.

The company also relocated from a 9,000 sq ft site to a 30,000 sq ft head office, showroom and warehouse facility in Manchester and opened a 2,000 sq ft showroom on London’s Mortimer Street last month.

http://www.drapersonline.com/

LabSport collapses into administration

24 April 2010

Branded sportswear mini-chain LabSport has closed its eight shops after falling into administration.

LabSport, which has appointed MCR as administrator, said the shops had to be closed after the business’s management failed to find an investor. A total of 80 staff across its stores and head office have been made redundant.

A spokesman for LabSport said the business was hit by a lack of working capital and was unable to get the right level of supply of branded goods into the stores to achieve its targets.

LabSport was set up in 2007 and financed by ex-Allsports directors Mike Guest and Mike Donnelly, alongside Paul Groom, former managing director of sportswear distributor Mint Group, and Keith Robinson, who had held senior roles at now defunct entertainment retailer Virgin and stationery chain Stationery Box.

LabSport, which sold brands including Reebok, Adidas and Asics, was created as a new branded sportswear concessions concept, operating joint-venture partnerships with brands. Each brand was given an allocated space in stores which they decided how to stock and LabSport was responsible for shopfits and staffing the stores.

In 2008, Chris Lee, founder of premium indie Microzine, was hired as creative director of the group.

http://www.drapersonline.com/

The store never really seemed busy whenever I walked past it in the Arndale.

USC founders plot international Fashion Rocks concept

24 April 2010

By Laura Weir, Jessica Brown

Angus Morrison and David Douglas, the original founders of USC, are understood to have created a spin-off premium branded fashion concept dubbed the new “Wade Smith or Selfridges” from the Fashion Rocks event they own.

The duo, who left their non-executive directorships of USC in recent weeks, have begun touting for brand support for the new concept and are thought to be in talks with property agents about several units, including sites in Glasgow, Manchester and London.

Morrison, who is leading the project, is also understood to be in talks with etail platform providers about creating a transactional website for Fashion Rocks. Online will form a key plank of astrategy that will include an international roll-out.

Fashion Rocks launched in 2003 as part of an initiative to raise money for charity the Prince’s Trust. The concept was to bring together big-name designer catwalks with live music performances - in fusions such as Armani and Beyoncé, Lily Allen and Chanel, and Mariah Carey and Versace - in high-profile cities such as London, Miami and Rio de Janeiro. Morrison and Douglas were brought into the business in the mid-2000s and plan to harness its global branding and PR power through the new etail format and retail chain.

The pair, who also hold a stake in streetwear brand Gio-Goi, believe the Fashion Rocks retail concept could be rolled out internationally, with stores opening in existing and future event locations such as Rio de Janeiro and Singapore.

The chain is likely to stock premium and designer brands such as those that have featured as part of previous events. Sources said a second spin-off concept was also being planned, which would focus on denim brands such as G-Star and Diesel. A source said: “The premium core concept would be the most important focus, but they do think there is opportunity to link a denim offer in with that.”

Morrison and Douglas, who netted around £27m when they offloaded young fashion chain USC, which they founded together, to Sir Tom Hunter in 2004, are understood to have already held talks with several private equity and venture capitalist firms about financing the roll-out. A source close to the financing said: “Interest has been really strong. The difference is that with this retail concept comes a big PR and media event machine, which is very attractive.”

There is no timescale for the launch and sources said there were still “balls in the air” in terms of sites and suppliers. However a 20,000 sq ft to 25,000 sq ft unit is thought to have been identified as a potential target on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street.

The financial source said: “They are looking at how best to get the biggest mass volume the quickest to propel Fashion Rocks forward. It’s complicated as so many things hinge on each other.”

Until recently, Douglas had been leading the revival of USC, having been brought back into the business by Hunter as a non-executive director following a pre-pack administration in December 2008. Douglas had taken charge of buying. Morrison too has resigned as a non-executive director.

A spokesman for Hunter said: “Angus and David have done a great job for us over the past year on buying strategy and as they did it became very clear we needed more, not less, resource on this… Clearly with Gio-Goi to run, and many other interests, that was a challenge, so we’ve resourced up on buying teams to allow them to seamlessly exit the business. They remain key contacts… and Gio-Goi a core brand for USC.”

He declined to comment on rumours that the duo had tried to buy back USC from Hunter last month.

Morrison and Douglas could not be reached as Drapers went to press.

http://www.drapersonline.com

Former Poundland impresario creates value hubbub

23.04.10

By Hardeep Sandher

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/8472/hub1.jpg

Dave Dodd to launch value chain Hub in Telford and Manchester

A former founder of the recession-resistant Poundland chain is to imminently launch a value retail chain.

Dave Dodd, who co-founded Poundland in 1990, is this month expected to sign for the first two stores for his retail concept, Hub — a value retailer that offers home and kitchenware products and garden, leisure, sport and computer accessories. Sources close to the new retailer say it will be a department store with value at its core.

It has two shops under offer: a 15,000 sq ft unit that was previously occupied by Woolworths at Apollo Retail and Hark Group’s Telford Shopping Centre in Shropshire, and a 20,000 sq ft unit at Capital Shopping Centres’ Arndale Centre in Manchester.

It is also thought to be close to placing a third store in Bristol under offer. The rents are still being negotiated, but the average zone A rent in Telford is £175 and in Manchester around £200.

Hub is on an aggressive expansion plan and hopes to open around 30 stores by 2012. Its first two stores are expected to start trading in the autumn.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/8837/hub2.jpg

The retailer is looking for units of 10,000 sq ft to 15,000 sq ft across England and Wales. Its website states that it typically expects to serve around 12,000 customers a week.

Rob Williams, retail director at Strutt & Parker, which is acting for the landlord at Telford, says: “Dealing with a brand-new department concept like Hub is always a worrying proposition.

“With a tried-and-tested management team you can’t help but think it’ll be a success.”

Poundland CEO Dodd led a management buyout of the business in 2002 and left in 2006.

He created the Poundland brand, which is today Europe’s largest single-price retailer. It has more than 240 stores across the UK and turnover of around £500m.

http://www.propertyweek.com

http://www.hubretail.co.uk/index.html

Forever 21 on track for UK debut in Birmingham

April 23, 2010

US fashion giant Forever 21 has signed its second deal for a UK store in Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre, which is likely to be its first to open here.

The retailer, which has more than 500 stores in the US, aims to open the 35,000 sq ft store by autumn but a source close to Forever 21 said it is still trying to acquire a central London store.

