Retail in Greater Manchester [Archive] - Page 19

markydeedrop

September 7th, 2010, 05:10 PM

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/images/201097story-2010726storymanchesterhouse.jpg

Waitrose, the food shops of the John Lewis Partnership, has confirmed it will open its first store in central Manchester this November.

As reported by Confidential in July, the retailer will open a new 3,000sq ft convenience store in Manchester House on Bridge Street. Recruitment for the 40 new jobs it will create will begin immediately with all positions being advertised online at www.jlpjobs.com.

Waitrose has also confirmed it will be opening a new convenience store in Knutsford, after agreeing a deal for the Blockbusters and Travelbag retail units in Princess Street. Blockbusters will continue trading until the end of September while Travelbag has already relocated.

Work will begin on converting the two units into a 6,500 sq ft store in October, which will open by Spring 2011. The 65 new jobs it will generate are expected to be advertised from late November.

All 105 new employees at the two stores will become partners in the John Lewis Partnership, which entitles them to leisure and shopping discounts as well as a share in profits through its bonus scheme. Staff received a 15 per cent bonus against their annual salary in March.

Waitrose will also launch its Community Matters initiative in the Spinningfields and Knutsford stores, which will see £500 a month donated to local charities and projects in both areas.

Jon Arnold, head of Waitrose Convenience Stores, said: “The Spinningfields development is an exciting venture and has quickly established itself as a premium destination for financial and professional services. Now it is building a growing reputation for retail, which we believe the quality of the Waitrose offer can help enhance.

“We have been keen to come to Knutsford for a long time too and the new store offers us another platform to bring our service and produce to a new audience. Our new store has an important role in ensuring Princess Street attracts new shoppers and remains a vibrant retail shopping destination.”

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Food-and-Drink/Food-and-Drink-Retail/Waitrose-confirms-Spinningfields-store_12130.asp

flange

September 7th, 2010, 08:44 PM

^^ Shall we run a sweepstake on how long it is 'til its ram-raided. Not much stopping the robbing ****s driving of Deansgate and through that lovely new window :(

There is the row of bollards against the pavement on Deansgate, protecting the store.

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flange

September 8th, 2010, 12:38 PM

Plans for the shopfront & signs for LK Bennett at The Avenue at Spinningfields are now online, they will be opening at unit GO16 & GO16A.

3 Hardman Street
Manchester
M3 3HF

Installation of 3 no. individual letter fascia signs

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/2090/lkbennetttheavenue.jpg

flange

September 8th, 2010, 12:47 PM

Mirage are now open on Deansgate

CP Hart are now open on Deansgate, they are still working on half of the store as that will be opening soon.

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Frankilns Deli are opening underneath Leftbank apartment at Spinningfields soon.

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The Eagle has landed, Armani at The Avenue Spinningfields, with half of the eagle illuminated, as posted above Armani open this Saturday 11th September.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/4969/manchester359.jpghttp://img831.imageshack.us/img831/9843/manchester380.jpg

Work is going on all over The Avenue at Spinningfields.

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The shopfonts are now in for Flannels ...

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The rumoured Nicky Clarke unit ...

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And the LK Bennett unit ...

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Work is also gathering a pace at the Manchester House at Spinningfields, as posted above Waitrose open in this corner unit in November.

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Work is going on in the former Connections unit on Deansgate.

The Biba Boutique (one of only 10 in the country) will open on the first floor at House of Fraser on Thursday 9th September.
http://www.mybiba.com/

Watches of Switzerland are now reopen after their store refurbishment on King Street.

Peter Maturi opening on King Street soon... Nest door to The Pen Shop
http://www.maturi.co.uk/

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The Money Shop are now open on Deansgate.

Hoardings have gone up around the Thorntons unit on Market Street.

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Work is continuing on the rumoured Hugo Boss store on New Cathedral Street, boards have now gone up hiding the first floor from view, looks like this could possibly end up being for window displays.

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Jewel Nation are now open in the Arndale.

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Big are opening in the former Envy unit in the Arndale.

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Red5 have relocated to the former GameXchange unit in the Arndale.

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Looks like the refurbishment of Topshop and Topman inside the Arndale is coming to completion all the floors of the store have been refurbished, it is just the top floor of the store that has a few things to be finished off.

Celebrate have now closed in the Arndale.

WingTips

September 8th, 2010, 03:13 PM

Gap outlet at the Lowry Mall opened this morning and is doing a brisk trade....its a good sized store, a great selection of stock for all the family, some are last seasons stock, many are this seasons, stock apparently is uk and and overseas lines, a large number of staff were on hand offering assistance, with a very cheerful greeter at the door, I have to say that it doesn`t have an outlet store feel to it, its much more like a normal Gap store, certainly one of the best in the Mall....

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P9080566.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P9080567.jpg

flange

September 8th, 2010, 03:45 PM

Vision 2020 Mcr

September 8th, 2010, 04:30 PM

Great update as always Flange.

Re: The Avenue, Was there any activity at the former Hugo Boss and Rigby & Peller units?

I think that these might be merged into a single unit for Brooks Brothers now that All Saints have taken the corner unit (G14-15).

The only planning applications to have gone in to date are for:
All Saints; Armani; Flannels; LK Bennett; Mulberry; Nicky Clarke; and Oliver Sweeney. I think DKNY may have ditched the scheme too, leaving just Brooks Brothers, Kurt Geiger and TM Lewin to submit plans.

flange

September 8th, 2010, 04:52 PM

Thanks Vision it was alot of walking around the city centre and then the rain, thunder and lightning started. The overhang of Armani store certainly came in handy for the builders to stay dry though as can be seen in the photos.

Oliver Sweeney was being fitted out but the netting was hiding it and all of the units on the 3 Hardman Street side up to where LK Bennett is being fitted out had the netting around them also.

WingTips

September 8th, 2010, 08:19 PM

^^ Thanks for the update WingTips and the photos.

Gap Outlet looks really good in the mall, alot better than I thought it would, I think that Gap Outlet will really get more footfall into the mall, I think it will provide very succesful for the mall.

It certainly sets itslf apart from other stores, and it has just dawned on me as to one of the reasons why..it has a proper window display with a window backdrop, all the others (I think) have no back drop and thus one can see directly into the store.

Turbosnail

September 8th, 2010, 09:36 PM

Very cool picture of Selfridges, Manchester

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g51/turbosnail1/4505412635_88a53263f5_z.jpg
Fat Elvis on Flickr

The London shop recently won the world's best department store award

neil081273

September 9th, 2010, 11:04 AM

The Spar on New Bailey Street (Opposite Salford Central Station) has been rebranded to Londis.
Bridge Studio has opened on Bridge Street where Designer Flowers was previously
David Clulow is now open in House of Fraser as part of the on-going refurb.

flange

September 9th, 2010, 03:14 PM

^^ Thanks neil.

Hugo Boss on target for record-breaking year in UK

3 September 2010

By Suzanne Bearne

Premium brand Hugo Boss is on track to report a record year in the UK after higher numbers of tourists sent sales of its collections soaring.

Bernd Hake, Hugo Boss UK managing director, told Drapers that 2010 would be the UK’s “most successful year”, and that the strong performance, which was down to overseas visitors to the UK, had prompted the company to invest in opening up to 14 stores in the next 18 months.

Four stores - in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Dublin Airport - will open in November and a further five to 10 shops will open next year. The brand already has seven UK shops and 25 franchise stores, of which 17 are run by menswear retailer Moss Bros.

However, Hake denied the German firm was looking to switch its wholesale-led strategy to a retail-led model. UK sales are split 70:30 wholesale to retail.

He said Hugo Boss, which has 200 UK stockists, was “definitely not scaling back on wholesale” and that he planned to increase wholesale sales by between 5% and 8% every year up to 2014.

He also hit back at suggestions from stockists that recent collections had been “over-distributed”.

“Our wholesale figures for spring 11 show an increase of 10%. You would have thought it would have decreased if they [the independents] thought we had over-distributed,” he said.

He added that the number of doors carrying Hugo Boss collections had actually fallen, because a number of stockists had gone out of business in the recession.

Hake confirmed he was in talks with department store group John Lewis about stocking some of its clothing. The department store only stocks Hugo Boss socks and underwear at present.

http://www.drapersonline.com/

flange

September 9th, 2010, 04:46 PM

The Avenue prepares for lift-off

The Avenue, the retail arm of Spinningfields, will (finally) open for business on September 11.

The shopping units will open next weekend anchored by Armani. Retailers such as such as Flannels, Mulberry, Brooks Brothers, Ermenegildo Zegna, Oliver Sweeney and Joseph have also signed up to the scheme.

Posh shops, basically, and as much as Allied London will be keen for The Avenue to work, the city as a whole will be praying it takes off. Several prominent city types are privately hoping the new scheme will boost the flagging trade on King Street, which is currently dogged by empty units.

One friend recently referred to the clump of three empty units that includes the former Virgin store and the old Lotus restaurant as the ‘broken teeth in the King Street smile.’

The Grouch wonders how high-end occupiers like Brooks Brothers and Oliver Sweeney will sit next to the Magistrates Court that already exists there. Three months suspended and a £1000 three piece suit, sir?

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/News/General/The-Grouch--09092010_12152.asp

flange

September 10th, 2010, 08:37 PM

Frankilns Deli are opening underneath Leftbank apartment at Spinningfields soon.

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/9826/manchester349.jpg

Franklins opens second Manchester deli

10th September 2010

By Mike Fahy - Assistant Editor

LIVERPOOL-based hospitality firm Franklins is to open its second Manchester deli at Spinningfields today.

The firm said that it has made a £130,000 in the new 1,000 sq ft nit and was creating 10 new jobs at the site. Its first Manchester deli opened at the former Coffee Republic site in July and founder Adam Franklin said that he expects to open three more sites - at Stockport, Leeds and Sheffield - within the next 12 months.

“Manchester has long represented a key marker for the growth of our business and we are delighted to be launching our second store in the city," he said.
“Since launching the deli concept in Liverpool last December, we have grown our operation to four outlets, and with no bank borrowings we are well positioned to maintain our rapid growth rate.”

The firm is claiming to offer the city's "best bacon butty" and that it would only use locally-sourced ingredients.

"We’re confident that our customers will appreciate and enjoy the difference."

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

flange

September 10th, 2010, 09:15 PM

The Spar on New Bailey Street (Opposite Salford Central Station) has been rebranded to Londis.

Spar on King Street West is also being rebranded to Londis.

Looks like it is going to be a long night for the Armani staff, they still had alot of stock to put into the store and signage to install at the front, and a general clean up of the inside and outside of the store, before it opens tomorrow (Saturday 11th September) at 11am.

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Love how they have used the shapes of cladding of the store, to create advertisments for Armani.

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Work going on behind the blue banners, for the Oliver Sweeney unit at The Avenue

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Re: The Avenue, Was there any activity at the former Hugo Boss and Rigby & Peller units?

I think that these might be merged into a single unit for Brooks Brothers now that All Saints have taken the corner unit (G14-15).

Here is what the units inbetween Oliver Sweeney and LK Bennett look like now.

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The shopfront is now fully installed at the LK Bennett unit at The Avenue.

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Work to create the new footpath alongside Flannels at The Avenue has now started.

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The corner unit that had the reserved for Brooks Brothers banners around it, has now had them banners taken down and generic The Avenue ones put up to replace them. They will be coming down again soon though for All Saints to fit out their store here.

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The glazing is now starting to go up at the refurbishment of the podium building at Manchester House at Spinningfields.

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William Hill on Deansgate has now started to be fitted out, with quite a clever marketing ploy.

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The Biba Boutique is now open on the first floor at House of Fraser.

M.A.C. have opened a temporary concession on the ground floor at House of Fraser.

Shout are closing there store next to Card Factory and relocating to their new larger store opposite Clas Ohlson in the Arndale.

Big in the Arndale was being fitted out and stocked today, looks like they will be open by the start of next week.

Big are opening in the former Envy unit in the Arndale. http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/8067/manchester401.jpg

Looks like the Comet store in the Arndale is going to be one of their first stores to test out their new look.

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HMV on Market Street has been refurbished to their new look, also an Orange concession has opened on the ground floor.

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Looks like the refurbishment of Debenhams on Market Street is now complete.

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GShutty

September 11th, 2010, 12:27 AM

Manchester Food Market debuts in Withington on Saturday 11/9. They're closing off Copson St and if successful will be back.

Local Lad

September 11th, 2010, 01:16 AM

Just a quick one to add. The former Good life shop at Victroia as well as the old Arcade/bank is now being worked on at long last. It will sure make a change from having to use the over priced CO OP shop across Corporation Street.

According to the signs it scheduled to open late October/ November

oakman

September 11th, 2010, 03:51 PM

Had a look around the new Armani store today , it looks really good.Very spacious, lots of room and a hundred times better than the other stores. It was quite busy considering it had just opened but no special events for the opening. The sign over the door is minute , and easy to miss , I'm sure not everyone will realise the huge half a neon eagle across the front of the shop is Emporio Armani's symbol ! The fittings inside are in very poor condition , most of them are scratched and everything is dirty , a film of dust on everything. I didn't really impress for a relatively high end store , seems like they rushed a bit too much to open !!!

flange

September 14th, 2010, 08:45 PM

TCS close to letting entire Urban Exchange

14 Sep 2010, 14:52

Town Centre Securities has announced its final results for the year to 30 June 2010, saying the outlook for rental income and capital growth is relatively flat.

TCS, the Leeds-based developer which owns the £250m Piccadilly Basin development in Manchester, reported underlying profit before tax of £7.6m, compared to £7.8m in 2009.

Statutory profit after tax for the year was £39.6m, compared to a loss of £111.6m in 2009.

The investment property portfolio had valuation of £272.5m, which reflected an 11.2% increase on a like for like basis and net asset value per share had increased to 269p from 202p in 2009.

Edward Ziff, chairman and chief executive of TCS, said: "In Manchester we have made some progress letting Urban Exchange at Piccadilly Basin which currently represents 4.4% of our total voids."

The 120,000 sq ft property was previously let entirely to the Danish furniture retailer Ilva before it went into administration two years ago. Food retailer Aldi currently leases part of Urban Exchange.

Ziff added: "We are hopeful of shortly entering into an agreement to lease the entire first floor and we expect to let the remaining space by the end of 2011."

TCS reduced borrowings to £141.3m from £166.3m and said there is significant headroom for asset purchases and development within its existing portfolio.

The company proposes a final dividend of 7.34p, up from 5.4p in 2009, and total dividend per share of 10.36p, compared to 8.15p in 2009.

Ziff said: "This year, in contrast to the previous year, has been much more stable for the property sector and for Town Centre Securities. I am encouraged by the way in which we successfully negotiated the severe downturn and demonstrated the strength and resilience of our business.

"I believe there will be income and investment management opportunities for us to build on our solid foundations in the new financial year although the outlook for rental income and capital growth is relatively flat. I am also hopeful that at the Merrion Centre we can add long term value and growth to what has already proven to be an extremely resilient asset that underpins the quality of our income.

"Most importantly, we manage our portfolio to generate a sustainable and progressive dividend for the benefit of our shareholders and will continue to deliver attractive returns."

TCS said its car park business had performed well and now has an operating portfolio with over 4,000 spaces.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/7148-tcs-close-to-letting-entire-urban-exchange.html

flange

September 14th, 2010, 08:46 PM

Armani store opens at The Avenue

14 Sep 2010, 10:50

Michael Hunt

The two-level Armani store at The Avenue in Manchester city centre opened for business on Saturday.

The long awaited opening of the 7,900 sq ft store, being shared by Armani brands Emporio Armani and Armani Collezioni, which will be based on the top floor, will be followed by the opening of a number of fashion brands in the retail element of Allied London's Spinningfields development.

The store was handed over in April this year for the retailer to start shop-fitting. Armani signed up as anchor tenant to the scheme in 2009.