The source said the Bullring is “likely” to be the first UK store to open “at this particular point”, but that Forever 21 is still “on course” for a London flagship.

The source added that Forever 21 is looking at stores in the capital but is “not close” to signing anything yet.

“Forever 21 is very excited about the Bullring,” said the source. “Heads of terms are agreed, and it will open this fall hopefully.”

Forever 21 will likely go head to head with established fast-fashion retailers such as H&M and Primark when it arrives in the UK.

In December Retail Week revealed that Forever 21 had signed its first UK deal at Westfield Stratford, although it will not open until 2011.

The fashion retailer also wants stores in UK cities including Manchester, and Glasgow, as well as European centres such as Paris, Milan, Munich, Amsterdam, Vienna, Madrid and Barcelona.

Property agent Harper Dennis Hobbs acted for the retailer but declined to comment.

http://www.retail-week.com

I can imagine Spinningfields or King Street being a good location for Forever 21.

http://www.retail-week.com

I can imagine Spinningfields or King Street being a good location for Forever 21.

I would expect a very high traffic site like Market St maybe where Virgin used to be.

The license for Tesco at City Tower is now online


Tesco

Tesco, Unit D, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester, M1 4AH

Application Type
Premises Licence (New)
Proposal Proposed trading hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises only:
Mon to Sun 0600 to 2300

Proposed opening hours for the premises:
Mon to Sun 0600 to 2300

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500047/city_centre/610/city_centre-current_licence_applications/7

And Dixy Chicken are opening on Shudehill


Dixy Chicken

Dixy Chicken, 38 Shudehill, Manchester, M4 1EZ

Application Type
Premises Licence (New)
Proposal Proposed trading hours for the provision of late night refreshment:
Mon to Sun 2300 to 0500

Proposed opening hours for the premises:
Mon to Sun 1100 to 0615

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

Looks like the planning application has gone in for WHSmith to open at Spinningfields underneath 3 Hardman Street, they are taking half of one of the units, so subdivision of the unit is needed.


3 Hardman Street
Manchester
M3 3HF

External alterations including the installation of a new entrance, louvres and works associated with subdividing the unit into 2 separate units.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=L1BLCHBC01W00

No documents are online yet.

Dixy Chicken have been open about a month. I wonder how they are impacting on the Abergeldie who also open late catering to the drunks at the weekend.

A retail recovery could be taking place in Manchester...

Up-market french fashion retailer Sandro is to open later this year.
French ladieswear chain Comptoir des Cottonieres is looking at units around King St / St Ann's Square.
Firetrap is considering a store in either the city-centre or Trafford Centre.

Excellent news. Sandro is great. Ditto Comptoir des Cotonniers

I’m just completing a survey of over 100 international retailers considering Manchester as a retail location. The preliminary findings make you wonder what agents for The Avenue; Royal Exchange; Triangle et al. have been doing!...
 Manchester has significant pent-up demand from retailers seeking a presence in the city. Over 20% have had a requirement for over 2 years.
 The city is 2nd only to London for perception of high disposable spend per capita and catchment.
 Nearly one third responded that availability and quality of units is perceived as inferior to Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow.
 Nearly 75% of respondents said they would consider locations such as King Street, Royal Exchange and St Ann’s Square if landlords were prepared to offer greater leasing incentives.
 The Avenue/Spinningfields and The Triangle were perceived as secondary pitches, with not enough anchors to attract high end retail.

The following had closed stores in Manchester because of poor lease arrangements or suitability of units: Aquascutum; Austin Reed; Bally; Calvin Klein Jeans; InWear/Matinique; Karen Millen; Massimo Dutti; MaxMara; and Replay

The following retailers had outlets in other provincial cities and have searched in Manchester without success: Brora; Charbonnel & Walker; Charles Tyrwhitt; Duchamp; Firetrap; Folli Follie; Gieves & Hawkes; Guess; Jack Wills; Jo Malone; Hackett; Kiehl’s; Marlboro Classics; Oliver Bonas; Paul Smith; Pull&Bear; and Ralph Lauren

In addition, the following retailers had a presence at Westfield in West London but outstanding requirements for Manchester:
Church’s; De Beers; Dior; Deschamps; Ferragamo; Furla; Fratelli Rosetti; Gucci; Jimmy Choo; Missoni; Miu Miu; Mont Blanc; Myla; Pashion by Ted Baker; Prada; Tateossian; Valentino; Versace; Wolford and Zadig & Voltaire.

Perhaps its time for MIDAS and Marketing Manchester to play their part as this pent-up demand accounts for over 100,000 sq ft and these retailers are already trading in similar locations to Manchester.

I’m just completing a survey of over 100 international retailers considering Manchester as a retail location. The preliminary findings make you wonder what agents for The Avenue; Royal Exchange; Triangle et al. have been doing!...
 Manchester has significant pent-up demand from retailers seeking a presence in the city. Over 20% have had a requirement for over 2 years.
 The city is 2nd only to London for perception of high disposable spend per capita and catchment.
 Nearly one third responded that availability and quality of units is perceived as inferior to Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow.
 Nearly 75% of respondents said they would consider locations such as King Street, Royal Exchange and St Ann’s Square if landlords were prepared to offer greater leasing incentives.
 The Avenue/Spinningfields and The Triangle were perceived as secondary pitches, with not enough anchors to attract high end retail.

The following had closed stores in Manchester because of poor lease arrangements or suitability of units: Aquascutum; Austin Reed; Bally; Calvin Klein Jeans; InWear/Matinique; Karen Millen; Massimo Dutti; MaxMara; and Replay

The following retailers had outlets in other provincial cities and have searched in Manchester without success: Brora; Charbonnel & Walker; Charles Tyrwhitt; Duchamp; Firetrap; Folli Follie; Gieves & Hawkes; Guess; Jack Wills; Jo Malone; Hackett; Kiehl’s; Marlboro Classics; Oliver Bonas; Paul Smith; Pull&Bear; and Ralph Lauren

In addition, the following retailers had a presence at Westfield in West London but outstanding requirements for Manchester:
Church’s; De Beers; Dior; Deschamps; Ferragamo; Furla; Fratelli Rosetti; Gucci; Jimmy Choo; Missoni; Miu Miu; Mont Blanc; Myla; Pashion by Ted Baker; Prada; Tateossian; Valentino; Versace; Wolford and Zadig & Voltaire.

Perhaps its time for MIDAS and Marketing Manchester to play their part as this pent-up demand accounts for over 100,000 sq ft and these retailers are already trading in similar locations to Manchester.

I agree with what is stated here.
It seems to me that something has to be done in regards to sustainability, rent price, and maybe size of the units which are the main concerns.
Is there anything that can be done to force landlords to decrease rent....?
It is surprising that there are cities in this country that have shops that a city like Manchester does not have? If Manchester is to compete internationally,it need to attract more international brands.

I’m just completing a survey of over 100 international retailers considering Manchester as a retail location. The preliminary findings make you wonder what agents for The Avenue; Royal Exchange; Triangle et al. have been doing!...
 Manchester has significant pent-up demand from retailers seeking a presence in the city. Over 20% have had a requirement for over 2 years.
 The city is 2nd only to London for perception of high disposable spend per capita and catchment.
 Nearly one third responded that availability and quality of units is perceived as inferior to Birmingham, Leeds and Glasgow.
 Nearly 75% of respondents said they would consider locations such as King Street, Royal Exchange and St Ann’s Square if landlords were prepared to offer greater leasing incentives.
 The Avenue/Spinningfields and The Triangle were perceived as secondary pitches, with not enough anchors to attract high end retail.

The following had closed stores in Manchester because of poor lease arrangements or suitability of units: Aquascutum; Austin Reed; Bally; Calvin Klein Jeans; InWear/Matinique; Karen Millen; Massimo Dutti; MaxMara; and Replay

The following retailers had outlets in other provincial cities and have searched in Manchester without success: Brora; Charbonnel & Walker; Charles Tyrwhitt; Duchamp; Firetrap; Folli Follie; Gieves & Hawkes; Guess; Jack Wills; Jo Malone; Hackett; Kiehl’s; Marlboro Classics; Oliver Bonas; Paul Smith; Pull&Bear; and Ralph Lauren

In addition, the following retailers had a presence at Westfield in West London but outstanding requirements for Manchester:
Church’s; De Beers; Dior; Deschamps; Ferragamo; Furla; Fratelli Rosetti; Gucci; Jimmy Choo; Missoni; Miu Miu; Mont Blanc; Myla; Pashion by Ted Baker; Prada; Tateossian; Valentino; Versace; Wolford and Zadig & Voltaire.

Perhaps its time for MIDAS and Marketing Manchester to play their part as this pent-up demand accounts for over 100,000 sq ft and these retailers are already trading in similar locations to Manchester.
I find this amazing , King St could be full of these retailers something major is wrong with all those units lying empty !! It is about the only place in Mcr that has some sense of exclusivity , I really have my doubts about how well The Avenue will fare when it opens , not suprised it has been delayed !

yeh i'm dying for a Tateossian in manchester.

They should completely pedestrianise King St, there is far too much traffic and in particular BUSES going up and down it all day, it doesn't lend well to the areas idea of exclusivity. This could be a reason why it suffers a bit, afterall, so called upmarket retailers know their customers don't want to see a bus full of chavs going past on the number 32 while they're parking their Bentley's.

Work has started on Groomhire on Princess Street
www.groomhire.co.uk

They should completely pedestrianise King St, there is far too much traffic and in particular BUSES going up and down it all day, it doesn't lend well to the areas idea of exclusivity. This could be a reason why it suffers a bit, afterall, so called upmarket retailers know their customers don't want to see a bus full of chavs going past on the number 32 while they're parking their Bentley's.

Hmmm, I can see your point, but there have always been lots of buses using King street; it never used to affect the success of those stores which have now deserted the area.

I think the problems began when Harvey Nichols and Selfridges opened up, along with a range of other high-end stores on New Cathedral street - it pulled shoppers away. Now it appears that many other high-end stores are crying out for space in the city, something really should be done to encourage landlords to incentivise and be more accommodating, as has been said.

Plus I think pedestrianising King street would be easier said than done. How would the buses get into Parker street? Portland street is already chocker most of the day, Mosley street isn't much better, and will eventually be for trams only, therefore exacerbating the situation on Portland street. The closure of Cross street during peak hours has already caused more buses to use King street and Spring Gardens, both as a part of their route and as a terminus because they can no longer get to Victoria, where some of them used to terminate.

2 new supermarkets and a cinema have been approved for Leigh,
A Morrisons supermarket at the Leigh Sports Village &
A 100,000sqft+ Tesco Extra & 7 screen cineworld in the town centre.

They should completely pedestrianise King St, there is far too much traffic and in particular BUSES going up and down it all day, it doesn't lend well to the areas idea of exclusivity. This could be a reason why it suffers a bit, afterall, so called upmarket retailers know their customers don't want to see a bus full of chavs going past on the number 32 while they're parking their Bentley's.

I think the main issue with King Street at the upper end is that it lacks identity and is a little disjointed. Pedestrianisation is not the answer, as the street provides valuable parking capacity. Very few luxury shopping streets across the world are pedestrianised, indeed they require traffic (though not necessarily buses) as many of the retailers use their window displays for brand advertising. In addition, street furniture merely adds clutter and detracts from the units. It is unlikely that Mrs Rooney et al would be found sitting on benches to take a break from shopping!

A controversial solution would include re-opening the lower end of King Street much like Old Bond Street in London, for taxis passing one-way from Deansgate through to King Street. A stopping point could be located at Police Street.

South King Street and St Ann Street could also be converted to one way routes to allow greater circulation. This would mitigate against a ‘Mosely Street’ effect that could dissect the street once the 2nd city crossing is operational.

Other ideas for King Street could include:
Setting up a King Street traders association to jointly market the area.
Paving embossed with the names of retailers.
Flags and banners outside each store.
Change of use to retail for the All Bar One and Ground/1st floors of Pall Mall Court.

Some new retailers for The Avenue at Spinningfields now.


Nicky Clarke - possible relocation from The Triangle
TM Lewin - possible second store or relocation from King Street, they will be in direct competition with Brooks Brothers.
LK Bennett - possible second store or relocation from New Cathedral Street.
Pum Thai http://www.pumthaifoodchain.com/home.html
Balzac ?


http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/251/theavenueretailers.jpg

From the plan above it leaves just 4 to 5 units empty for possible tennants.

Kitbag pops up for World Cup

April 29, 2010

Online sports retailer Kitbag is to launch what it says is Europe’s first dedicated World Cup store in Manchester.

The Middleton-based company is spending £500,000 on the 7,000 sq ft ‘pop-up’ shop in the former HMV store in Market Street, which opens next Friday.

The shop will be open for 90 days, and the company is taking on an extra 60 staff to run it.