Retailers such as Flannels, Mulberry, Brooks Brothers, Ermenegildo Zegna, Oliver Sweeney and Joseph have also signed up to the scheme.

No one was immediately available for comment when contacted by Place.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/7143-armani-store-opens-at-the-avenue.html

flange

September 14th, 2010, 08:50 PM

75 more jobs in store as Debenhams profits leap

Shelina Begum

September 14, 2010

Familiar face: The Grade II-listed Debenhams store in Market Street, Manchester. New signs on the outside are part of a major refurbishment and internal reorganisation
Retailer Debenhams is creating 75 jobs following a revamp of its store in the Grade II-listed Ryland building on Manchester’s Market Street.

The announcement comes as Debenhams revealed it was expecting annual profits to rise by around 20 per cent to around £150m after a "year of change".

The new posts will take the total number of staff at the Market Street branch to over 500.

The transformation, due to be completed by the end of this month, has involved creating 4,500sq ft of additional floor space allowing new brands to launch in-store, including Miss Selfridge, Phase Eight, Berketex Brides and Dune shoe concessions.

The extra capacity means departments can stock more products while new services include a revamped wedding and gift service, customer ordering and personal shopping.

Senior store manager Peter Rodgers said: "The departments have been expanded and are lighter and brighter and we’re already seeing an increase in customers as a result.

"Externally, we’ve been careful to ensure that our new signage doesn’t detract from the historic architecture. However, internally the store’s transformation is truly striking."

Debenhams has also updated its ground floor café and restaurant. The store was last updated following the 1996 city centre bombing.

Debenhams is pencilling in underlying profits of about £150m for the year to August 28.

It saw a recovery in like-for-like sales during the last 10 weeks of the year against weaker comparatives, but said sales remained flat overall after it moved away from concessions to focus on higher margin in-house ranges.

Debenhams chief executive Rob Templeman said: "We have said throughout 2010 that this would be a year of change for Debenhams and a year when the structural shift towards own-bought merchandise means that we will judge our performance on profit improvement rather than sales."

The group is expecting further progress in the new financial year. But Mr Templeman added: "We believe it is correct to remain cautious about the level of consumer confidence going forward."

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1323943_75_more_jobs_in_store_as_debenhams_profits_leap

flange

September 14th, 2010, 08:54 PM

Retailers support Cityco's fashion campaign

14 Sep 2010, 17:11

Manchester's city centre management company, Cityco, has announced a new fashion marketing campaign aimed at attracting people to shop in the city this autumn.

A series of fashion-led events are planned to take place across the city with retailers, including Harvey Nichols, House of Fraser and Selfridges, getting involved. An independent shop of the year award is also being presented along with other awards.

The campaign coincides with the opening of The Avenue in Spinningfields, Manchester's newest shopping destination which includes Armani and Flannels as anchor tenants, and the refurbishment of the Debenhams department store on Market Street and House of Fraser Kendals' 175th anniversary.

Vaughan Allen, chief executive of Cityco, said: "Without doubt Manchester city centre has the best range of fashion retailers outside of central London. The choice is second to none from independent shops in the Northern Quarter and new designers in Afflecks, to high-end stores on King Street, The Avenue and New Cathedral Street. This campaign is an opportunity to celebrate the great variety of shops we have here and entice more stylish shoppers to explore what Manchester has to offer."
The Heart of Fashion campaign is being supported by Marketing Manchester, Manchester City Council, First Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive, NCP, Stagecoach and Manchester Arndale, and Manchester Markets.

A 68-page style guide to the city centre is being produced to support the campaign and will be available for free from the new Manchester visitor information centre, hotel rooms in the city, and tourist information centres across Greater Manchester.

The guide includes listings of more than 200 stores, independent shops and boutiques, as well as a section on food, drink, hotels, culture, plus transport information and city map.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/7150-retailers-support-cityco-s-fashion-candaign.html

flange

September 14th, 2010, 08:57 PM

King Street retailers under attack

Simon Binns and the run of robberies that’s cost thousands

14/09/2010 14:20:25

Retailers on King Street and Police Street have been hit by a spate of robberies in recent weeks.

Several of the high end shops on the city centre street have been broken into – some more than once – and have lost thousands of pounds of stock in the robberies.

Kuyuchi, the clothing retailer which has only been open two weeks, had a rock put through its glass door before thieves stole a van belonging to a security guard and attempted to drive it through the front of the store.

Other stores to be hit include upmarket underwear store Lucille & Co, The White Company and Toni & Guy Essentials. It is thought the same thieves are targeting the stores.

John Weaver, store manager at Kuyuchi told Confidential that two thieves got away with £5,000 of clothes despite only being in the building for 40 seconds. A security guard now has to sleep in the store overnight until a new door can be delivered.

“It’s free money for them because they keep coming back and they’re not being caught,” he said. “We have to board up our door every night and have a security guard here all the time. A new door will cost us £3,000.

“The thieves turned up at 2am on a Saturday morning when most police are outside clubs and bars. They’ve got free reign.

“There’s not a huge amount the police or Cityco can do I suppose although some extra mounted police or dog squads might put them off.”

Camilla Dubois, owner of Lucille & Co, said the two thieves had taken stock and equipment worth ‘thousands’ although CCTV footage had been given over to the police. “We’ve ordered new shutters and everyone is staying vigilant,” she said. The police and Cityco know about it. Will they come back? Who knows. I hope not.”

King Street retailers also suffered a run of burglaries earlier this year. Timberland was hit when robbers broke in to the back of the building then dug down through the ceiling into the store. They were startled and ran off when manager Christine Ormerod came in to open up at 6am.

“It was just after Christmas,” said Ormerod. “They got away with a big box of kidswear. But it has started to become a big problem recently.”

Shirt retailer TM Lewin and designer clothes shop Belstaff were also hit earlier this year.

Greater Manchester Policeand Cityco had not responded to requests for comment at the time of writing.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/News/General/King-Street-retailers-under-attack_12191.asp

flange

September 14th, 2010, 08:59 PM

OMEGA chooses Manchester for its first regional boutique

13th September 2010

SWISS luxury watch brand, OMEGA, has opened its first boutique outside London at the Trafford Centre.

The 1,000 sq ft shop will sell a collection of OMEGA watches and jewellery.

In a statement the firm's president Stephen Urquhart said: "We are delighted to be extending our presence in the North of England with the opening of our Manchester Trafford Centre boutique.

"Manchester is a city that is synonymous with style and innovation – attributes we identify with closely here at OMEGA. This new store will give customers based in the North the opportunity to experience the OMEGA brand and its rich history."

The group said it chose to open at the Trafford Centre because of the 30 million customers it attracts every year and the six million people who live within a 45-minute drive.

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

neil081273

September 15th, 2010, 02:36 PM

Another first for the Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre is getting a drive-thru Starbucks, one of the first in the UK.

Peel Group has agreed a £550,000 contract with Skelmersdale-based building firm Construction Partnership UK (CPUK) to build the new concept coffee shop.

The 2,013 sq ft drive-through will be opposite the main shopping centre on Barton Dock Road. Construction will take 17 weeks and work has already started on site, near Barton Square.

The Seattle-based coffee giant plans to open 30 drive-through shops across the UK, creating 600 jobs. The move followed a successful trial of the concept in South Wales.

Starbucks has another store inside the Trafford Centre and also operates 13 locations in Manchester city centre.

Karen39

September 15th, 2010, 04:13 PM

Another first for the Trafford Centre

good news

markydeedrop

September 15th, 2010, 09:43 PM

Fashion retailers DKNY, Oliver Sweeney, Mulberry, Flannels, LK Bennett, All Saints and Brooks Brothers have all confirmed they will be joining the recently opened Armani store on The Avenue, Spinningfields in Manchester.

As first tipped by Property Week (14-05-10), they will be joined by leading hairdressing salon Nicky Clarke and jeweller Phillip Stoner, with all retailers opening before Christmas.

The Avenue, developed by Allied London, will create a new area for shopping, eating and drinking as part of a wider office development.

Allied London is planning events throughout the year to introduce fashion and culture which will include pop-up shops and other entertainment.

The Armani store, which opened last week, incorporates Emporio Armani and Armani Collezioni. The new Flannels store will include ladies brands such as Prada, Gucci, Giambattista Valli, Lanvin, Matthew Williamson, By Malene Birger, Sonia Rykiel, Diane Von Furstenburg, D&G and Joseph.

Menswear brands will include Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Canali, William Hunt, Ermenegildo Zegna, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Stone Island and many others.

The Avenue has also signed a deal with Living Ventures, the north-west bar and restaurant chain which also owns GUSTO Restaurants and Blackhouse Seafood and Steak Restaurants.

In November, Living Ventures will be opening The Alchemist – a cocktail bar with a 50-cover restaurant together with a 70 cover all-day brasserie, which will be finished in February 2011.

Michael Ingall, Allied London chief executive, said: “Spinningfields has continued its success; The Avenue will consolidate this quarter of the city as a destination. The combination of Avenue shopping and eating with the outdoor events and entertainment is going to create something unique in the UK and we will only see this area of the city go from strength to strength.

“With The Avenue, we are creating a new, luxury offering, which will deliver our original vision for the area. We believe the superior combination of aspirational, luxury brands and fashion-forward retailers will complement Spinningfields’ existing restaurant and leisure offering and fully expect The Avenue to become the North’s most prestigious retail destination.”

http://www.propertyweek.com/news/raft-of-designer-retailers-sign-up-at-spinningfields/5005663.article

flange

September 16th, 2010, 02:39 PM

^^ Is great that so many of the stores are now confirmed and going to be open by Christmas and there is one new name with Phillip Stoner http://www.phillipstoner.com/, but the loss of Hugo Boss, Rigby and Peller and Kurt Geiger by the looks of that article.

New Manchester Armani store: the pictures

Glamour on Deansgate, top togs, accessories and swish new building

16/09/2010 11:51:34

Confidential had a look round the glimmering new Emporio Armani store in Spinningfields but on Deansgate.

It’s a right looker, with a lovely bright open plan and lots of polished granite. Menswear is downstairs, womenswear upstairs, both made up of formal and casual clothes, sportswear, leather accessories, watches, eyewear, and jewellery collections. Early signs for the business are positive.

“We’ve been open just a few days and we’re doing really well,” said Regional Manager Sarah Graham – she’s the lady in our gallery below. “The location, right on Deansgate, is doing far better than we did on King Street. Combining Emporio Armani and Collezione Armani seems to be paying off, we’re retaining our male clientele but we’re also getting a lot more women customers coming in for a browse and to buy. We really want to encourage a mix of people and of ages. I compare this to mini-department store.”

Lynda Moyo, our Body Confidential and fashion editor, will be back from New York Fashion Show next week, so she’ll be giving her in-depth verdict shortly.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Health-and-Beauty/Shopping/New-Manchester-Armani-store-the-pictures_14577.asp

Photos of the Armani store at The Avenue at the link above.

flange

September 16th, 2010, 02:49 PM

Big at the Arndale now all fitted out, looks like it will open either the end of this week or the start of next week.

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4504/manchester457.jpg

Hoardings have gone up around the former FM Boutique unit in the Arndale.

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5712/manchester460.jpg

Wilkinson in the Arndale opens in December.

Both Millies Cookies unit in the Arndale are being refurbished.

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/4232/manchester458.jpghttp://img825.imageshack.us/img825/9338/manchester461.jpg

OSKA Menswear are now open on High Street.

Betfred are now fitting out in the former HSBC unit on High Street.

The former Nicky Oliver salon underneath 1 Piccadilly Gardens is being worked on.

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/4804/manchester453.jpg

Vodafone have closed their store at Piccadilly Station

flange

September 16th, 2010, 03:07 PM

Diamonds and Pearls rebrands as Victoria and plans aggressive growth

15 September 2010

By Ashley Power, Kate Donovan

The accessories, jewellery and gift retailer has rebranded as Victoria and has plans for numerous store openings before Christmas.

Under newly appointed retail director Stuart Wheeler, and with significant private equity investment, Diamonds and Pearls has seen a 30% like-for-like revenue increase across its existing 50 high street and shopping centre stores and now has plans for ambitious growth in the final quarter of 2010 and throughout 2011.

Before Christmas of this year, new stores will open in seven significant locations. The first store will open in Leeds in October, followed by openings in Cheltenham, Liverpool, Manchester, London, Bristol, and Belfast. The growth will continue with the launch of a new transactional website in November 2010, as well as the opening of a further 20 to 30 UK stores in 2011.

The retailer said that each store will feature cutting edge exterior and interior fits and visual merchandising that will combine its retailer’s core contributions of value fashion jewellery and accessories with new premium and limited edition collections.

Wheeler commented: “The outlook for Victoria is an optimistic one. Our strategy of rebranding and growth will make the business more robust - repositioning to appeal to a wider market and offering a shopping experience that exceeds expectations. From a product perspective, the brand remains overwhelmingly committed to choice and affordability, offering diverse trend led and timeless ranges with proven commercial strength.”

http://www.retail-jeweller.com/in-business/diamonds-and-pearls-rebrands-as-victoria-and-plans-aggressive-growth/5017161.article

Vision 2020 Mcr

September 16th, 2010, 03:14 PM

neil081273

September 16th, 2010, 03:28 PM

The former Nicky Oliver Salon will be the new MEN customer enquiry office. It's opening 27th September

flange

September 16th, 2010, 03:42 PM

^^ Thanks for that neil.

LK Bennett opens tomorrow (Fri 17th); and Nicky Clarke opens on Wed 22nd.

Thank Vision, is great that the openings at The Avenue are coming thick and fast now, I imagine the next ones that will open are Flannels and Oliver Sweeney as they are both planned to be opening in September.

GShutty

September 16th, 2010, 03:45 PM

Betfred are now fitting out in the former HSBC unit on High Street.

I read that as King St at first. Nearly the poshest bookies ever :lol:

neil081273

September 16th, 2010, 07:46 PM

Sleuth was drifting back to the office after eating hot crusty croissants at an Emporio Armani press event when he bumped into Mike Ingall.

“Not only that we’re making a new arcade under Manchester House, a double height space which cuts through the building.”

Ingall, the boss of Allied London, is the bundle of energy that has transformed Spinningfields from a few shabby post-war college buildings into a new city centre quarter.

After a shaky couple of years, Sleuth reckons the area is finding its feet.

The free live screen and events, the visitor attractions of the People’s History Museum and John Rylands Library, the beauty of the Civil Justice Centre and the realisation that good independent outlets are necessary with the soon-to-be opened Alchemist bar and brasserie, are all helping.

In particular Confidential’s designation of Carluccio’s as a ‘Grade A alfresco wine guzzling hotspot’ has moved things along. The latter designation may, of course, be related to that fact that Spinningfields is also where Confidential lives in an elegant modernist structure from 1964: Quay House.

Ingall had exciting news about another sixties building on the site Manchester House from 1965. Indeed he was bubbling over.

“We’re making a new street called Northgate as it’s on the north side of the estate,” he said. “Not only that we’re making a new arcade under Manchester House, a double height space which cuts through the building.”

Arcade will cut through the building in the area on the left

Manchester House

He escorted Sleuth to the site and showed him.

“We’re going to fill it with lots of local food and drink operators. I want this place to bring in a lot of people. Remember Waitrose is fitting out in the corner of the building already.”

“Will you gate it at night?” asked Sleuth, who hates gates and fences.

“No,” said Ingall, “it’ll be open all the time.”

He then named a few of the operators that look set to occupy the arcade, which since the deals haven’t been all signed will have to remain nameless. They seemed fair choices to Sleuth.

“Northgate will continue over Wood Street from Manchester House south to The Avenue," said Ingall referring to Spinningfields’ new up market shopping street. "We'll soon have in there Flannels, LK Bennett, Oliver Sweeney, Brooks Brothers, Nicky Clarke, Mulberry, DKNY and a huge All Saints on the corner with Crown Square. It should all link up very well.”