At the same time it is taking on another 110 people in its warehouse and call centre to cope with an expected increase in demand during the World Cup.

Managing director Ray Evans said the company would be likely to take on even more people if the England team makes it to the final. “That will be a key factor in what we do,” he said.

The £50m-turnover company currently employs 200 people.

Mr Evans said the shop would “definitely not be selling souvenirs”.

“We think the supermarkets will do a very good job at doing that anyway,” he said. “Instead we will be selling elite team products from the likes of Nike, adidas, Umbro, and Puma.

Products on sale will include replicas of the balls being used in the tournament, which will retail at £80.

Mr Evans said: “The technology behind footballs is really incredible and it is something adidas have spent a lot of money on in a bid to make balls more accurate.”

Other innovations in the store include an absence of any paper-based posters or point of sale material. Instead, any such material will be displayed electronically on Apple Mac computers.

“We want to display all possible information about the products we will be selling,” said Mr Evans. “With paper you don’t get that opportunity.”

Last year Kitbag was put up for sale by its owner, Yorkshire-based Findel, as it looked to sell off non-core activities. But Findel has since taken it off the market.

“They are very happy with our performance,” said Mr Evans.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1237848_kitbag_pops_up_for_world_cup

Some new retailers for The Avenue at Spinningfields now.


Nicky Clarke - possible relocation from The Triangle
TM Lewin - possible second store or relocation from King Street, they will be in direct competition with Brooks Brothers.
LK Bennett - possible second store or relocation from New Cathedral Street.
Pum Thai http://www.pumthaifoodchain.com/home.html
Balzac ?


http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/251/theavenueretailers.jpg


From the plan above it leaves just 4 to 5 units empty for possible tennants.

Balzac...Unfortunate name. I've said this before but I really absolutely hate this. I'm actually glad there are not too many really commercial brands in that mix. Self indulgent I know, but its so dark and peripheral that I just can't see it being a success and part of me hopes it doesn't and is changed for different use. Locating what is hoped would be a major shopping location down a set of steps off Deansgate, enclosed by financial services and set against courts buildings just feels wrong. Fill it with coffee shops, fast food outlets and stores to serve the surrounding businesses but don't relocate high fashion stores and services from the centre to this characterless corporate and civil justice hole.

Balzac...Unfortunate name. I've said this before but I really absolutely hate this. I'm actually glad there are not too many really commercial brands in that mix. Self indulgent I know, but its so dark and peripheral that I just can't see it being a success and part of me hopes it doesn't and is changed for different use. Locating what is hoped would be a major shopping location down a set of steps off Deansgate, enclosed by financial services and set against courts buildings just feels wrong. Fill it with coffee shops, fast food outlets and stores to serve the surrounding businesses but don't relocate high fashion stores and services from the centre to this characterless corporate and civil justice hole.

I agree, this has turned out to be a bit of a disaster for Allied London - With just 3 new retailers to Manchester and all the others relocating from elsewhere. It was always unlikely that Ingall would manage to attract the likes of Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie, Prada, Chanel and Gucci with such a poor streetscape.
What has happened to Flannels and Zegna?
I assume the DKNY unit is a DKNY Jeans store as they have stated that they plan to stay on King Street.

JD Sports Fashion (LSE: JD.) is taking space in its home town’s newest shopping development.

It has signed a lease at The Rock in Bury for a two level unit comprising a 9,250 sq ft JD Sports store and a 5,300 sq ft Bank fashion outlet at the gateway to the scheme.

The deal means that more than three quarters of the £350m scheme is now exchanged and in solicitors’ hands ahead of the launch on July 16.

JD, which has 530 stores in the UK, started off with its first ever store, then called John David Sports, in Bury in 1981 and the new store will be its second outlet in the town.

Richard Poyser, Hammerson assistant director retail leasing, said: “JD Sports and BANK are trading exceptionally well and both brands are a great additional to the centre’s high street fashion mix. We are making strong progress on securing tenants and reaching 75% let is an important milestone ahead of the opening this summer.“

Hammerson was brought in to complete the scheme in January after administrators were appointed at a holding company of the previous developer Thornfield Properties Plc.

The Rock’s tenants will include anchor stores Debenhams and Marks & Spencer alongside eight other flagship stores including Next, River Island, Peacocks, H&M and Primark. Leisure operators secured include Vue, AMF Bowling and Pizza Express.

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20100429/FREE/100429860

I agree, this has turned out to be a bit of a disaster for Allied London - With just 3 new retailers to Manchester and all the others relocating from elsewhere. It was always unlikely that Ingall would manage to attract the likes of Ralph Lauren, Abercrombie, Prada, Chanel and Gucci with such a poor streetscape.
What has happened to Flannels and Zegna?
I assume the DKNY unit is a DKNY Jeans store as they have stated that they plan to stay on King Street.

Just had a very swift response from Allied and Flannels to say that they have finalised their letting of the 20,000 sq ft unit. Also, Armani have commenced fitting out their unit at 1 The Avenue.

Old Adidas/Virgin store on Market Street is being fitted out, looks like a temporary store.
Kitbag signage now up.
Gamestation now closed.

Lipsy are now open on upper Regents Crescent at the Trafford Centre.


Mamas & Papas extend the family

29/04/2010

Mamas & Papas, the UK's number one nursery brand, continue to expand their UK family with the opening of a new store in Lincoln today (29th April). The company will also open a flagship store in Manchester's Trafford Centre next month.

The new Trafford Centre store will open on Saturday the 22nd of May. The flagship will feature split-level mezzanine floors and will no doubt quickly become a 'must visit' for expectant sports stars and celebrities based around the city.

The new Lincoln store is located in St Mark's Shopping Centre in the centre of the town.

Mamas & Papas was established in 1981 by David and Luisa Scacchetti and remains a family run business.

http://www.myretailtherapist.com/default.asp?id=748&ver=1

Mamas & Papas are opening on upper Peel Avenue next to John Lewis.

Just had a very swift response from Allied and Flannels to say that they have finalised their letting of the 20,000 sq ft unit. Also, Armani have commenced fitting out their unit at 1 The Avenue.

Looks like the deal with Flannels is confirmed now.


Must-have labels in Manchester

30.04.10

http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/6994/armanitheavenue.jpg

A clutch of designer names are to open at Allied London’s Spinningfields in Manchester this year, after the developer secured a letting to multiple retailer Flannels

By Malene Birger, Sonia Rykiel, Diane Von Furstenberg, Lanvin and Matthew Williamson are among the brands that Flannels will bring to the Avenue retail element of the scheme in the autumn.

After months of uncertainty brought on by the recession, the Avenue is nearly fully let. A September opening last year had originally been planned for the upmarket retail scheme, but after many tenants put expansion on hold, a new opening date has now been set for this autumn.

Armani has signed for and is fitting out its store (pictured). Mulberry, DKNY, Brooks Brothers and Oliver Sweeney have also committed to space. Rents equate to around £60/sq ft overall but base-and-turnover deals and rent-free periods have been offered.

Last week private bank Brown Shipley took 14,500 sq ft of office space at £28/sq ft in 3 Hardman Street.

Knight Frank and Tushingham Moore advise Allied London.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3162762

TM Lewin are to open another store in Manchester -this time at the Airport

Radley are opening a new standalone store soon at The Trafford Centre, job vacancies are online now.

http://www.radley.co.uk/help/Careers.aspx

There's a sign that's been uncovered (or maybe it was always seen and I never noticed it) on the old Subway on Cross Street that says 'Robert's Tavern Wine Merchants'. Quite a cute find.

"Manchester's newest luxury shopping area is scheduled to open in the autumn and one key tenant already has plans to extend its premises."

A bit vague on any actual detail...

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/business/s/1238758_armani_has_designs_on_the_avenue

^^ A little bit more detailed information about The Avenue and their expansion plans here


Autumn opening for The Avenue

4 May 2010, 16:17

Michael Hunt

Developer Allied London has announced that The Avenue, the retail element of its Spinningfields development in Manchester city centre, will open in the autumn.

The Armani store was handed over last week for the retailer to start shop-fitting.

The 20,000 sq ft Flannels store will offer a number of fashion brands, while Armani already has plans to extend the size of its store.

Both Armani and Flannels signed up as anchor tenants to the scheme last year.

Neil Prosser, owner of Flannels, said: "Flannels is 30 years old and Manchester is where it all begun. The new store will be our flagship store with exciting new brands in a contemporary spacious environment."

"Lots of our customers have expressed great support for us moving to Spinningfields where the feel of the environment and atmosphere will really suit them and also our brands.

"It is without a doubt the best-designed area in the city and is getting increasingly better-known and busier. Our store is going to be a massive draw, and with many more retail and leisure operators still to come, it is only going to get stronger as a destination."

Armani brands Emporio Armani and Armani Collezioni will share a two-level 7,900 sq ft store.

The Avenue will also be complemented with at least two new restaurants and two new bars. Living Ventures, owners of The Grill on the Alley and Gusto Restaurants will operate one restaurant and one bar in addition to launching Jump, a new style of restaurant.

Mike Ingall, chief executive of Allied London, added: "We are now set to deliver our vision. The Avenue will start at Deansgate and run up to House of Fraser.

"We have revised the design over the last twelve months and have been very careful with our selection of operators.

"We now have a core group of retail and restaurant operators who have proved they can trade well in Manchester. We are creating a new destination that will complement Spinningfields which is already popular with visitors and the many people who work here."

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/5998-autumn-opening-for-the-avenue.html


Allied London confirms autumn opening for The Avenue

By Simon Binns

Developer Allied London has announced that The Avenue, the high-end retail element of its Spinningfields development in Manchester city centre, will open this autumn.

Armani and Flannels have signed up as anchor tenants, the latter offering brands including Prada, Gucci, Matthew Williamson, Diane Von Furstenburg, Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Stone Island and Joseph.

The Armani store was handed over last week for the retailer to start fitting out the shop. Armani already has plans to extend the size of the store, according to Allied London. Flannels will operate a 20,000sq ft store, which it will use to launch a new format in terms of design and product mix.

Flannels owner Neil Prosser said: “Flannels is 30 years old and Manchester is where it all began. The new store will be our flagship with exciting new brands in a contemporary spacious environment.

“We have six shop fronts and each will be styled with a different brand concept creating a pop up-style shop front. We also have some exciting new concepts for inside the flagship store.”

The Avenue will also be complemented with at least two new restaurants and two new bars. Living Ventures, owner of The Grill on the Alley and Gusto restaurants, will operate one restaurant and one bar in addition to launching a new style of restaurant, called Jump.

Michael Ingall, chief executive of Allied London, said: “We are now set to deliver our vision. The Avenue will start at Deansgate and run up to House of Fraser. We have revised the design over the last twelve months and have been very careful with our selection of operators.

“We now have a core group of retail and restaurant operators who have proved they can trade well in Manchester. We are creating a new destination that will complement Spinningfields which is already popular with visitors and the many people who work here.”

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20100504/FREE/100509976/1022

Ingall sounds a bit like a football manager who was initially promised vast sums of money to buy top players, had it withdrawn, and is left to rebuild the squad with the youth team and some players from Blackburn. I've been sceptical in the past but it might be successful.

Is Manchester a big enough to have a few of each brand in different locations across the city? Or is this it? All the big brand luxury shopping done down the back here, far away from the minnows and the River Island shoppers?.

Hoardings are now up around the former Ecco unit on St Anns Street, Fraser Hart will be opening there.

Face To Face With The World are opening at Barton Arcade in the unit next to General Store.

Thomson are closed on Market Street for refurbishment, they reopen on 18th May.

Game Xchange has closed down in the Arndale due to administration.

Eat are now open in the Arndale.

Dollond & Aitchison in the Arndale has been refurbished to Boots Opticians.

Faith in the Arndale are having a closing down sale due to administration.

Cushion Couture in the Arndale has closed down.

Starbucks are opening a drive thru store on the empty land oppostite the Asda Petrol Station at Trafford Park, the building will be in the style of the Trafford Centre and Barton Square. Here is the planning application.


Land adjacent to Barton Square, Barton Dock Road, Trafford Park

Construction of drive through cafe/restaurant building (A3 Use) with associated access, car parking and landscaping.

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=391019&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

A little bit of news regarding Kind Street.

The former Jakes Shoes unit and former Warehouse unit are both under offer who to though I do not know.

Also the empty unit inbetween Midas and L'Occitane en Provence is also under offer and a new shopfront will also be installed, again no indication of who will open there though, plans are online here.


6 King Street
Manchester
M2 6AQ

Installation of new shop front

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/dcapplication/application_detailview.aspx?KEYVAL=KXBCRDBC02600&module=P3&hidereturn=true

Watches of Switzerland will be getting refurbished soon with a brand new shopfront aswell, plans are online here.