All Saints site at the corner of The Avenue

“The empty plot of land in-between Crown Square and Northgate will hold a building eventually but this Christmas it will be the city’s skating ring,” he continued.

Sleuth surveyed the scene.

“Wow,” he said, “you’ve surrounded the Magistrates Court in a ring of luxury. Has that ever happened anywhere before in the English speaking world?”

But Ingall was away, contracts under his arm. Plotting new schemes for Manchester. Hatching plans

flange

September 16th, 2010, 08:35 PM

^^ Thanks neil, I imagine Northgate is new new street that is being built by the side of Flannels and what will be this years location of the Christmas ice rink, placing the ice rink in this new location will certainly make Northgate and The Avenue very busy I would imagine.

It is an interesting move to make the arcade a food arcade, and from the sound of the article it looks like it will be mostly let when it opens in Christmas, which is another good thing of having The Avenue, Northgate and the retail arcade all fully open by Christmas.

Vision 2020 Mcr

September 16th, 2010, 09:49 PM

“We’re going to fill it with lots of local food and drink operators. I want this place to bring in a lot of people. Remember Waitrose is fitting out in the corner of the building already.”

He then named a few of the operators that look set to occupy the arcade, which since the deals haven’t been all signed will have to remain nameless. They seemed fair choices to Sleuth.

Kro Bar, Hey Little Cupcake and Barburrito for Northgate perhaps?

flange

September 16th, 2010, 10:03 PM

I can defiantly see Hey Little Cupcake opening at Northgate, they have proved very popular with their pop up store which closes in the next week, so can see them wanting to open a permenant store at Spinningfields, maybe a Kro Bar as they did have a temporary one with Screenfields last year, but not too sure on Barburrito. Would be great if a good deli operator could open in one of the units possibly.

flange

September 17th, 2010, 03:00 PM

The Avenue's website has been given a mini refresh before it goes fully live very soon.

http://www.theavenuemanchester.com/

And LK Bennett is now open at The Avenue
http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg195/scaled.php?tn=0&server=195&filename=zq8a.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640
Photo from The Avenue's twitter account.
http://twitter.com/AvenueThe

WatcherZero

September 17th, 2010, 03:27 PM

http://www.retail-jeweller.com/in-business/diamonds-and-pearls-rebrands-as-victoria-and-plans-aggressive-growth/5017161.article

I never really got Diamonds and Pearls was doing well, theirs one in Wigan and its pemanently got a hand typed message of 30% off in the window.

oakman

September 17th, 2010, 04:29 PM

Had look at the new Omega store in the Trafford centre , fantastic location and beautifully fitted out.Lots of cream marble and silver trim , very high spec , as it should be ! Lovely watches , but didn't have the £6000 + to buy one there and then !

flange

September 17th, 2010, 09:16 PM

Hoardings have gone up around the former FM Boutique unit in the Arndale.

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/5712/manchester460.jpg

The Entertainer will be opening in this unit in late October.

http://www.thetoyshop.com/stores/manchester

neil081273

September 18th, 2010, 05:10 PM

The Avenue's website has been given a mini refresh before it goes fully live very soon.

http://www.theavenuemanchester.com/

No sign of Kurt Geiger, TM Lewin, Rigby & Peller, Boss Woman or Hugo on the website

Seasonedbest

September 18th, 2010, 05:13 PM

Vision 2020 Mcr

September 19th, 2010, 06:46 PM

Hugo Boss was bound to be a non starter since its announcement of its location to New Cathedral Street. I've not heard the others bounded about for 6 months plus. However, can someone tell me if there will be any free units after the official opening before Christmas?

Working on the assumption that Brooks Brothers moves to a unit that combines the former Hugo Boss and Rigby & Peller stores and Phillip Stoner takes either the unit between DKNY and Flannels (New Magistrates Court) or the one at 3 Hardman Street there leaves two units. TM Lewin are planning to open in Nov/Dec. According to the plans there is a very small unit (c.500 sqft?) @ 3 Hardman Street by the steps down next to Oliver Sweeney.

This leaves the new Northgate (Manchester House) but it is likely to comprise food/drink outlets. If The Avenue does take off I wouldn't be surprised if Allied then market the former 1 Crown Square site as a series of smaller units facing the west of Flannels - I think Flange did a fairly accurate guess of what it could look like.

There are also a series of pop-up options via the original kiosk designs - so expect the usual florist, juice bar etc.

flange

September 19th, 2010, 06:56 PM

Working on the assumption that Brooks Brothers moves to a unit that combines the former Hugo Boss and Rigby & Peller stores and Phillip Stoner takes either the unit between DKNY and Flannels (New Magistrates Court) or the one at 3 Hardman Street there leaves two units. TM Lewin are planning to open in Nov/Dec. According to the plans there is a very small unit (c.500 sqft?) @ 3 Hardman Street by the steps down next to Oliver Sweeney.

This leaves the new Northgate (Manchester House) but it is likely to comprise food/drink outlets. If The Avenue does take off I wouldn't be surprised if Allied then market the former 1 Crown Square site as a series of smaller units facing the west of Flannels - I think Flange did a fairly accurate guess of what it could look like.

There are also a series of pop-up options via the original kiosk designs - so expect the usual florist, juice bar etc.

This is what I guessed.

And then if some small units were built into the new 1 Crown Square building opposite Flannels it would carry on the boutique feel from the arcace, and then either one or two big unit(s) facing onto The Avenue and the Crown Court.

Something like this possibly (is only a quick job on paint)

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1874/theavenuefutureplanspos.jpg

Alexis*27

September 20th, 2010, 11:09 AM

Doubt they'll be allowed to build on the road. It's only a small alley, but customers to The Bridge use it.

flange

September 20th, 2010, 09:14 PM

They are not building on the road, that are just going to be relandscaping the road and pavements around Northgate (Manchester House) and Dolefield.

The license for Waitrose at Northgate (Manchester House) has gone online today.

Waitrose, Unit G40, Manchester House, Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3AB

Application Type
Premises Licence (New)

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

NB: on sales restricted to Partners Dining Room for partners and their bona fide guests

Proposed trading hours for the provision of regulated entertainment (recorded music):
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/12

flange

September 20th, 2010, 10:02 PM

Five new lettings at the Trafford Centre

20 September, 2010

The Trafford Centre in Manchester is set to welcome a variety of new and familiar retailers, totalling 9,627 sq ft of space.

Chester multi-branded indie retailer Tessuti will open a 3,165 sq ft store on October 20, luxury shoe retailer Kurt Geiger has taken a 2,070 sq ft store, and Cadwaladers ice cream parlour has signed for a 2,040 sq ft unit – their first major venture outside Wales.

Hotel Chocolat exchanged contract and shop fitting on the 1,201 sq ft unit will begin on October 1.

The Perfume Shop have signed for their second shop in Trafford Centre’s Barton Square, taking 1,151 sq ft of space.

On top of these new lettings, the centre last week welcomed Pauls Boutique owner, Paul Slade to take a customising class in BANK, which saw a queue of customers waiting for the workshop to begin.

“Sales at BANK Trafford Centre are the best in the whole group, that’s why we choose this branch for our first customising class,” said Slade.

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3842/Five_new_lettings_at_the_Trafford_Centre.html

Tessuti
http://www.tessuti.co.uk/our-stores.php
http://www.traffordcentre.co.uk/shopping/directory/tessuti

Cadwaladers Ice Cream
http://www.cadwaladersicecream.co.uk/

Kurt Geiger
http://www.kurtgeiger.com/

Hotel Chocolat
http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/Chocolate-Store-Trafford-Centre-Astore_tra/

The Perfume Shop
http://www.theperfumeshop.com/

I imagine The Perfume Shop's unit will be the small unit by Legoland Discovery Centre at Barton Square.

Hotel Chocolat are opening on lower Regent Crescent.

Tessuti are opening on upper Regent Crescent in the former Morgan unit.

neil081273

September 21st, 2010, 08:23 PM

Goldman Sterling - A new pawnbrokers has opened next to Knock Ireland on Deansgate
Looks like Fired Earth on John Dalton Street is closing as there's a To Let sign in the window

Vision 2020 Mcr

September 22nd, 2010, 06:05 PM

The pedestrianised end of King Street looks like its starting to fill up again:
Charles Tyrwhitt is working on its northern flagship at 30 King Street (next to the recently opened Kuyichi).
6 King Street has a still to be named tenant.
Peter Maturi could be deceptively larger than thought. It has a basement and great 1st floor (with period features) and refurbishment work has also been going on in the adjoining unit fronting South King Street.
It would be great if Aquascutum took one of the All Saints, Hugo Boss or Mulberry units!

flange

September 22nd, 2010, 09:28 PM

Thanks neil and Vision.

It certainly is great to see King Street getting more retailers opening on the street.
Great news over Charles Tyrwhitt finally being confirmed for opening in Manchester on King Street.
I think Aquascutum would be quite good opening, in the former Crombie unit on King Street, would make quite a good flagship unit for Aquascutum there.

jrb

September 23rd, 2010, 06:52 PM

PP.

30 King Street
Manchester
M2 6AZ

LISTED BUILDING CONSENT for fit out of retail unit including installation of ceilings, lighting, floor finishes and services

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=L7M133BC06N00&searchtype=WEEKLY

markydeedrop

September 23rd, 2010, 07:16 PM

Work seems to have started on the new Sainsbury's Cross Street site. There are now orange hoardings erected with a lot of activity inside.

Splurb

September 23rd, 2010, 07:30 PM

You wait ages for a Waitrose, then three come along at once

Rumours reach the Grouch that Manchester city centre could be getting a third Waitrose store – in Piccadilly Gardens. We hear the retailer is planning to take on the Nobles amusements unit underneath a building that is set to be turned into a Travelodge. That would pitch Waitrose against Tesco, the Co-operative, Spar and M&S as nearby rivals. It would also mean Manchester going from no Waitroses to three in the space of a few months. No word on when the new one may open, but it is expected to be before next summer. Perhaps it’s the MediaCity effect, perhaps Waitrose expect streams of luvvies ploughing a furrow to its doors. Which is presumably why the northern ‘Waitrose’ Booths bagged the supermarket spot on the MediaCity complex.
http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/News/General/The-Grouch--23092010-_15384.asp

Wasn't there meant to be a Zizzi going in there? Anyone any idea when work on the Travelodge is due to commence?

SavPhil

September 23rd, 2010, 08:02 PM

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/News/General/The-Grouch--23092010-_15384.asp

Wasn't there meant to be a Zizzi going in there? Anyone any idea when work on the Travelodge is due to commence?

Third Waitrose?! Am I missing something? I know of the Manchester House proposal but no other...

markydeedrop

September 23rd, 2010, 08:04 PM

Have a look around Boots Phil and all will be revealed.

Vision 2020 Mcr

September 23rd, 2010, 08:46 PM

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/News/General/The-Grouch--23092010-_15384.asp

Wasn't there meant to be a Zizzi going in there? Anyone any idea when work on the Travelodge is due to commence?

Zizzi is taking one of the units, leaving one free [for Waitrose] though its quite small - so would be a Waitrose convenience store.

Vision 2020 Mcr

September 23rd, 2010, 09:02 PM

Had a brief walk around the city-centre today taking in the opulent but sadly deserted exchanges. Thought of how to reinvigorate them and breathe more life into King Street.

1) All retailers move out of The Triangle to be replaced by a John Lewis Department store of c.170,000 sq ft

2) Smaller retailers from The Triangle go to unlet refurbished space in the Royal Exchange

3) Jigsaw/Kew take both units at 35 King Street

4) Aspecto/Y3 takes former All Saints on King Street

Seasonedbest

September 23rd, 2010, 09:25 PM

AndrooGM

September 23rd, 2010, 09:32 PM

Vision 2020 Mcr

September 23rd, 2010, 09:51 PM

I thought a friend was mistaken earlier today when she said Charles Tyrwhitt were opening in Spinningfields in December. I argued and suggested she meant King Street.
However, I've just found this from Hays...

"My client is a well-established Jermyn Street Shirtmaker. They were established in 1986 and have quickly become England's largest maker of quality formal shirts through the Internet and mail order. On the high street, they are a key brand for male shoppers looking for well-fitted formalwear with a professional and personalised service.

I am currently recruiting for a Store Manager for their new site opening in December 2010!

Here is an opportunity to join the company as they open in Manchester, in the exciting development for luxury brands - Spinningfields."

CDX

September 25th, 2010, 12:20 AM

From Property Week today,
Ted Baker to add final flourish on Manchester’s the Avenue

Fashion label Ted Baker is poised to become the final retailer at the Avenue, Allied London’s shopping scheme at Spinningfields in Manchester. It is in talks to take a 2,500 sq ft store.

Earlier this month, Emporio Armani opened its store and will be joined by DKNY, Oliver Sweeney, Mulberry, Flannels, LK Bennett, All Saints and Brooks Brothers, which all aim to be trading in time for this Christmas, as tipped by Property Week (14.05.10).

Last week Waitrose confirmed it will open a convenience store at the scheme.

Knight Frank advised Allied London.
http://www.propertyweek.com/news/ted-baker-to-add-final-flourish-on-manchester%E2%80%99s-the-avenue/5006157.article

neil081273

September 25th, 2010, 08:35 AM

www.thecourthouse.co.uk

Marketing website for the old County Court building on Deansgate

flange

September 25th, 2010, 12:52 PM

Thanks CDX, it is good new over Ted Baker possibly opening at The Avenue, and the fact it is the last unit available as well. I imagine it will be one of their other sub brands that they open at The Avenue so that the Ted Baker on New Cathedral Street stays open.

I thought a friend was mistaken earlier today when she said Charles Tyrwhitt were opening in Spinningfields in December. I argued and suggested she meant King Street.
However, I've just found this from Hays...

"My client is a well-established Jermyn Street Shirtmaker. They were established in 1986 and have quickly become England's largest maker of quality formal shirts through the Internet and mail order. On the high street, they are a key brand for male shoppers looking for well-fitted formalwear with a professional and personalised service.

I am currently recruiting for a Store Manager for their new site opening in December 2010!

Here is an opportunity to join the company as they open in Manchester, in the exciting development for luxury brands - Spinningfields."

Thanks Vision, is interesting over Charles Tyrwhitt opening a second store at The Avenue, I wonder if one store may focus on mens business wear and another on womens possibly.

www.thecourthouse.co.uk

Marketing website for the old County Court building on Deansgate

Thanks neil, there are some interesting renders on that website especially this one.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/1866/thecourthouseback.jpg

But with the scheme planned to be completed for 2011, there should be some pretty good retailers wanting to take space in the scheme, I would imagine, what with The Avenue being fully opened by then.

flange

September 25th, 2010, 12:58 PM

flange

September 25th, 2010, 01:01 PM

Cushwake: Market Street rents continue to fall

24 Sep 2010, 16:38

Cushman & Wakefield's latest research on the rents in the main retail high streets of the world claims the tone of Zone A rents on Manchester's prime strip was down 7.1% in the past year to £260/sq ft in June 2010.

In 59 countries covered, 20 recorded falls in rents over the year to June with Latin America and Asia-Pacific the only regions to show positive rental growth. Europe as a whole registered a decline in rents of 4.4%. Manchester's downward move follows a 6.7% drop the previous year according to the same researchers.

Luke Miotte, a retail real estate director at law firm McGrigors' Manchester office, said: "The research seems to demonstrate that consumer confidence is still fragile and that this is having a knock-on effect on rental prices for the world's top retail locations.

"Where prices have gone up, it's generally indicative of demand for prime locations outstripping supply. However, that tends not to be the case in much of the UK. Some established retailers operating in the UK have had a tough time and that has impacted upon rental prices. However, it has also created opportunities for smaller and growing retailers to take advantage of decreasing rates - giving them a platform for growth which might not otherwise have existed.

"Manchester seems to be remaining competitive compared to the likes of Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow which have also seen drops."