17 King Street
Manchester
M2 6AW

Installation of new shop front

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KTNVADBC00700

The former Starbucks on the corner of King Street and Deansgate will be getting a new tennant soon with Gud Wholesome Foods opening there soon, plans are online here.


1 King Street
Manchester
M2 6AW

Installation of 2 no. led illuminated fascia signs and 2no. vinyl manifestations to glazing

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/dcapplication/application_detailview.aspx?KEYVAL=KZ69AFBC01W00&module=P3&hidereturn=true

The Rock, a new £350m mixed-use scheme in Bury, has signed up five retailers in the last week and appointed a new marketing manager.

Nikki Kitchen has joined from The Printworks in Manchester but has also worked for Shoppertainment Ltd and House of Fraser.

The development has more than 18,000 sq ft of retail space and the latest tenants are all new brands for Bury. The Entertainer, an independent toy retailer, has taken 4,000 sq ft; shoe retailer, Deichmann will occupy 8,300 sq ft; The Perfume Shop has signed up to occupy 510 sq ft; Peter Jackson, a jeweller, has taken 2,100 sq ft and clothing retailer Hurley has signed for 3,100 sq ft.

Kitchen said: “There is a fantastic mix of retail and leisure operators already secured and the five new signings which bring new brands to Bury will certainly add to The Rock’s retail appeal.”

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20100506/FREE/100509942/1017

Bijoux opens at Lowry Outlet Mall

Fashion accessories brand Bijoux has opened a new store at Orbit Developments' Lowry Outlet Mall on Salford Quays.

The branch will be the tenth shop for the brand, which sells, handbags, watches, sunglasses and costume jewellery. The new store will employ six staff.

Rob Hallworth, general manager of the mall, said: “We've had a confident start to 2010, with fashion and leisure wear performing well.”

http://www.crainsmanchesterbusiness.co.uk/article/20100506/FREE/100509946/-1/breaking

Heal's is to close its Manchester store on Sunday 16th May.
Hugo Boss is not opening in its place, though discussions with other retailers are continuing including Harvey Nichols for the upper two floors.

^^ Thanks Vision.

Waitrose at Boots are coming soon at Boots Market Street, it will just be a selection of lunch and evening meals in the food area of the store.

Kitbag are now open on Market Street

Old Adidas/Virgin store on Market Street is being

Home Living have opened in the former Adidas unit on Market Street, defiantly looks like a temporary store.

Hawkins Bazaar in the Arndale is closed for refurbishment.

Entertainment Trader have opened next to Co Op Food on High Street.

Saloni have closed on Albion Street.

Detox Retox have opened on Nicholas Street under 58 Mosley Street.

http://www.detoxretox.co.uk

The refurbishment of Debenhams on Market Street is now in full swing, new flooring is partly layed down on the ground floor and a whole load of departments have moved floors, should all be completed and open by Summer according to adverts in the store.

Guess are going to be opening a store in the Arndale soon, job applications are online now for the store.

https://www.manchesterarndale.com/job_details-4448.htm

http://www.guess.eu/Default.aspx

Heal's is to close its Manchester store on Sunday 16th May.
Hugo Boss is not opening in its place, though discussions with other retailers are continuing including Harvey Nichols for the upper two floors.

Also I can offically confirm that Hugo Boss will be opening on New Cathedral Street, the deal was signed last week.

TCS hopeful of double Piccadilly Basin deal

14th May 2010

By Chris Barry - Editor, North West

PROPERTY development company Town Centre Securities is hopeful of having two new retailers in place at its Piccadilly Basin site in Manchester before Christmas.

Edward Ziff, chairman of the Yorkshire group told TheBusinessDesk that two deals with "interesting retailers" are in solicitors' hands, but not yet signed.

"Both we think are significant attractions in terms of footfall... Nothing is certain in this day and age, but I am hopeful they will both be in by Christmas."

If these deals go through as hoped, TCS would be left with a basement space - which it would like to let to a leisure and fitness operator - and 15,000sq ft on the ground floor.

Mr Ziff said discount grocer Aldi - the first new occupier on the landmark site vacated by furniture chain Ilva - was seeing an improvement in trade after a "quiet start."

He spoke as TCS released a management statement for the January 1 to May 13 trading period.

The company said it had cut its debt by £5.6m to £141m - mostly thanks to the sale for £5.2m of a property on Deansgate in Manchester let to Stables to asset management group Threadneedle.

TCS delivered an upbeat assessment of its trading position and said it was on the hunt for investment opportunities in the retail and car parking sectors.

The company is keen to take advantage of what it believes have been a "sustained improvement in the economic environment" since it posted a half year profit in February.

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

Propertyweek.

While King Street’s crown slips
14.05.10

As the Avenue at Spinningfields takes shape, the luxury pitch on King Street has slowly wasted away.

Many believe the luxury retail throne of King Street has well and truly been stolen by the Avenue as retailers such as Emporio Armani, Mulberry, Flannels and DKNY depart to Spinningfields.

So believes Eric Eastman, managing director at Michael Peddar & Co: “The move from King Street by Armani and DKNY and others means King Street will suffer. King Street had got too expensive in rental terms and survival there is hard, even though many of the customers may have been able to drive up to the stores with ease in their Bentleys.

“I still think these shoppers will also shop at Spinningfields,” he adds.

Nigel Gillingham, Knight Frank partner and joint agent for the retail element of Spinningfields with Andrea George at Tushingham Moore, says: “King Street has traditionally been the quality pitch, but over the years, rents have risen to the point where the layouts and size of the shops have become unviable and uneconomic.

“The Avenue has modern and well-laid out retail units with double height frontage and is set among the best public realm in Manchester.”

Many in Manchester believe King Street’s decline began when Harvey Nichols opened on New Cathedral Street. As with many cities, when a new retail area opens, another part of the city suffers because there is not enough spending power from shoppers to go around.

Also posted in the Spinningfield thread.

Spinningfields unveils latest collection …
14.05.10

By Laura Chesters

Allied London has cut its cloth accordingly at the Avenue

Michael Ingall is feeling much better than he did last year. He has sold Allied London’s 3 Hardman Street for £183.4m to Aerium and signed a wardrobe full of names for the Avenue — the retail element of Spinningfields in Manchester.

Now that a date has been set in the autumn for the opening of the first phase of the luxury retail element at Spinningfields, Allied London’s chief executive has overhauled plans for the second phase to create even more shops.

But just five months ago things were not so rosy.