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/7233-cushwake-market-street-rents-continue-to-fall.html

flange

September 25th, 2010, 01:03 PM

Kendals celebrates 175 years of trading

Deborah Linton

September 23, 2010

‘Manchester has no more perfect example of a modern furnishings and textile emporium than that afforded by the great establishment of Messrs Kendal, Milne & Co,” Ladies Home Journal wrote some 120 years ago.

It was back in 1796 that John Watts, a Didsbury farmer, opened a family business on the corner of Deansgate and Parsonage, in central Manchester.

It catered for the elegantly dressed women of the era and proved so successful that by 1830, the shop, now called the Bazaar, had expanded into purpose-built premises across road – the current Waterstones site. It was a covered market building and forerunner to the modern department store.

The concept flourished and on Boxing Day 1935 it was sold to three young managers – Thomas Kendal, James Milne and Adam Faulkner. The department store, specialising in the sale of regular goods and the discounted stock of bankrupts, re-opened as Kendal, Milne & Faulkner, with the first in a long tradition of winter sales, in January 1936. Almost two centuries on, current owners House Of Fraser, are celebrating its 175th year of trading.

November will see celeb eaterie San Carlo unveil an Italian tapas restaurant, Cicchetti, on the ground floor, a new hair and beauty salon will open and celebratory events will be held across the departments.

More than 300 golden coins, to redeem in store, will be hidden in the city centre, on concierge desks and in change given out by taxi drivers. And there will be a heritage room on the fifth floor holding photographs and artefacts, including leather-bound ledger books and a 1980 vinyl specially-penned to boost staff morale before they went on the shop floor.

Customer service and diligence were key to Kendal, Milne & Faulkner. The trio advertised widely in local newspapers from the off, later including a telephone number for the store – 694.

In the 1840s, they installed gas lighting and had a fleet of 50 horses drawing delivery vans around the city. When Faulkner died in 1862, it became Kendal Milne & Co. The business eventually passed to Milne’s son, John, following his father’s death in 1866 and Kendal’s retirement in 1884.

By the close of the century, there was a catalogue and the range had expanded from drapery and fashions, to include cabinet-making, funeral undertaking and consumer goods. More than 900 staff were employed across sites on both sides of Deansgate and extravagant tearooms, featuring oriental rugs, palms and velvet-covered seats were the most fashionable venues in town.

Ladies’ and children’s shoe departments were added and sites became linked by an underground passage – still accessible, behind the scenes, from today’s menswear department, said to be the largest in the country.

In 1901, Kendals was appointed ‘Upholsterers to the Royal Household’. House Of Fraser’s Royal Warrant, maintained by the current queen, will begin to reappear on branding this year.

When the First World War hit, trading continued, with adverts and photos showing the women’s V neck – condemned as ‘indecent’ and ‘hazardous to health’ – among the fashion-forward trends taken on.

In 1919, the store was bought for £650,000 by Harrods who would maintain it until the 1959 sale to House Of Fraser.

Expansion continued during the 20th century to include a hairdressers, library, travel and estate agencies, a glass and china department, haberdashery, milliners and a furrier.

There was a ground floor restaurant where models would present the latest clothes – remembered by British designer Betty Jackson as one of her earliest fashion memories.

On February 10, 1939, the building was gutted by fire, but refurbishment was well under way by the time war broke out that September.

Much of the store was handed over to the Civil Service but trading continued in the basement, side by side with 16 air raid shelters. According to records, in 1944, 450 wounded troops were given meals in the store.

By the 1950s, the current Art Deco building was complete and the vast post-war offer, and 2,000 staff, began consolidating on the site.

Tennis ace Fred Perry, who was born in Stockport, held demonstrations in the sports department and the Queen’s dressmaker, Sir Hardy Amies, opened a boutique. On visiting, he is said to have commented on the ‘rather generous’ size of Northern hips. The decade also marked an early appearance for children’s favourite Sooty before finding TV fame.

The 1980s saw further redesign and the Miss Great Britain contest held in store. A new food hall opened on the ground floor and a bridal shop on the first floor, which now featured a series of ‘shop windows’ showcasing fashions.

The shop continued to trade as Kendals until 2005, when it was renamed House Of Fraser Manchester, and work to sustain a modern ‘destination department store’ continued with the opening of Tom’s Champagne Bar on the third floor last year.

For current store manager Gary Slattery, 42, there is personal and professional significance to the landmark anniversary.

He remembers: “As a seven-year-old boy I remember looking in the Christmas window at the all the things we couldn’t afford. And I remember walking through the tunnel under Deansgate that connected it to the old site. When I took over the store, the first thing I did was go into that tunnel, which I vividly remembered as being orange. It still is.

“Professionally, it has been wonderful to get House Of Fraser, as a business, to buy into this anniversary in terms of investment. It is about celebrating all that was great about its heritage and made it successful and bringing those into a modern offer.

“On a personal level, coming from Manchester and knowing how popular and important the store is, it is incredibly special and hugely exciting.”

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/life_and_style/s/1328749_kendals_celebrates_175_years_of_trading

flange

September 25th, 2010, 03:08 PM

The Entertainer opens in the former FM Boutique unit, in the Arndale, on Satuday 30th October.

http://www.thetoyshop.com/stores/manchester

iheartthenew

September 25th, 2010, 03:12 PM

Thanks neil, there are some interesting renders on that website especially this one.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/1866/thecourthouseback.jpg

But with the scheme planned to be completed for 2011, there should be some pretty good retailers wanting to take space in the scheme, I would imagine, what with The Avenue being fully opened by then.

Are you using 'interesting' as a euphumism?

looks a bit tacked on, and well, a bit shit if you ask me :ohno:

flange

September 25th, 2010, 03:19 PM

Yes that is exactly what it mean. Also I meant 'interesting' as we have never seen an render from this angle before, and we didnt know about plans for the building to be extended/ rebuilt at the back before, it does though look completly wrong and not suited to the building.

iheartthenew

September 25th, 2010, 03:24 PM

looks like another building (of no particular merit itself) built very close next door. Did the architect know, even see a picture if the rest of the building? Its a sort of the same colour and height... oh run out of how these building might relate to one and other. Now I'm not looking for a continuation/pastiche of whats there now but you're right, this is so so wrong.

markydeedrop

September 25th, 2010, 08:22 PM

http://i55.************/245bqyh.jpg

http://i56.************/2mepg1k.jpg

http://i54.************/adnw1w.jpg

http://i54.************/25pljd1.jpg

markydeedrop

September 25th, 2010, 08:39 PM

http://i55.************/2i8esqt.jpg

http://i52.************/30krabo.jpg

http://i54.************/280ryoi.jpg

http://i56.************/2ugja76.jpg

http://i54.************/33cbt7a.jpg

http://i53.************/2vkxeg1.jpg

http://i55.************/4qkef7.jpg

http://i56.************/66jcs8.jpg

http://i54.************/332cm0p.jpg

http://i55.************/2q3mzkg.jpg

http://i56.************/30kq9af.jpg

http://i52.************/21axr1s.jpg

http://i53.************/t5ixyf.jpg

markydeedrop

September 25th, 2010, 08:46 PM

http://i53.************/jheyra.jpg

http://i52.************/2n00wvq.jpg

http://i56.************/2qtfos6.jpg

http://i54.************/15i58w5.jpg

http://i51.************/2v3j968.jpg

markydeedrop

September 25th, 2010, 08:52 PM

http://i55.************/1zcekps.jpg

http://i51.************/2vxk282.jpg

http://i53.************/2cgga2w.jpg

http://i54.************/6i4d1j.jpg

Noticed that Big is also now open

flange

September 25th, 2010, 09:13 PM

Thanks for all the great photos today marky, you certainly have been all over the place.

http://i51.************/2vxk282.jpg

Great to see that So Cocoa have opened in the former Thorntons unit on Market Street.
So Cocoa are Thorntons new brand and have only opened stores in Wilmslow, Epsom, Surrey and their Manchester store this week, they sound a little bit like Thorntons version of Hotel Chocolat.

This article is about So Cocoa's Wilmslow store.

So Cocoa: Heaven for the chocolate connoisseur

By Lisa Reeves

Thursday, 23rd September, 2010

Thorntons closed their Wilmslow store three weeks ago and it has now been replaced by So Cocoa, which opened it doors on Grove Street last Saturday.

So Cocoa is a new venture from Thorntons, which caters for all price levels and stocks a wide change of chocolate brands. Stores have also opened in Epsom, Surrey and The Royal Exchange in Manchester this week, which aim to offer a wide range of chocolates which until now have not been available on the high street.

Manager Laura Roberts told me "We provide everything under one roof, bringing all the brands together with an independent and local feel."

Alongside their own Thornton's range, So Cocoa is stocking mass market chocolates, such as Ferrero Rocher and Toffifee, as well as more exclusive ranges such as Charbonnel and Sir Hans Sloane, which is predominately stocked by London stores including Harrods and Fortnum and Mason. Sir Hans Sloane products are all handmade and include a top of the range £250 hamper.

Other products stocked by the chocolate emporium include Booja-Booja, which are dairy, chlorestoral and gluten free chocolates, ethically produced by a small team of 12 based in Norfolk - some of which are packaged in handmade boxes from Kashmir.

Whilst visiting the store yesterday I also met with Product Managers Paul Hayes and Emma Smith who have been working on this new concept since March.

Emma, who has focused on the range So Cocoa stock, explained "Our range of chocolates is fluid. We will amend our stock as we go along and potentially also offer a selection of locally produced chocolates."

So Cocoa are planning a launch party in the near future which we will be sure to include in our events calendar and weekly newsletter.

http://www.wilmslow.co.uk/news/article/2991/so-cocoa-heaven-for-the-chocolate-connoisseur

WatcherZero

September 25th, 2010, 11:57 PM

What happened to Whittards?

neil081273

September 26th, 2010, 12:12 PM

What happened to Whittards?

Think the one in the Royal Exchange is still there, the one on Deansgate closed a while back though

flange

September 26th, 2010, 04:47 PM

Yes the one at Market Street/ Royal Exchange is still open, the King Street store closed and Whitewall Galleries opened there earlier this year. http://www.whitewallgalleries.com/

In other news, not that surprising Hey Little Cupcake at Spinningfields are going to be around for a little while longer, their 'pop up' store is proving very successful and the store is going to be staying open for a few more weeks.

Great News: Our Pop-up shop in Spinningfields is staying open for a few more weeks. Open hours Monday - Wednesday 11am - 4pm Thursday - Friday 11am - 5pm Saturday 12pm - 3pm. Big Smiles all round :) http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=146450472062835&id=376948792320

Like Vision said a few weeks back, it would not be that much of a surprise if Hey Little Cupcake decided to open a permenant store at Northgate (Manchester House) when it opens up before Christmas.

oakman

September 26th, 2010, 05:36 PM

Here is an indication of how All Saints at The Avenue will look like from their planning application for signage and new shopfront.
The windows are literally going to be full of the Singer sewing machines, along with an illuminated All Saints Singer sewing machine projecting sign underneath the flag, it will be quite a sight.

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/9899/theavenueallsaints.jpg

I thought they might have done something different for this site , the sewing machines look good but they are the same in every shop they have , and I think the impact is lost a bit by seeing it in all their stores !

oakman

September 26th, 2010, 05:44 PM

From Property Week today,

http://www.propertyweek.com/news/ted-baker-to-add-final-flourish-on-manchester%E2%80%99s-the-avenue/5006157.article

Great news that they have filled the Avenue , but it has gone totally off track from the concept .Prada , Chanel and Gucci , and all the aspirational high end brands they wanted are replaced by an odd mix of high street and some designer ! Is Brooks Brothers the only new name to arrive in Manchester ? All the others are just relocations or additional stores ! Very disappointed this has ended up as another ordinary shopping street :(

flange

September 26th, 2010, 05:55 PM

Brooks Brothers, Philip Stoner and Oliver Sweeney are all new to Manchester, you can also include Waitrose to that as they dont have a standalone store in Manchester yet.

If Charles Tyrwhitt do open at The Avenue, and before their King Street store opens, then that is another new name for Manchester.

We also dont know yet whether the Ted Baker store will be a second store for the city centre or it could possibly be their Ted Baker Pashion store, which would be a new name to the city.

Also we have Northgate to consider aswell as there could be some new names to Manchester, who will open in the arcade even if they are going to be food stores.

Vision 2020 Mcr

September 26th, 2010, 10:45 PM

Great news that they have filled the Avenue , but it has gone totally off track from the concept .Prada , Chanel and Gucci , and all the aspirational high end brands they wanted are replaced by an odd mix of high street and some designer ! Is Brooks Brothers the only new name to arrive in Manchester ? All the others are just relocations or additional stores ! Very disappointed this has ended up as another ordinary shopping street :(

I think that The Avenue's relative failure to attract 'Sloane Street' names will in the long-term help a revival of King Street. Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Versace, Tiffany et al. have had Manchester in their sights for a long time but they've struggled to find suitable units on King Street. As others have said before, The Avenue is poorly positioned, is not a prime pitch and offers little in terms of signature buildings.

King St on the other hand has in recent years lost many of its mid-range fashion names (All Saints, Kookai, Next, Phase 8 etc) whilst retaining anchor luxury houses such as Boodle & Dunthorne, Gant, Hermes, Pink and Jaeger.

With arrivals such as Whitewall Galleries, The White Company, Charles Tyrwhitt, Peter Maturi and Kuyichi - it is once again becoming a thoroughfare for niche luxury retailers extending beyond fashion.

I think the units vacated by Armani, Mulberry (and possibly) DKNY, Joseph and Hugo Boss offer great potential for high end brands initially targeted by The Avenue. As a result, I wouldn't be surprised if we were to see the likes of Paul Smith and Ralph Lauren appear on King Street alongside smaller Mayfair-based names such as Gieves & Hawkes, Hawes & Curtis, Hackett etc.

Seasonedbest

September 26th, 2010, 11:01 PM

Are Diesel and Belstaff definitely staying on King Street?

The avenue, to me sounds like it's heading towards becoming a type of second Market Street, accessible to those who work nearby and people who live in Salford. I think people coming in, certainly into Piccadilly, will be least likely to venture all the way down to the Avenue for shops like All Saints and Waitrose.

Vision 2020 Mcr

September 26th, 2010, 11:37 PM

^^
I'd expect Diesel to be a prime target for Allied as an anchor for 1 Crown Square whenever it gets the go-ahead.

Belstaff will be tied into a lease for at least another couple of years - they'll anxiously be looking for some company at the top end of King Street.

One of the best sites has to be 90 King Street (former Armani Collezioni) - once Jamie's Italian opens, there'll be loads of people peering in/sheltering from the rain whilst waiting for a table! It would make a great Tiffany store.

oakman

September 27th, 2010, 01:39 AM

I think that The Avenue's relative failure to attract 'Sloane Street' names will in the long-term help a revival of King Street. Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Versace, Tiffany et al. have had Manchester in their sights for a long time but they've struggled to find suitable units on King Street. As others have said before, The Avenue is poorly positioned, is not a prime pitch and offers little in terms of signature buildings.

King St on the other hand has in recent years lost many of its mid-range fashion names (All Saints, Kookai, Next, Phase 8 etc) whilst retaining anchor luxury houses such as Boodle & Dunthorne, Gant, Hermes, Pink and Jaeger.

With arrivals such as Whitewall Galleries, The White Company, Charles Tyrwhitt, Peter Maturi and Kuyichi - it is once again becoming a thoroughfare for niche luxury retailers extending beyond fashion.

I think the units vacated by Armani, Mulberry (and possibly) DKNY, Joseph and Hugo Boss offer great potential for high end brands initially targeted by The Avenue. As a result, I wouldn't be surprised if we were to see the likes of Paul Smith and Ralph Lauren appear on King Street alongside smaller Mayfair-based names such as Gieves & Hawkes, Hawes & Curtis, Hackett etc.

I was thinking about this , King Street seems to be slowly improving , and is a much nicer place to shop than wedged between office blocks in Spinningfields.The Avenue being full might play into Kings Street's hands giving it the chance to really get the top brands in . The should have some King Street committee to work together to have a unified plan for the area , instead of all the separate landlords ! Ralph Lauren would be perfect for the old Virgin unit next to Hermes !

jrb

September 27th, 2010, 07:26 PM

Just in case Flange has missed this? Which I doubt.

Property Week.

Fashion label Ted Baker is poised to become the final retailer at the Avenue, Allied London’s shopping scheme at Spinningfields in Manchester. It is in talks to take a 2,500 sq ft store.

flange

September 27th, 2010, 09:33 PM

^^ Thanks jrb, I actually did miss it, been quite busy over the last few weeks, but CDX posted it last Friday.

Greggs are going to be opening next to Ladbrokes opposite Tesco Express on Deansgate soon.

flange

September 28th, 2010, 08:44 PM

Yoshake to roll out more milkshake bars

September 28, 2010

An entrepreneur is planning to roll out a chain of milkshake and juice bars across the north.

Yoshake, which has opened its first outlet at The Rock in Bury, creating 15 jobs, is also looking for city centre premises in Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.

Director of Yoshake, Adam Karim, set up the business two months ago after identifying a gap in the market for a juice bar which sells everything from milkshake made from people's favourite sweets to smoothies and hot and cold drinks.

The businessman, who also owns two restaurants, invested his own money to launch Yoshake.

Mr Karim said: “You either get a milkshake bar or a smoothie bar but you don't get both and I wanted to offer customers a wider choice.

“The Rock was a great location for our first Yoshake bar as the venue is new and has attracted many high street fashion and food brands.

“Ideally I want to open one in Manchester next. I have seen a few sites in the city centre and I really want to launch before the festive season this year.”

He added: “Yoshake is a new adventure for sweet toothed individuals everywhere.

“We can make a milkshake out of practically anything and we've got a range of indulgent flavours as well and mixing old classics and healthy treats.

“For anyone who likes their food to be fun, we've got just the solution.”

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1332903_yoshake_to_roll_out_more_milkshake_bars

flange

September 28th, 2010, 08:47 PM

Soho Coffee Co are going to be opening a store in the Arndale soon, job vacancies are now online.

https://www.manchesterarndale.com/job_details-4932.htm

http://www.sohocoffee.co.uk/find-soho/

markydeedrop

September 28th, 2010, 08:53 PM

Any idea where Soho is likely to go Flange? The Arndale is getting a bit chocker!

flange

September 28th, 2010, 09:14 PM

Not completly sure yet, as there are so many units that are under offer right now at the Arndale, when I know you guys will know though. There is also quite a few new stores that are opening or due to open at the Arndale before Christmas as well, so it makes pinpointing the location a bit harder.

The Hub - by BHS - early October
Wilkinsons - in former Madhouse unit - December
Yours - in former Shout unit - ?
The Entertainer - in former FM Boutique unit - late October
Luke 1977 - unknown - ?
Soho Coffee Co - unknown - ?
Shakeaway - in former Gold Centre unit - God only knows

neil081273

September 28th, 2010, 09:52 PM

flange

September 28th, 2010, 10:07 PM

^^ Thanks neil, interesting over the planning app in the old Armani Collezioni on King Street, looks like there is nothing online for it yet though.

Like has been said before, King Street really is getting a real resurgence to it now, which can only be a good thing for the city and the street itself.

Face Stockholm have on their UK website that they will be opening in October, and yes it is their first UK store, much like Kuyichi's store on King Stret was their first UK store.

http://www.facestockholm.co.uk/page/57/Store-Locations.htm

oakman

September 29th, 2010, 01:09 AM

Face Stockholm is opening in the unit next to Midas on King Street... It looks to be their first UK store
http://www.facestockholm.com

Also noticed there was a planning application in the old Armani Collezioni store further up King Street

Brilliant news on FACE , it is a very high end niche brand , real kudos to Manchester for getting this first !! Although , should point out it is not a store I'll be shopping in !! but great to have an interesting brand on King Street .

Vision 2020 Mcr

September 29th, 2010, 12:55 PM

Face Stockholm is opening in the unit next to Midas on King Street... It looks to be their first UK store
http://www.facestockholm.com

Also noticed there was a planning application in the old Armani Collezioni store further up King Street

Great to see FACE as another new brand choosing King Street - Allied London must be kicking themselves.

Was the Collezioni planning application relating to the retail space? - as they're also refurbishing the upper office floors.

Charles Tyrwhitt (King Street) will offer a full product line including bespoke suits. It is due to open in early December. They are not confirming the opening of a second store at Spinningfields.

neil081273

September 30th, 2010, 10:26 AM

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/6871-expanding-fit-out-firm-chooses-belvedere.html

Currently fitting out their unit at Belvedere

jrb

September 30th, 2010, 06:55 PM

Place North West.

Henry Boot submits County Court plans
30 Sep 2010, 11:23

Henry Boot Developments has submitted a detailed planning application to transform the former County Courts building in Deansgate, Manchester, into a mixed use scheme to be known as The Courthouse.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x232.875/sep_10/pnw__1285842120_The_Courthouse.jpg

The Grade II-listed building, originally constructed in 1896, is set to be refurbished to incorporate over 14,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space as well as 13,500 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation.

Adam Brady, from the Manchester office of Henry Boot Developments, said: "Our design team has worked hard to ensure that the new scheme retains as many of its original features as possible whilst being able to offer the most modern accommodation.

"The quality of the refurbishment is of uppermost importance to us and we are confident that by offering modern open plan floor plates, which blend many of the building's period features, alongside an enhanced Grade A specification, there will be nothing quite like it in Manchester."

Matthews & Goodman and DTZ are appointed office agents on the development, while Cheetham & Mortimer and DMR Richtrend have been instructed to let the leisure and retail units.

Henry Boot acquired the County Court building in 2008 for an undisclosed sum after it became redundant following the courts move to the Denton Corker Marshall-designed Civil Justice Centre in Spinningfields.

flange

September 30th, 2010, 08:31 PM

A bit of an article about The Courthouse plans from the Business Desk.

It wants to turn the Grade II listed building into "The Courthouse" with 14,000 sq ft of shops and lesiure space and 13,500 of Grade A offices.

Henry Boot said the scheme had already attracted interest from "high-end, boutique operators" considering taking space on the lower floors.

flange

September 30th, 2010, 08:46 PM

A new TV screen has been installed at The Avenue just by the stairs down to The Avenue itself.

http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg831/scaled.php?tn=0&server=831&filename=ucm.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640

Also the fitting out of Oliver Sweeney at The Avenue is coming along nicely, looks like they could be open next week possibly.

http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg214/scaled.php?tn=0&server=214&filename=4ak.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640

Both images from The Avenue's twitter feed.
http://twitter.com/AvenueThe

flange

September 30th, 2010, 09:17 PM

Waitrose at Northgate at Spinningfields is provisionally slated down for opening on Thursday 4th November.

GShutty

October 1st, 2010, 12:03 PM

Place North West.

The canopies work well. They look refined, yet it's clear to everybody that these are retails units, which can be an issue in these period conversions.

macc

October 1st, 2010, 05:00 PM

Looks like they've solved the access problems for the footballers wives: http://ow.ly/i/4ete

This was often something quoted as a benefit of King Street that The Avenue would not have. And they won't have to double park either.

flange

October 1st, 2010, 09:03 PM

^^ Thanks macc.

The Hub opens at the Arndale on Thursday 21st October.

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

flange

October 1st, 2010, 09:05 PM

I wonder if these job vacancies are for new stores that we do not know about yet, sounds like they could either be at The Avenue or King Street.

Store Manager - MANCHESTER

An exciting opportunity to put your stamp on a new store opening for a Men’s & Ladies wear retail in Manchester. This company has been around for all time offering exceptional customer service, product knowledge and a tailored approach to each customer. Currently seeking a Store Manager for the new opening just round the corner.

You will need to be a current Store Manager or Deputy Manager within the premium clothing or accessories market to understand each element of the business. This is a 1st for the business in the North West so you can gain a lot of exposure within the business.

http://www.retailchoice.com/JobSearch/JobDetails.aspx?JobId=48634255&Keywords=new+AND+store&Market=17&Industry=51&Sort=2&LTxt=Manchester%2c+Lancashire&Radius=0&LIds1=fr&LIds2=dc&clid=2027&cltypeid=1&clName=Manchester

FASHION / LUXURY SALES ADVISOR'S REQUIRED FOR NEW STORE OPENING - MANCHESTER REGION..!!!

New store opening in Manchester region seeking Full Time Sales Advisors to be flexible in working week days and weekends. The company has been around for all time offering exceptional customer service, product knowledge and a tailored approach to each customer. Offering a wide selection of premium evening, formal, tailored and casual wear to both ladies' and men's wear.

http://www.retailchoice.com/JobSearch/JobDetails.aspx?JobId=48634326&Keywords=new+AND+store&Market=17&Industry=51&Sort=2&LTxt=Manchester%2c+Lancashire&Radius=0&LIds1=fr&LIds2=dc&clid=2027&cltypeid=1&clName=Manchester

Luxury designer Assistant store manager for elegant and stylish Formalwear brand,

We are looking for an Assistant Manager for a stylish shirtmakers and tailors in a new brand new stunning store opening in the heart of Manchester soon.

Our client provides collections that offer a diverse and luxurious wardrobe for mens suiting . Varying from impeccable tailoring and work wear to a discerning weekend wardrobe.

http://www.retailchoice.com/JobSearch/JobDetails.aspx?JobId=48637269&Keywords=new+AND+store&Market=17&Industry=51&Sort=2&LTxt=Manchester%2c+Lancashire&Radius=0&LIds1=fr&LIds2=dc&clid=2027&cltypeid=1&clName=Manchester

Store Manager

This is an exciting opportunity to join a luxury Menswear and Womenswear brand. The company has several stores throughout the UK and has plans to expand opening 50 stores over the next 5 years. This position is for a new store opening.

You will be a Store Manager from a customer-focused, luxury retail environment preferably from clothing or accessories. You will be passionate about customer service and driving this through your team along with achieving sales targets and business results. You will also enjoy motivating and developing your team to succeed.

http://www.retailchoice.com/JobSearch/JobDetails.aspx?JobId=48677916&Keywords=new+AND+store&Market=17&Industry=51&Sort=2&LTxt=Manchester%2c+Lancashire&Radius=0&LIds1=fr&LIds2=dc&clid=2027&cltypeid=1&clName=Manchester

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 1st, 2010, 09:10 PM

^^
I'm pretty certain that they're all for Charles Tyrwhitt - the last is definately for them as they have plans to have 50 stores in 5 years.

Terrible grammar in each of them too!:ohno:

flange

October 1st, 2010, 09:18 PM

Thanks Vision, I imagine then if they are for Charles Tyrwhitt, then it will probably be for their King Street store, seeing as there is seperate vacancies that actually mention Spinningfields in them.

uklad1979

October 2nd, 2010, 02:30 AM

So where do we think Forever 21 will be looking at? They have big plans and imagine Market St will be target site.

Seasonedbest

October 2nd, 2010, 02:50 AM

It'll have to be quite a large space I'd imagine. Is there any available on market street?

uklad1979

October 2nd, 2010, 03:37 PM

It'll have to be quite a large space I'd imagine. Is there any available on market street?

Will be if they get on with redeveloping the top end of the arndale and the bottom end where Shelly's shows used to be. That building was bought for redevelopment but I am not sure if we have seen plans yet.

Also Forever 21 stores in the US are not Primark size they are more H&M Market St to Mango on Market St size if they have no menswear which is the case in some US stores.

flange

October 2nd, 2010, 07:21 PM

flange

October 2nd, 2010, 07:34 PM

Betfred are now open on High Street.

Nike is closed on Market Street, for their store refurbishment to Nike Football.

Seasonedbest

October 2nd, 2010, 08:08 PM

^^ Forever 21's store in Dublin is going to be 70,000 sq ft and their Birmingham store is going to be 53,000 sq ft, so they are taking pretty big spaces, pretty much the size of a Primark store really.

I think Allied London might try and fight for them to open at The Avenue possibly on the site of the proposed 1 Crown Square. That or Forever 21 open at The Trafford Centre maybe.

Forever 21 is a store for predominantly teenage girls, making Market Street a more likely option. The Avenue custom will mainly come from the workers in Spinningfields and the shoppers from King Street and Deansgate. I really can't see the Avenue being full of teenage saturday shoppers as 90 percent of brands down there completely price this age group out.

The Forever 21 store on 6th Ave and 34th Street in NY is not quite as large as Primark in Manchester but still a substantial size. (Not that I shop there)

uklad1979

October 2nd, 2010, 08:57 PM

Betfred are now open on High Street.

.

They have done a great job of matching the signage in with Debbanhams with the black. This isn't the usual signage on other Betfred stores.

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 4th, 2010, 03:50 PM

Oliver Sweeney @ The Avenue now open.

House of Fraser to feature new external 'illumination' as part of its 175th anniversary celebrations.

neil081273

October 4th, 2010, 07:50 PM

Derbyshire Building Society has closed on Cross Street

The Waitrose at Northgate has now lettering on the windows

neil081273

October 4th, 2010, 07:55 PM

Go Outdoors to open in part of the old Ilva unit

OUTDOOR retailer Go Outdoors is to open a new store in Manchester city centre after agreeing a deal with Leeds-based property company Town Centre Securities. The firm, which already has a retail outlet in Stockport, has agreed to take part of the former Ilva store at Piccadilly Basin. The Sheffield-based firm will take 55,000 sq ft. Edward Ziff, chairman and chief executive of Town Centre Securities, said: "I am delighted by our progress in letting this and other properties in what is a very challenging retail environment. "Go Outdoors are a very well established retailer operating in a growth market and I am confident that they, along with existing tenant Aldi, will assist in re-establishing Urban Exchange as a major retail destination."

neil081273

October 5th, 2010, 07:28 PM

legin10

October 6th, 2010, 03:45 PM

RICE - is now being fitted out at the old Pizza Hut Deansgate

thecityofgold

October 6th, 2010, 07:08 PM

My dear girlfriend has decided that a shop on King Street is being fitted out in the colours of Jack Wills. Not sure where exactly, she says 'near the middle', which could mean anywhere. She is more excited than I've seen her in a long time! Any ideas if we are getting a Jack Wills? She requested that I ask! Thanks.

flange

October 6th, 2010, 07:56 PM

It could well be, as there are job vacancies on the Jack Wills site for Assistant Manager and Sales Assistants in Manchester.

http://www.jackwills.com/Jack/Jobs.aspx

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 6th, 2010, 09:28 PM

As per my post back in June, they had shortlisted 35 (former Virgin) and 52 (former All Saints) as these were the only two units over 5,000 sq ft on King Street

Also, another glimmer of hope for King Street - Jack Wills may open at 35, replacing Ralph Lauren as a potential suiter. Recent viewings suggest a requirement for between 5-8,000 sq ft could be satisfied in a move to the larger of the 2 units available.

he-bloke

October 7th, 2010, 05:06 PM

As per my post back in June, they had shortlisted 35 (former Virgin) and 52 (former All Saints) as these were the only two units over 5,000 sq ft on King Street

Yeah 35 King Street has the Jack Wills colours draped all over the windows including the glass sections on either side and looking onto St. Annes Square, it certainly looks big enough. Had a walk down the pedestrianised section of King Street for the first time in ages today and it definitely seems to be improving, I understand Hugo Boss and Mulberry are moving(?) but even after that it will look better than it did a year ago.

thecityofgold

October 7th, 2010, 05:16 PM

Thanks all. It will make her day.

markydeedrop

October 7th, 2010, 06:47 PM

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/383.$plit/C_71_article_1344985_image_list_image_list_item_0_image.jpg?07%2F10%2F2010%2012%3A11%3A06%3A582

The Co-operative Group is back on the acquisition trail with plans to open at least 300 stores over three years, with three Greater Manchester sites already agreed as part of the spree, the retail giant announced today.