Flannels, the retailer owned by Neil Prosser, was poised to take a store at Spinningfields but, following a tough trading period, it entered into a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) in November. By December it had received approval from its creditors to close three stores: at Liverpool’s Met Quarter, Birmingham’s Bullring and on 55 King Street in Manchester.

But after a fresh agreement was negotiated with Allied London, the new Flannels will now open six units at the Avenue, where it will bring in exclusive names to the city — some for the first time — and relocate its existing King Street store.

Flannels will unveil brands such as Malene Birger, Diane Von Furstenberg, Sonia Rykiel, Lanvin, Gianni Bastida Valli (worn left), Matthew Williamson, Tom Ford and William Hunt.

Ingall says: “We have had massive leakage of office workers to other shopping areas.

At lunch and at 5 pm we see people leave to go elsewhere.”

With the opening of the Avenue Ingall thinks he will retain the office workers already at the development and entice shoppers from elsewhere.

“If this were a development only let to new retailers to the city, I would be nervous,” he says.

Ingall has completely redesigned the second phase of the scheme. The hotel element has been scrapped and retail units added. There will also be access to Manchester House, which Allied plans to reconfigure and refurbish alongside a newly landscaped Trinity Square linking Deansgate, the Avenue, Bridge Street and Trinity Square.

Italian designer brand Armani has officially signed alongside Flannels, joining luxury accessories brand Mulberry, footwear brand Oliver Sweeney, salon Nicky Clarke and footwear chain Kurt Geiger. Fashion retailer DKNY will open a unisex store with a new franchise partner.

Rents at the scheme equate to around £60/sq ft overall but base and turnover rent-free periods have been offered in line with the current UK retail market.

Thanks jrb, I think Crown Square will also be part of phase 2 of The Avenue, as there still seems to be no movement on the site for it to be ready for the autumn opening.

If they do decide to reconfigure and refurbish Manchester House then I think they should reconfigure and refurbish it into a anchar department store which would be great for John Lewis to open. If they could get John Lewis to open there it would certainly get more people into the area around The Avenue.

Thanks jrb, I think Crown Square will also be part of phase 2 of The Avenue, as there still seems to be no movement on the site for it to be ready for the autumn opening.

If they do decide to reconfigure and refurbish Manchester House then I think they should reconfigure and refurbish it into a anchar department store which would be great for John Lewis to open. If they could get John Lewis to open there it would certainly get more people into the area around The Avenue.

exactly. I definitely think a John Lewis in Spinningfield is what is needed.It will definitely bring people to that area.

Indeed it would chaps. Especially as it's a just around the corner from Kendals.

Also they could have the Waitrose as the food hall as they have done with the John Lewis store in Bluewater, makes it easy for Waitrose to get a store in Manchester City Centre then.

Charles Tyrwhitt's store on King Street will open in July 2010.

Well I guess not everything can fit in Spinningfields.

http://i40.************/24y8z6c.jpg

http://i39.************/4tkaqd.jpg

http://i43.************/qyhmbs.jpg

The Kodak express print cafe has now closed in the Trafford Centre . I think it was barely open for 6 months , if that !

From Place North West:

Tesco plan a 60,000 square foot store as part of regeneration of Hattersley.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/6146-tesco-store-proposals-on-view-in-hattersley.html

The Kodak express print cafe has now closed in the Trafford Centre . I think it was barely open for 6 months , if that !

It was a temporary store only meant to open for 6 months as a pilot by Kodak to test out how it works. If successful, it would roll out over the country.

It was a temporary store only meant to open for 6 months as a pilot by Kodak to test out how it works. If successful, it would roll out over the country.

I thought it was a trial , guess it didn't work out though . It did seem a very odd concept , I wonder how many people would think they have to get some photos printed and have a coffee at the same time whilst in the Trafford Centre

A notice has gone up in the corner unit facing Long Millgate at Victoria station. Looks like an off licence could be opening here. I cant remember anything being open here in my life time so its good. Shame about the abandoned post office , arena cafe and wedding shop across the way. Ho hum... As mentioned this building is still advertising the 2002 commonwealth games!

Yes the license is online here Local Lad is for a Mace Convenience Store.


Mace Convenience Store

Mace Convenience Store, Victoria Station Approach, Manchester, M3 1PB

Application Type
Premises Licence (New)

Proposal Proposed trading hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises only:
Mon to Sun 0001 to 0000

Proposed opening hours for the premises:
Mon to Sun 0001 to 0000

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

Mamas & Papas opened today (22nd May) next to John Lewis on upper Peel Avenue at the Trafford Centre.

http://www.mamasandpapas.com/stores/store_locator_store.php?storeid=M940001

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

Guess will be opening a second store in Manchester - this time at the Trafford Centre.

Peel have been closely watching the rapid success of 'The Village' up-market retail element at Westfield London's and are rumoured to be actively promoting to some of their tenant line-up.

The past year or so has seen DKNY Jeans, Calvin Klein, Armani Exchange, Radley and Vivienne Westwood take space - could Tiffany, Prada, Louis Vuitton et al make an appearance soon?

^^ Thanks Vision


Kitchen giant Kutchenhaus heads to Trafford Centre

May 24, 2010

German kitchen manufacturer Kütchenhaus is to open a £1m, 8,000 sq ft flagship showroom in The Trafford Centre’s Barton Square.

The store, which is due to open at the end of May, is the chain’s sixth British outlet and its fourth to open in the past 18 months.

The existing Manchester showroom, located at the Trafford Retail Park, will be moved to the new store and will take all of its existing team members with it.

Management are also looking to recruit up to 10 new full-time positions.

Managing director Norman Parker said: “Barton Square is undoubtedly the premier destination for quality home interiors and is therefore the perfect retail location for Kütchenhaus and its products.

“We have spent a long time designing the store.”

Kütchenhaus, based in Chester, is the British arm of the world’s largest kitchen manufacturer Nobilia, which makes more than 2,500 kitchens every day at its German factories.

Gordon McKinnon, director of operations at The Trafford Centre said: “Barton Square has been incredibly successful since its opening, due in the main we feel to the fact that it is home to so many of the best names in homeware, all of whom have flagship stores in this prestigious location.

“This is why we are so pleased that Kütchenhaus will now also be bringing its fantastic range to the Trafford Centre in a few weeks time.”

The five other British Kütchenhaus stores are in Chester, Hull, York, Glasgow and Sutton Coldfield and the company is looking to expand further by opening stores in Scotland and the south east of England.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1240862_kitchen_giant_kutchenhaus_heads_to_trafford_centre

And so the refurbishment of Selridges at Exchange Square begins. A new planning application for a skylight is online now, no documents are up yet though.