The Co-op, which currently has just under 3,000 stores and is the UK's fifth biggest grocer, is keen to increase its market share and believes the openings are necessary to stay ahead of rivals.

Its latest expansion drive its the Manchester-based group's first since it added more than 800 stores to its portfolio with the acquisition of Somerfield in 2008.

That deal saw its market share grow from 4.5 per cent to 7.5 per cent, and it now stands at 7.7 per cent.

The Manchester-based group's head of portfolio Stuart Hookins said the group's stated strategy was to increase its market share and it needs to open at least 300 stores in order to grow faster than its competitors.

“The programme will target all of the UK and will predominantly be new sites that can be developed into food stores,” he said.

“We would either buy the sites ourselves or work with developers.

“There will also be some acquisitions of small independent stores and small chains of independents.

“We are already working on this now and the stores will start opening in quarter one of next year.

“This is just the start of us getting back on the acquisition trail after buying Somerfield.

“We already have three locations in Greater Manchester in the pipeline, in Stockport, Cheadle and Bury.”

The Co-op is currently rebranding its Somerfield stores under its own banner at a rate of 24 a week.

Last month, the group said food sales rose 11.5 per cent in the six months to July to £3.9bn, with underlying trading profits up £19m to £169.7m.

However, like-for-like food sales were down one per cent in the same period, which Mr Hookins said was an unavoidable hit caused by the disruption of temporary shop closures.

He said: “Having taken them on, we are now rebranding them, which means you have close for the refit and then re-open.

“That hits short-term sales but the rebranded stores are performing very well.”

Like-for-like food sales in rebranded and refitted stores were up 2.5 per cent.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1344985_coop_in_new_300_store_spree

Splurb

October 7th, 2010, 07:24 PM

Following on from a couple of earlier posts...

New retailers line up on King Street
Christmas rush of deals predicted by agents

Two new retailers have signed leases on King Street as that part of the city looks to revive its fortunes.
Landlords SLFC Assurance (UK) Ltd has agreed a lease with fashion retailer Jack Wills at 35 King Street and Hollins Murray Group Limited has agreed a 10-year lease with upmarket cookware shop Peter Maturi and Sons.
Peter Maturi, which also has shops in Leeds and Harrogate, agreed a rent of £55,000 per annum for the 800 sq ft unit.
The Landlord was represented by Tushingham Moore. The tenant was represented by Carter Towler. Tushingham Moore and Castlemere Properties Ltd acted for SLFC Assurance on the Jack Will deal, and Savills acted for the tenant.
Jonathan Thompson of Tushingham Moore said King Street was definitely regaining its status as one of the city’s prime fashion districts.

“The letting to Peter Maturi and Sons Limited follows on from recent lettings on King Street to Whitewall Galleries, Face Stockholm and Kuyichi and brings another high quality independent retailer onto King Street,” he said.
He said there were a number of other units now under offer on the street to ‘high-quality retailers’, which could be full in time for Christmas.
“Off the back of all this new activity we have a number of new retail requirements for King Street which we are struggling to find homes for,” he said.
http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Property/General/New-retailers-line-up-on-King-Street_15564.asp

So with the lower end of King Street apparently seeing an upturn in fortunes and things getting moving with The Avenue, what does the future look like for Upper King Street?

Will it just be Belstaff and Diesel up there once DKNY goes, or is Whistles still open? Do the retail followers on here think the big brands will sign for units vacated by Armani, DKNY etc, or could Diesel and Belstaff move to new location and the area take a new direction, e.g bars/restaurants/offices?

On another note, Jack Wills should draw quite a lot of footfall to King Street. Will Abercrombie have an eye on that and want to compete with Jack Wills?

flange

October 7th, 2010, 09:00 PM

Is great that all the the former Virgin unit and the Lotus restarant will be taken up by Jack Wills, will certainly act as a great anchor store for King Street.

Yes Whistles is still open at 55 King Street.

Harvey Nichols returns with festive Trafford Centre shop

7th October 2010

LUXURY retailer Harvey Nichols is today opening a 'pop-up' outlet in the Trafford Centre selling fine foods and wine.

LIke last year, the 300sq metre unit on the upper floor of Peel Avenue will only be open for the duration of the peak trading period in the run-up to Christmas.

It will again provide competition to Selfridges which has a large food and drink department in its store at the landmark retail destination.

Licensing experts Anthony Lyons and Felicity Harris-Knott from Manchester law firm Kuits Solicitors advised Harvey Nichols - a long-standing client- on the licence application for the unit.

Unlike last year, when a temporary licence was granted, Harvey Nichols has obtained a permanent licence.

Anthony Lyons said: "We are always happy to work with Harvey Nichol, it is obviously a great brand."

http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/

Also Kurt Geiger is now open at The Trafford Centre on Lower Peel Avenue in the former Faith shoes unit.

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

flange

October 7th, 2010, 09:06 PM

Looks like this confirms that Ted Baker will open at Spinningfields and also they will be opening a store at The Trafford Centre aswell.

Ted Baker cautious despite profits

Fashion retailer Ted Baker has said it remained cautious ahead of the crucial Christmas period, despite a 25% hike in half-year profits.

The designer brand said the strong performance in the 28 weeks to August 28 was driven by womenswear sales and improved trading overseas.

It has made a good start to the second half of the year but said its annual results were dependent on Christmas trading, and it was wary given the "uncertain economic environment".

Ted Baker posted pre-tax profits of £7.5 million in the first half, on group revenues of £88.1 million, up from £76.6 million last year.

Matthew McEachran, analyst at Singer Capital Markets, said the figures were likely to put upward pressure on forecasts for the full year. He said: "Although comparatives get tougher in the second half, current trading remains robust and Ted Baker's credentials and positioning leave it well placed to continue out-performing if domestic conditions get tougher."

The retailer plans to open new stores in the Trafford Centre, Manchester, Paris and Hong Kong, early next year, as well as further US stores in Chicago and New York this year.

It currently operates 33 stores, 154 concessions and 10 outlet stores in the UK and Europe, 11 stores and two outlet stores in the US, and 16 stores in the Middle East and Asia.

It saw a 17.3% increase in womenswear sales to £43.3 million, representing 49.1% of total sales. Menswear was up 12.8% to £44.8 million.

The designer brand said sales in the UK and Europe division were up 14.4% to £62.2 million, and were supported by a 20% rise in US sales to 9.6 million US dollars (£6 million).

After double-digit declines for two years, the group's wholesale business moved into positive territory in the first quarter of the year. This performance has continued with group wholesale sales 6.3% up on last year at £16.2 million.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5h0LZAmbI3aPn1_6A60vfAuFoOL-A?docId=N0139061286445108497A

flange

October 7th, 2010, 09:17 PM

Coming Soon

The Avenue is unwrapping for Christmas and is bringing the best international style to the North West.

Coming very soon to The Avenue is Flannels, Mulberry, All Saints, Brooks Brothers, DKNY Menswear, Phillip Stoner the jeweller and many more! Not forgetting to mention swanky new bar/brasserie - The Alchemist.

From Spinningfields latest newsletter.

The DKNY store at The Avenue will be a DKNY Menswear store, their second only menswear store ever, after their Westfield London store which opens soon.

DKNY - Their first ever standalone menswear store will open this autumn. The much-anticipated store will be the first of its kind and will house collections from both DKNY and pure DKNY menswear.

http://uk.westfield.com/london/offers-events/news/coming-soon/coming-soon-stores/

So it looks like DKNY at Upper King Street could possibly be staying open.

he-bloke

October 8th, 2010, 10:54 AM

Sports Direct in the Trafford Centre is to close in January. It's a large two floor unit so I imagine Peel will be desperate to replace it. It's in a prime location near John Lewis, Vivienne Westwood, DKNY Jeans and Armani Exchange so a higher end retailer would suit well.

Manc Guy

October 8th, 2010, 12:53 PM

Any reason why its closing? I hate that chain.

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 8th, 2010, 01:03 PM

The DKNY store at The Avenue will be a DKNY Menswear store, their second only menswear store ever, after their Westfield London store which opens soon.

So it looks like DKNY at Upper King Street could possibly be staying open.

It will be staying open on King Street as The Avenue store is with a new franchise partner.

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 8th, 2010, 01:14 PM

Superdry will open a 2,500 sq ft store at The Trafford Centre due replacing a relocated Caffe Nero.

Ted Baker plans to open Pashion stores at Trafford and The Avenue.

King Street definitely seems to be making its way back as the leading luxury destination outside of London with Aquascutum and Hawes & Curtis being close to signing at the lower end of King Street. Moss Bros is considering converting Hugo Boss to Canali at 16-18.

Tiffany is thought to be close to making a decision on space at the top end of King Street. A friend said that they've viewed 81 King Street (Joseph) and the 2 former Armani units in the past couple of weeks.

flange

October 8th, 2010, 09:07 PM

Thanks Vision, lets hope its all happens.

The Avenue's website has been launched today.

http://www.theavenuemanchester.com/

Which has revealed where DKNY, Brooks Brothers and Philip Stoner will open, they will all be opening on the 3 Hardman Street side of The Avenue.

DKNY are opening in unit G18.

Brooks Brothers are opening in unit G19.

And Philip Stoner are opening in G20, next to Oliver Sweeney.

This leaves only one empty unit on this side which is G17, the unit closest to LK Bennett, it looks like G17 could be for Ted Baker Pashion. There is also two empty units on the New Magistrates Court side which are G6 and G7.

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 8th, 2010, 09:13 PM

The Avenue's website is now live - www.theavenuemanchester.com

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 8th, 2010, 09:14 PM

^^
You beat me to it Flange!

flange

October 8th, 2010, 09:17 PM

Ya Vision only just though, got all the details we didnt know about from the website aswell, sneeky me you know it.

Also congrats on 100 posts Vision, you have become just as sneeky and sluethish, as myself haha.

flange

October 8th, 2010, 09:33 PM

Hotel Chocolat opens on Lower Regent Crescent at The Trafford Centre on Wednesday 3rd November.

http://www.hotelchocolat.co.uk/cid/RPPIC5HLWTB863MIMT8A9N41HIYA987E/Chocolate-Store-Trafford-Centre-Astore_tra/

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 8th, 2010, 09:44 PM

^^
Thanks Flange - hadn't realised it'd been my 100th post!

I can't help thinking that The Avenue and its apparent failure to attract its target retailers will in the long term help King Street regain its status as the primary location for classic luxury retailing in Manchester.

The Avenue will probably be successful as a Covent Garden type location home to more contemporary apirational brands.

Diesel and Hilfiger will be watching The Avenue closely - and hopefully when they do relocate some of those Avenue targets like Chanel and Cartier might take their place at the top end of King Street.

flange

October 8th, 2010, 09:53 PM

Ya Vision, I think in the long run The Avenue will be successfull, they just didnt get the type of retailers they originally intended for, but as you say that is only gonna help out King Street really.

Superdry will open a 2,500 sq ft store at The Trafford Centre due replacing a relocated Caffe Nero.

Superdry is gonna be bigger than 2,500sq ft.

Nero overthrown by Superdry

08 October 2010

Caffè Nero has relocated to a 2,500 sq ft unit at the Trafford Centre in Manchester to make way for fashion retailer Superdry

Its old unit has been added to another unit to create a 8,500 sq ft store, which will open in December.

http://www.propertyweek.com/

I imagine Superdry will be taking the Caffe Nero and former Barratts units to create the 8,500 sq ft unit.

AJD1984

October 8th, 2010, 10:10 PM

oakman

October 9th, 2010, 03:39 AM

Ya Vision, I think in the long run The Avenue will be successfull, they just didnt get the type of retailers they originally intended for, but as you say that is only gonna help out King Street really.

Superdry is gonna be bigger than 2,500sq ft.

http://www.propertyweek.com/

I imagine Superdry will be taking the Caffe Nero and former Barratts units to create the 8,500 sq ft unit.
Went past this today , with the hoardings up , it is a double unit as it looked huge , but was rushing so didn't have time for a real look !

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 10th, 2010, 01:56 AM

Hawes & Curtis has signed for its first Manchester store @ The Trafford Centre. King Street deal is 'imminent'

neil081273

October 13th, 2010, 08:35 AM

The Card Factory has opened in the old Early Learning Centre unit in St Ann's Square
A bit of a step back after Henri Lloyd, Links, Camper etc having recently opened there.
Was hoping it was only a temporary store but it's been listed on their website

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 13th, 2010, 11:20 PM

Vision/flange please correct me if I'm wrong but it looks as if Hugo Boss will be taking up all 4 floors (B, G, 1 & 2) of its pre-decessor.

The glass is out and new glass is ready to be put in.

Andrew

Harvey Nics have ditched negotiations to take the top two floors. Hugo Boss is likely to open its full range 'department' store in November stocking Men, Women, Orange, Black and Kids. The store's trading area will be around 15,000 sq ft of the gross 26,000.

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 13th, 2010, 11:25 PM

Bad news from John Lewis...
Whilst at their HQ yesterday, they said that they were unlikely to open a central Manchester department store in the 'near future'. They attributed this to the combination of the 'runaway success' of Trafford and 'satisfactory performance' at Cheadle. A third store would only be considered if there was sufficient customer demand.

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 13th, 2010, 11:30 PM

DKNY Menswear @ Spinningfields will be operated by Indian license partner SKNL. Upto 5further UK stores are under consideration including one at Trafford.

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 14th, 2010, 12:08 AM

FACE Stockholm is now open at 6 King Street.

Jack Wills is considering Manchester for its upmarket Aubin & Wills concept and may trial a corner within its new King Street store.

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 15th, 2010, 12:02 PM

2 more openings @ The Trafford Centre confirmed: Ted Baker and Foot Asylum

uklad1979

October 15th, 2010, 07:58 PM

Greggs is closed in the arndale food court and Thorntons is being refitted.

markydeedrop

October 15th, 2010, 09:36 PM

Cafe Nero are re-opening at the Trafford Centre a few yards down from their previous store.

flange

October 16th, 2010, 04:35 PM

King Street definitely seems to be making its way back as the leading luxury destination outside of London with Aquascutum and Hawes & Curtis being close to signing at the lower end of King Street. Moss Bros is considering converting Hugo Boss to Canali at 16-18.

Tiffany is thought to be close to making a decision on space at the top end of King Street. A friend said that they've viewed 81 King Street (Joseph) and the 2 former Armani units in the past couple of weeks.

Was thinking today that Banana Republic would be quite a good fit for opening on Upper King Street, in either of the empty Armani stores, as they are now starting to expand their stores outside of London and King Street seems like a good fit for Banana Republic.

flange

October 16th, 2010, 04:37 PM

Greggs is closed in the arndale food court and Thorntons is being refitted.

I would imagine that Soho Coffee Co will open in the former Greggs unit in the Arndale Food Court then.

markydeedrop

October 16th, 2010, 08:30 PM

Spinningfields

http://i51.************/4k8jk4.jpg

http://i55.************/1264bhs.jpg

http://i54.************/16itqv7.jpg

King Street

http://i54.************/2hojvq0.jpg

http://i52.************/2hdry38.jpg

http://i56.************/27ycy2x.jpg

St Ann's Sq

http://i54.************/2cmk9z8.jpg

http://i53.************/r21942.jpg

New Cathedral Street

http://i55.************/2ezk851.jpg

Piccadilly Place

http://i54.************/sl1hr4.jpg

London Road (Piccadilly)

http://i54.************/30m23xk.jpg

The Arndale Centre

http://i51.************/dw3xph.jpg

Deansgate

http://i56.************/1zwndqt.jpg

http://i53.************/jf9pqd.jpg

http://i53.************/2drfexd.jpg

Cheapside

http://i52.************/2j5z77n.jpg

Seasonedbest

October 16th, 2010, 11:40 PM

I cant remember this many shops opening before the recession.

monkey_rat

October 17th, 2010, 10:20 AM

I cant remember this many betting shops opening before the recession.

corrected.

nah i know what you mean...its probably due to landlords having to get less greedy when it comes to rent/lease length. its nice to see.

does anyone know whats happening to the old barclays in st anns square? (surrounded by scaffolding in picture above.)

please don't say its going to be a ladbrokes.

UK86

October 17th, 2010, 11:18 AM

Same problem in the Trafford Centre, I think part of the reason of why they have so many empty units is because they are terribly greedy with rents. My friends store closed down because they refused to pay the ridiculous rates they were asking for, it's not very fair, it's sheer greed.

flange

October 17th, 2010, 03:06 PM

No word on the store for the former Barclay units, looks promising though, with the hoardings being constructed around the store.

To be fair the Trafford Centre does not have so many empty units now, as there has been so many stores opening or extending their stores recently, and there is still a huge load of stores to open before Christmas aswell. It is probably the busiest year The Trafford Centre has had for store openings for about two or three years probably.

flange

October 17th, 2010, 03:41 PM

Will be if they get on with redeveloping the top end of the arndale and the bottom end where Shelly's shows used to be. That building was bought for redevelopment but I am not sure if we have seen plans yet.

Also Forever 21 stores in the US are not Primark size they are more H&M Market St to Mango on Market St size if they have no menswear which is the case in some US stores.

The plans for the redevelopement of the Schuh and Noise units on Market Street are now online.

42/46 Market Street
Manchester
M1 1PW

Alterations to building facade and change of use of second and third floors to B1 (office)

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=KXBNCDBC02600

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/6139/lowermarketstreetredeve.jpg

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6139/lowermarketstreetredeve.jpg

Schuh and Noise will both close down and the units will be merged into one huge three storey unit over Basement, Ground and First Floors.

neil081273

October 17th, 2010, 04:05 PM

Where will Schuh go?

ldt

October 17th, 2010, 04:06 PM

I would imagine that Soho Coffee Co will open in the former Greggs unit in the Arndale Food Court then.

Hi i think soho coffee may be going inside the next store next to the big wheel as there is working going on in there!

ldt

October 17th, 2010, 04:11 PM

I would imagine that Soho Coffee Co will open in the former Greggs unit in the Arndale Food Court then.

Think soho coffee shop may be going into the corner of the next store in the arndale as work is going on!

flange

October 17th, 2010, 04:17 PM

Where will Schuh go?

I imagine Schuh will probably try to relocate either within the Arndale or to one of the few empty stores on Market Street.

Congrats on 100 posts neil.

neil081273

October 17th, 2010, 04:27 PM

Cheers Flange

markydeedrop

October 17th, 2010, 04:32 PM

http://i51.************/2rzf4v5.jpg

http://i55.************/2h6x7wk.jpg

http://i56.************/kckxur.jpg

http://i56.************/300coaq.jpg

http://i54.************/2rwsx2r.jpg

http://i52.************/2hprjfp.jpg

http://i54.************/2dhh9x1.jpg

uklad1979

October 17th, 2010, 04:36 PM

I would imagine that the redevelopment isn't speculative and a retailer is about sign as it will be a large space. I wonder if my guess of Forever 21 is right, not heard anything just a guess.

flange

October 17th, 2010, 04:49 PM

Yes it certainly will be a huge store uklad, pretty much a flagship store for this end of Market Street, I would think.

These plans have been out there for a year as the design and access statement is from October 2009 before Noise opened in the corner unit, so there has been plenty of time to secretly market the developement to potential retailers.

I think the guesses of Forever 21 or maybe other big american companies could be right for this location. I can't see anything happening on 42-46 Market Street until the New Year really though.

AndrooGM

October 17th, 2010, 07:29 PM

I hope Schuh find a unit to relocate to, and preferably not in the Arndale. I've noticed with Schuh their city centre stores never tend to be part of a mall rather on the actual high street which is something I like.
Obviously out of town stores like the one in trafford are a different matter, but I would like to see them relocate to another high st location.

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 17th, 2010, 09:51 PM

I cant remember this many shops opening before the recession.

I was with some surveyor friends today and they suggested a number of reasons for the recent upturn in Manchester retail:

1) The Arndale extension and The Avenue have absorbed big space/double height frontage requirements from existing contemporary brands;

2) Relocations to the above have opened up opportunities in the 1,000-2,500 sq ft bracket around King Street. These have been in the main taken up by niche/traditional brands.

3) King Street no longer commands the rents it did 3-4 years ago and many rent reviews have been concluded during the summer, giving security to those signing for space.

4) Manchester has had rising pent up retailer demand for over 2 years which is now being satisfied.

5) With the exception of The Triangle and Royal Exchange, Manchester currently has fewer vacant units coming onto the market than other regional cities.

They seemed confident that the lower end of King Street would be pretty much fully occupied by the start of 2011. Surrounding areas would benefit from the Spring. 'Imminent' signings are to be expected from: Folli Follie, Church's, Hawes & Curtis and Kos.

Flange: you could be right about Banana Republic - they have viewed space 'around King Street and St Ann's Square' - the Barclays unit perhaps?

oakman

October 18th, 2010, 03:29 AM

M & S have opened a Christmas Store in the upper mall next door unit of the shop in the Trafford Centre , with the Harvey Nichols store a unit or two away !

flange

October 18th, 2010, 09:24 PM

Will things ever get better for The Triangle?

Always Authentic disappears

The mystery of the designer handbag agency in the Triangle shopping centre

18/10/2010 10:37:29

The Triangle shopping centre has become the Bermuda Triangle with the sudden disappearance of Always Authentic designer handbag agency this weekend.

Confidential sang the praises of this second hand handbag boutique back in May. Click here to read the review. Owners Emma and Darren had successfully turned a hobby into a fully fledged business which saw customers sending in designer handbags and accessories from around the world to be then sold on their behalf.

The business had built-up a good reputation for sifting out fakes and reconditioning authentic designer bags that were worth reselling. The future looked bright for the couple who were happily juggling family life, the Triangle shop, a website and an eBay store. They even had ambitions to open up more shops in different cities having seen a gap in the market. But on Saturday 9 October the whole business disappeared.

Disgruntled customers have been speculating on internet forums over the weekend and are understandably concerned about items they sent in to be sold through Always Authentic.

Reactions range from angry to dismayed to sad.

Vermillionswift says: ‘They had seven items of mine. I don’t have much faith at the moment. I'll wait and see.’

However, the same ranter later posted: ‘Darren from always-authentic has just sent a text message, I will get a payment later this week. phew!’

Panda_white says: ‘I am so sad at the moment and absolutely no idea what to do.’

Whilst H_I_M rants: ‘I'm less than happy to find that a bona fide business has given a number of girls a fright fearing they had possibly been scammed. Irrespective of the reasons, and even should this business be resurrected, I for one will not be dealing with them, nor will I recommend them.’

Michelle Atack of the Triangle management said of the disappearance: “They were a short term let and they had come to the end of their six months licence. They had told us they’d stay open through Christmas but then with no explanation they decided to close that afternoon.

“There has been no breach of contract but it’s a shock because the shop was doing really well and they were one of my favourite tenants; lovely people. I don’t think they’ve gone bust but perhaps because they work for themselves it could have been draining on their personal lives.

“Whatever has happened, I don’t think customers who have sent them items should be overly concerned at this stage. Darren and Emma will be going through the stock and I’m sure everything will eventually be returned. Please have some confidence.”

Whatever the reasons for the sudden vanishing of, from what at the outset appeared to be a profitable retailer, clearly a lack of communication has resulted in the online uproar. We have no doubt that Darren and Emma will resolve this matter in due course, but in the meantime the waiting game means their good reputation could be tarnished.

Confidential attempted to contact Always Authentic by telephone and email, to no avail.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Health-and-Beauty/Shopping/Always-Authentic-disappears_15668.asp

flange

October 18th, 2010, 09:34 PM

Looks like Harry Ramsdens are going to be opening a new store in the Arndale, job vacancies are now online, looks like Harry Ramsdens could be taking over the Greggs unit in the Food Court.

http://www.manchesterarndale.com/jobs.aspx#/jobs/Manchester%20Arndale_Temp%20Unit%20Manchester%20Arndale_2948

neil081273

October 18th, 2010, 09:54 PM

Hoardings have gone up aroung the former Kitbag unit on Market Street

jrb

October 18th, 2010, 10:01 PM

iheartthenew

October 18th, 2010, 10:44 PM

unfortunatley, yes :(

Its going to be the most hideous part of the whole 'Shopping Hell' complex....
:(

future.architect

October 18th, 2010, 11:12 PM

Has anyone seen the render of the new Starbucks drive through opposite the Trafford Centre?

OMG are you in for a shock. Considering the size and flatness of the building, sticking 4 huge white Roman figures on the top front edge of the building, is not a good idea.

It's going to cause accidents due to drivers laughing.

I know times are hard in the construction industy, but I don't know where peel manage to find architects willing to put their name to the horrible post-modern shite that they keep on commissioning.
Ive not seen this starbucks abomination but I imagine it looks like a ridiculous parody of classical architecture, one that will fit right in with the plasterboard and fibreglass delights of its surroundings. One extra reason to stear clear of this part of west manchester.

jrb

October 18th, 2010, 11:43 PM

I tried to take a picture of the render, but even my camera started laughing.

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 20th, 2010, 12:03 PM

I've just noticed that Allied may have reconfigured units at The Avenue slightly to make it look a little more full. Unit G09A has reappeared as a unit facing the ice rink, with G07 now joined back to G08 and G09. I don't know whether Flannels is taking all of the units, or whether Allied will try and market it to a new occupier.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/selecteddoc.aspx?093752-dpp-0002.pdf

to this

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/selecteddoc.aspx?094435-dlp-0001.pdf

markydeedrop

October 20th, 2010, 06:49 PM

Work has started on a £7.5m retail scheme in Bury which will create 150 jobs.

The development on Foundry Street in the town centre near Asda and the existing Angouleme Retail Park is 100 per cent pre-let to Pets at Home, beds chain Dreams and toys and games firm Smyths.

The scheme is scheduled for completion in May.

It is being built on the site of a former engineering works and is the result of a partnership between Derbyshire company Peveril Securities and Real Estate Development Partnerships, based in Manchester.

James Ridings, director of Real Estate Development Partnerships, said: "We are delighted to have been able to work with our development partners, the local planning authority and of course the occupiers to start what must be one of the few real retail developments to have been implemented since the start of the credit crunch."

He formed Real Estate Development Partnerships with Damian Flood in 2009. Both were senior executives at the Modus Group.

The 35,000 sq ft retail park will be built by Derbyshire contractor Bowmer and Kirkland, which owns Peveril Securities.

Ralph Jones, managing director of Peveril Securities, said: "We are very pleased to be funding this joint development and look forward to another successfully completed project." Advisers to the scheme included Patrick Duffy and Paul Barnard, of law firm DLA Piper's Manchester office. Ian Gill, of Mowbray Gill, and Craig Hudson, of Savills, were letting agents.
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1346059_work_started_on_retail_scheme

link_road_17/7

October 20th, 2010, 08:31 PM

flange

October 21st, 2010, 08:29 PM

Piccadilly (National Rail) Station has seen Vodafone leave its unit (now advertised as available to let), and a new drink/food outlet is under under construction on the main concourse, above the escalators to from the Undercroft/Fairfield Street.

The new food outlet is called Breadbox, the unit is pretty much finished just fitting out inside, it looks like it could be open by the start of next week possibly.

Also Silky Feet Foot Spa has opened at the Arndale opposite H&M.

http://www.silkyfeet.co.uk/home.html

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 22nd, 2010, 05:41 PM

Peter Maturi on King Street opens tomorrow (Saturday 23rd) - looks a bit pokey and cluttered, though I suppose its all the kitchen implement hanging on the walls!

Hoardings and blocked out windows at both Charles Tyrwhitt and Jack Wills.

FACE Stockholm closed for lunch today! - not really wise on a Friday afternoon.

Waitrose fit-out nearly complete with shelves and isles in place. I think Allied have stumbled on a winner by getting them to act as the northern anchor to Spinningfields. Northgate and the western end of The Avenue will definitely draw more people in than are likely to walk down from Armani.

oakman

October 22nd, 2010, 07:18 PM

I think FACE Stockholm must be very short of staff as it had a sign in the window on Monday saying " back at 3 pm " , it was after that time and still not re -open !!! Doesn't give out a good image for a shop like that !

link_road_17/7

October 22nd, 2010, 08:43 PM

Breadbox at Manchester Piccadilly now opened.

flange

October 22nd, 2010, 10:00 PM

Hoardings have gone up aroung the former Kitbag unit on Market Street

It is still going to be for Kitbag. but this time the store is to be trading as the new location for CityStore for MCFC. They existing store will be relocating from Halle Square in the Arndale to the new Market Street location.

Plans are online for the new shopfront here.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_detailview.aspx?caseno=L8UGTUBC09D00

The Proposed new CityStore on Market Street.

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/8917/citystoremarketstreet.jpg

flange

October 23rd, 2010, 02:41 PM

The Hub's opening at the Arndale has been pushed back till Wednesday 10th November.

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

flange

October 24th, 2010, 12:38 PM

Stocktons on Great Ancoats Street, is having a huge refurbishment sale.

http://www.stocktons.co.uk/

CDX

October 24th, 2010, 02:30 PM

You can't really trust these ex-Ilva unit plans, can you?

http://i56.************/xcm5c7.jpg

taken from a new signage app...plan dated Aug-10. (Ian Simpson doing signs now, or did they design the shed in the first place?)

The agents seem to be advertising it as four units on the ground floor,
http://listings-england.eur.cushwake.com/property/search?crit_keyword_street=great+ancoats+street&crit_regions[0]=North&crit_town=Manchester&submit_search=1

flange

October 25th, 2010, 08:50 PM

Interesting find there CDX.

MANCHESTER HAS A NEW YARN SHOP.
Purl City Yarns is now open on Port Street in the Northern Quarter. The owner, Charlotte Bacci, decided to open the specialist shop after becoming frustrated at having to travel to other cities or go online to buy yarns. The shop features wool, alpaca, silk and cashmere yarns from across the world. It also stocks gorgeous luxury hand-dyed yarns produced by local independent dyers such as Green Eyed Monsters and Wild Fire Fibres.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Health-and-Beauty/General/Body-Talk-25102010_15766.asp

http://purlcityyarns.com/

flange

October 25th, 2010, 09:04 PM

From Rags to Bitches to workshops

The shop may have closed down, but Rags to Bitches lives on at the Triangle

13/10/2010 11:39:20

The loss of vintage fashion boutique, Rags To Bitches from its Northern Quarter location earlier this year, had vintage shoppers crying into their 1950s handkerchiefs.

The store, along with others in the area, flew the flag for interactive shopping experiences as well as providing an unrivalled bargain hunt. Yet despite all this, the fashion footfall just wasn’t hitting the Tib Street boutique and thus, the unit is now vacant.

However, all is not lost for Rags To Bitches – aside from the unit itself which cost co-owner, Simon Buckley “£40,000 just to get the doors open”.

Now trading under the all-encompassing name of The World of Rags To Bitches, the retailer has set up school rather than shop in the Triangle shopping centre. Workshops include dress-making, vintage make-up, jewellery-making and other textile crafts. The Rags to Bitches team moved in September and have been singing the praises of their new set-up ever since, via their blog:

‘We sense a new soap opera is about to begin…The first thing that is noticeable is how much busier it is. On Tib St, especially in winter, we used to sometimes think we should get a St Bernard and a brandy barrel to welcome people if they made it that far off Market St, but the Triangle is full of light and people are around all the time.”