Selfridges
1 Exchange Square
Manchester
M3 1BD

Installation of domed skylight to rooftop

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=L2M26WBC02600

Franklins Deli has recipe for success as it plots rapid expansion in Liverpool

May 26 2010

Alex Turner, Liverpool Daily Post

FRANKLINS Deli is launching an aggressive expansion strategy after a successful first six months at its first outlet in Liverpool.

It is spreading its brand into commercial centres in the North West and Yorkshire.

It opened in St Paul’s Square, in the city’s commercial district, last December and has now agreed to take over the cafe at FACT in Wood Street, which will open on June 7 after a refurbishment.

Franklins has signed two leases in Manchester, replacing Coffee Republic in York House, New York Street, and in Spinningfields, next to the Royal Bank of Scotland building.

It has three further acquisitions in the pipeline – in Stockport, where it will start building work in October, and also Sheffield and Leeds, which it expects to open early next year.

Adam Franklin, managing director of Franklins Deli, said: “By the end of the year, we should be in a position of having four delis open with no debt on the company.

“All of them will be done out of shareholders’ funds. We are investing £200,000 into our current pipeline.

“Towards the end of this year, we will re-evaluate our equity position and try and push on to do it without the banks.”

The expansion was always part of the management plans, but even Mr Franklin has been surprised at the pace the company has adopted.

He said: “We are currently growing faster than we anticipated. That’s largely to do with the locations we are interested in.

“The best property deals are available at the moment.”

He is looking to repeat the “massive success” the company is enjoying in Liverpool when it opens in Manchester in five weeks.

“We have seen about 25% month- on-month since January and now we are looking to grow our outside catering offer,” he said.

“We are very confident that Manchester will be the same as Liverpool. We have got a proposition that’s a bit different to everyone else and we think we will get the market share over there.”

Franklins Deli is a sister company of Franklins Hospitality, based in Preston.

In January, it signed a £2.5m four-year contract with Preston North End FC to supply match day hospitality for the new Invincibles Pavilion at Deepdale. The deal also included delivering full match day hospitality to all 22 executive boxes, along with servicing the two main function rooms.

This foundation is proving a boon in planning the expansion of the delis.

“Our hospitality company has the infrastructure in place already, so it is quite easy to grow this side of the business,” he said.

When first opening in Liverpool, Mr Franklin acknowledged that location was crucial for the offer to be successful.

“We are not just going to open anywhere,” he said. “They do sit well within commercial districts.

“It’s certainly not something we would stick in a secondary high street. The location has to be key for us.”

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/ldpbusiness/business-local/2010/05/26/franklins-deli-has-recipe-for-success-as-it-plots-rapid-expansion-in-liverpool-92534-26522163/2/

http://www.franklinsdeli.com/

After my tram trip I went for a wander around town today:

The Debenhams refurb is in full-swing, they've started stripping out the panelling around escalators which made them feel like you were going down to a deep-level underground station. They were cracking on with the new floor on ground floor, must be a least 1/2 done now.

The fit-out has begun on the Tesco Express under Piccadilly Plaza, all the safety notices etc are up, and two blokes in Tesco branded hi-viz were on site. Anybody know what's going in the unit on the corner at the Portland St end?

On the Portland St end it is the new Manchester Tourist Information Centre.

Radley opens at The Trafford Centre on Saturday 5th June

TK Maxx are going to be opening a new store at Altrincham Retail Park in the former MFI unit.

Currys are going to be opening a Currys and PC World 2 in 1 store at Altrincham Retail Park, planning application is online here.


Currys, Altrincham Retail Park, George Richards Way, Altrincham

Installation of mezzanine floor to provide additional retail floorspace.

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=390411&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

The former Allied Carpet unit at Atlantic Retail Park in Altrincham is going to be split into two unit, planning application online here.


Unit C (Formerly Allied Carpets), Atlantic Street, Altrincham, WA14 5BT

Internal and external alterations to create 2 no. units including new frontage and entrance canopies

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning%20Applications%20On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=390843&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

And so the refurbishment of Selridges at Exchange Square begins. A new planning application for a skylight is online now, no documents are up yet though.


Selfridges
1 Exchange Square
Manchester
M3 1BD

Installation of domed skylight to rooftop

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=L2M26WBC02600

Planning documents are now online.

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/9484/selfridgesrooflight.jpg

Hoardings are now up around the former Envy unit in the Arndale, no mention of possible tenant opening there.

Hawkins Bazaar are now reopen in the Arndale after their store refurbishment.

Faith are now closed in the Arndale.

Shout are opening in the former Cushion Couture unit in the Arndale.

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/917/manchester222.jpg

Waitrose at Boots is now open at the Boots store on Market Street.

Heals have now closed down at New Cathedral Street, no sign of any activity within the unit yet though for a new retailer to move in.

The rebranding of New Cathedral Street has now started with signage for the area now up.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/600/manchester212.jpg

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/4551/manchester213.jpg

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/9852/manchester216.jpg

Hoardings are up around the unit next to L'Occitane en Provence on King Street, for a new shopfront to be installed.

Kuyichi are opening on King Street in the former Jakes Shoes unit.

http://img109.imageshack.us/img109/6407/manchester208.jpg

http://www.kuyichi.com/

The new Guess store at the Arndale will be opening on upper New Cannon Street Mall in the former Principles unit.

http://www.guess.eu/?country=UK

Heals have now closed down at New Cathedral Street, no sign of any activity within the unit yet though for a new retailer to move in.


Manc Heal’s turns

28.05.10

Hugo Boss is in advanced discussions to take furniture retailer Heal’s former 27,000 sq ft Manchester store

Heal’s opened the branch on New Cathedral Street in 2003 but after poor trading it assigned the lease earlier this month to Moss Bros.

Moss Bros will operate the UK Hugo Boss franchise from the unit. It is thought to be paying £550,000 a year for the unit. Heal’s paid a substantial premium to reassign the lease, which runs until March 2018.

Heal’s has six other stores — two in London, two in Surrey, one in Brighton and one at Redbrick Mill in Batley, West Yorkshire. Its parent company is Wittington Investments.

MSBL advised Moss Bros.

The landlord is a joint venture between Capital Shopping Centres and Prupim.

http://www.propertyweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=36&storycode=3163987

Work started on fit-out of tesco Express Picc Plaza:

http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab80/iheartthenew/Image0224.jpg