Simon Buckley added: "There's nothing like this in UK city centres and we're really excited that Triangle has been so forward thinking in working with us to establish these courses. It gives us the chance to make them available, not just to the wider community, but to kids and schools too.”

Special workshops will run throughout the October half-term holiday. Jewellery making classes are running from 10am – 12pm and 2 – 4pm on Friday 29 October and fascinator-making workshops, from 10am – 12pm and 2 - 4pm on Monday 25 October.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Health-and-Beauty/Fashion/From-Rags-to-Bitches-to-workshops_15623.asp

http://ragstobitches.wordpress.com/

flange

October 25th, 2010, 09:45 PM

Celebrities turn on the Trafford Centre lights

25 October, 2010

A host of celebrities including chart-topping Olly Murs and fellow X-factor contestant Jamie ‘Afro’ Archer will be unveiling the Christmas lights display at the Trafford Centre, Manchester, this week.

There will also be performances from Peter Pan A Musical Adventure - with Coronation Street star Brian Capron starring as Captain Hook – and a gala screening of the new Narnia film with Georgie Henley and other members of the cast in attendance. Shoppers will have the chance to win a VIP trip on board Dawn Treader, the ship used in the film.

The Christmas decorations include 30,000 baubles sourced from Finland, some of which use animatronics to open and close, 6,500 jewels, and a quarter of a million low energy light bulbs which use just a third of the electricity of the old ones.

Gordon McKinnon, director of operations from the Trafford Centre, said: "The whole evening will be a fantastic night out for families of all ages, there is something for everyone on the bill. The new Christmas lights have been a considerable investment for The Trafford Centre this year, as we know how important they are to our customers, who travel from all over the country to see them. And after many years of white decorative lighting, this year we've returned to traditional multi-coloured lights throughout the malls, which we’re sure our customers are going to love.”

All this comes as the centre prepares to open Ted Baker, Blacks and Foot Asylum in November.

Ted Baker will open a 2,900 sq ft temporary store on November 19. The store will close for 10 weeks in the New Year to start work on their permanent shop fit, due to open for trading at the beginning of March.

Harvey Nichols, M&S and Carluccio’s will be opening pop-up stores between now and mid-January.

Blacks will be relocating from their existing store on Upper Peel Avenue opposite M&S to a new store still on Upper Peel Avenue in the former Ann Harvery unit.

Looks like with Blacks relocating and Sports Direct closing down in January, big things could be happening at that end of Upper Peel Avenue.
As when the M&S and Harvey Nichols Christmas Stores close in January that will leave 4 units empty (former ELC, Sports Direct, Blacks and Book store units) in a row and one unit on Lower Peel Avenue empty (Sports Direct.)
Could we be seeing a big anchor tennant being lined up to take the 4 upper level units and one lower level unit as one huge store possibly?

flange

October 25th, 2010, 09:58 PM

The Marmite Pop Up Store opens within the Foodhall at Selfridges Exchange Square and Selfridges Trafford tomorrow (Tuesday 26th October.)

http://www.marmitepopup.co.uk/

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 26th, 2010, 12:25 AM

Looks like with Blacks relocating and Sports Direct closing down in January, big things could be happening at that end of Upper Peel Avenue.
As when the M&S and Harvey Nichols Christmas Stores close in January that will leave 4 units empty (former ELC, Sports Direct, Blacks and Book store units) in a row and one unit on Lower Peel Avenue empty (Sports Direct.)
Could we be seeing a big anchor tennant being lined up to take the 4 upper level units and one lower level unit as one huge store possibly?

I think that you're on the right lines Flange, but maybe not with big space users.

Peel have been looking at Peel Avenue and what to do with it now that its tenant line up is less high street than when it opened - Regent Crescent was supposed to be the upmarket end of the centre leading to The Dome.

However, John Lewis has proved to be the anchor that the slightly more upmarket brands want to be nearer to rather than Debenhams. Add to this recent opening from Guess, Hollister, Calvin Klein, Armani Exchange, Vivienne Westwood and DKNY Jeans and suddenly it is clear to see that the axis has shifted at the centre.

As mentioned before, they've been looking closely at Westfield London's 'The Village' and may look to replicate it with a series of small high-end boutiques and stores.

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 26th, 2010, 01:48 PM

The flagging Triangle has stemmed the outflow of retailers with two new independent tenants: Matmara Fashions and Studio IX.

markydeedrop

October 26th, 2010, 05:23 PM

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/641.$plit/C_71_article_1346454_image_list_image_list_item_0_image.jpg?26%2F10%2F2010%2013%3A06%3A07%3A497

This year’s Christmas markets will be bigger and better than ever when they return next month.

From November 18, a host of festive stalls will feature in all the usual city centre spots - including Albert Square and Exchange Square – but for the first time they will also give King Street a touch of seasonal sparkle.

The brand new King Street market will be French-themed, adding some Gallic charm to the well-loved European and German stalls elsewhere in the city.

Traditional produce including Brittany biscuits, Marseilles soap and Provencal pottery will all be on offer, alongside tasty treats such as crepes, cassoulet and French mulled wine.

There will also be a new two-floor alpine lodge in Spinningfields, serving warming winter food and drink until 11pm.

The original German stalls in St Ann’s Square will feature extra seating to allow for increased demand.

And the world market on Brazenose Street will benefit from an extended vegetarian menu.

More produce than ever will be on offer across the city centre, providing a magical atmosphere for gathering Christmas gifts.

Pat Karney, Manchester council's city-centre spokesman, said the markets would be Manchester’s best yet.

“The Christmas markets are an exciting addition to the city centre each year and really add to the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season,” he said. “We’ve got a brand new French market this year, which will add to the continental flavour, and we’ll also welcome the return of many local businesses and producers, who we are really proud to support.

“The Christmas markets are a fantastic shopping experience that attract thousands of people every year and with this year’s market bigger than ever before, this promises to be Manchester’s best Christmas yet.”

The continental markets first started in St Ann’s Square 12 years ago, and have become a firm Manchester favourite for the festive season.

This year there will be eight markets in total, including an indoor weekend craft market in the Triangle shopping centre.

They will be open from 10am-8pm until December 21, with food and drink served until 9pm

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1346454_christmas_markets_set_for_french_connection

highriser

October 26th, 2010, 06:58 PM

A mate of mine opens his new shop Frog Flowers on Turner St in the NQ on Thursday , hope it's successful because he's worked really hard for it .

neil081273

October 26th, 2010, 07:59 PM

American Express Travel Service has moved across the Road into the old Citibank unit
The new Greggs on Deansgate has now opened

flange

October 26th, 2010, 08:57 PM

Starbucks on Peter Street is having a new shopfront installed.

All Saints is now being fitted out at The Avenue at Spinningfields.

Brooks Brothers is now being fitted out at The Avenue.

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/5337/manchester464.jpg

Philip Stoner is now being fitted out at The Avenue.

Mulberry is now being fitted out at The Avenue.

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/3397/manchester467.jpg

Hoardings and blocked out windows at both Charles Tyrwhitt and Jack Wills.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1351/manchester475.jpg

Peter Maturi is now open on King Street.

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/3002/manchester480.jpg

Hoardings and blocked out windows at both Charles Tyrwhitt and Jack Wills.

Lots of activity at Jack Wills on King Street.

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/3567/manchester482.jpg

Stuart Jones Styling Opticians on King Street has been refurbised to Jones and Co.
http://www.jonesand.co.uk/

Looks like Nicholas Jones Bespoke Tailoring have closed at St Anns Arcade.

Austravel have closed at Barton Arcade.

The new Greggs on Deansgate has now opened

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/6346/manchester483.jpg

American Express Travel Service has moved across the Road into the old Citibank unit

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/6572/manchester486.jpg

Contemporary Six Art Gallery are opening at the Royal Exchange Arcade.
http://www.contemporarysix.co.uk/

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/3830/manchester487.jpg

Goldmanns have opened at the Royal Exchange Arcade.

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/6528/manchester488.jpg

Hugo Boss is now closed on King Street in preperation for their relocation to their new flagship store at New Cathedral Street.

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/8073/manchester500.jpg

Mooch Art Gallery have relocated in The Triangle to the former Calvin Klein Underwear unit.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/4734/manchester506.jpg

The World of Rags to Bitches is open in the former Lambretta unit in The Triangle.

The flagging Triangle has stemmed the outflow of retailers with two new independent tenants: Matmara Fashions and Studio IX.

Maimara are open in the former Eden Florists unit in The Triangle.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1109/manchester503.jpg

Studio IX a Tattoo and Piercing parlour are opening on the top floor in The Triangle.

Soho Coffee Co are opening inside Next on the lower ground floor opposite Exchange Square.

Hoardings are up around the former Kitbag store on Market Street, Citystore will be relocating to here from their existing store from within the Arndale.

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/7479/manchester507.jpg

Nike on Market Street is being refurbished to Nike Football, they reopen in November.

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/6052/manchester508.jpg

Big are now open in the Arndale.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/3852/manchester517.jpg

Yours are now open in the former Shout unit in the Arndale.

Thorntons in the Arndale has been refurbished, they should be reopen by the end of the week.

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/8000/manchester518.jpg

The Entertainer is now open in the Arndale.

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/1835/manchester510.jpg

The Hub opens at the Arndale on 11th November.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4116/manchester512.jpg

West Coast are opening in the former Red5 unit in the Arndale.

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/6476/manchester516.jpg

Smile Spa a teeth whitening clinic have opened in the Arndale.

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/6324/manchester521.jpg

Calender Club have opened their christmas store in the Arndale opposite Republic.

Silky Feet Foot Spa are now open in the Arndale opposite H&M.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/329/manchester524.jpg

Attic have closed in the Arndale.

The Top Toffi Company have opened opposite Aldi in the Arndale.

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/9710/manchester525.jpg

New Look in the Arndale has been given a mini refurbishment.

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/2004/manchester528.jpg

Kurt Geiger are now open on the top floor inside Topshop at the Arndale.

McDonalds in the Food Court at the Arndale has been refurbished.

Harry Ramsdens are opening in the Food Court at the Arndale in the former Greggs unit.

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/563/manchester532.jpg

The NHS walk in centre at Piccadilly Approach has now closed.

highriser

October 26th, 2010, 11:25 PM

That Greggs at Quay House is closing apparently and moving to Quay St . Hopefully that whole building is empty now , now lets see it demolished .

Seasonedbest

October 26th, 2010, 11:30 PM

Aren't mancon still there?

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 27th, 2010, 12:23 AM

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 27th, 2010, 12:48 AM

The Conran Shop has viewed a number of locations for a smaller format store in Manchester including: the Trafford Centre, The Triangle, Flannels at St. Ann's Place, 51 and 52 King Street. They're also considering Glasgow for their first UK store outside London.

AJD1984

October 27th, 2010, 02:38 AM

Just a bit of info regarding the HUGO BOSS store. A friend of mine went for an interview there and apparently the collections which are in-store are; Green, Orange, Black, Ladies and Kids. Also, its the second largest store in the world (he may have meant UK but its a pretty large store).

Andrew

Vision 2020 Mcr

October 27th, 2010, 01:25 PM

^^
Your friend could be right AJD. Its trading space is around 15,000 sq ft -twice the size of their Sloane Square store and larger than Munich.

flange

October 27th, 2010, 01:46 PM

Great photo update Flange. Good to see the Royal Exchange Arcade filling up again - if only the vacant arcade would see some activity as its such a beautiful space.
Do you think All Saints are being adventurous aiming for a 3rd November opening (next weds)?

Thanks Vision, I had to be super sneaky with some of them photos in the Arndale I tell ya.

Yes with the two new stores that have opened in the Royal Exchange Arcade, it now leaves only one unit empty, which is next to Jenny Jones.

Hell yes All Saints are being adventurous if they are due to open next Wednesday, I supppose it is that date so that they can catch onto the band wagon of Waitrose opening the day afterwards (4th November.)

The store does not even have the glass shopfront in place yet, the interior looks pretty much complete though from what you can see above the hoardings, also the majority of the store lighting was being wired in yesterday. But I know that shopfitters can work extremly quickly on finishing a fit out. I did have a photo of what the All Saints store looked like from yesterday, but I could not and still can't upload it for some reason

The Conran Shop has viewed a number of locations for a smaller format store in Manchester including: the Trafford Centre, The Triangle, Flannels at St. Ann's Place, 51 and 52 King Street. They're also considering Glasgow for their first UK store outside London.

I bet The Triangle would love for The Conran Shop to open their, it would give them a real big name to boast about finally, I can't see The Conran Shop opening in The Triangle though.

I think the real possibilities for The Conran Shop is either the locations on King Street or at The Trafford Centre and it could give Barton Square a real big name for the area.

macc

October 27th, 2010, 02:33 PM

Top retail update there Flange. I tell you people would love to read stuff like that.

To Mr Binns from ManCon, if you surf on by:

Have you considered contacting Flange about running a biweekly retail update for Manchester Confidential? It wouldn't have to be wordy. A list of openings, photos and maybe the odd rumor from the retail mill. More of a list than an article so minimal editing or writing skills would be required.

He churns out that much retail info you could filter out the less interesting/fashionable stuff and still have something substantial.

flange

October 27th, 2010, 02:38 PM

Thanks macc, one was needed from me, been busy over the last few weeks, but managed to get out yesterday and do my retail update for you guys.

Manchester Arndale 99 per cent let

27 October, 2010

Two new lettings take mall close to full occupancy

Homeware retailer, The Hub, has taken a new 19,020-sq ft store on a 10-year lease at Manchester's Arndale Centre, the UK's largest in-town shopping centre. The letting means the centre is almost fully occupied.

The new homeware retailer, owned by former Poundland co-founder Dave Dodd, will sell affordable homeware and fashion accessories. Its Arndale store will be situated in New Arkwright Way, next to the biggest TK Maxx store in the country.

In addition to the Hub, young fashion brand, Luke 1977, has taken a new 1,800-sq ft store, which will be its fourth standalone store in the UK.

The success of the Arndale Centre has been highlighted further by the introduction of a raft of new retailers such as Pandora, Guess, Bose, Eat's second store, Shout, Big Entertainment, Phones 4U, Kitbag, and The Entertainer which have enhanced the retail offer and tenant mix. These new lettings have helped increase footfall figures with 2009’s total of 38m visitors projected to be exceeded in 2010, making the Arndale centre the second most frequented shopping centre in the UK.

CBRE, Lunson Mitchenall and Tushingham Moore are the letting agents on the scheme.

http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3926/Manchester_Arndale_99_per_cent_let__.html

flange

October 27th, 2010, 02:44 PM

YooMoo are opening at Manchester Airport soon.

http://www.doyoomoo.com/locations.html

uklad1979

October 27th, 2010, 02:45 PM

lateniteradio

October 27th, 2010, 06:49 PM

Steel City Suburb

October 27th, 2010, 10:45 PM

Hotel Chocolat has opened in the Trafford Centre. Any pics guys?

flange

October 28th, 2010, 07:58 PM

Spar are now open underneath the new Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road.

The refurbished Thorntons in the Arndale is now reopen.

Contemporary Six Art Gallery at the Royal Exchange Arcade opens on Tuesday 2nd November.

flange

October 28th, 2010, 08:19 PM

Luke opens in the Arndale on Wednesday 3rd November.

http://www.luke1977.com/

Slow Burn

October 28th, 2010, 09:29 PM

Spar are now open underneath the new Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road.

It's been open a couple of weeks. It has the most bizarre entrance though. It's almost completely obstructed by a telephony/electric-box-type-thingy.

Alas, there is a second less obstructed entrance

neil081273

October 28th, 2010, 10:26 PM

It's been open a couple of weeks. It has the most bizarre entrance though. It's almost completely obstructed by a telephony/electric-box-type-thingy.

Alas, there is a second less obstructed entrance

I noticed this as well... Very bizarre - Also the other Spar round the corner has remained open!

oakman

October 28th, 2010, 11:31 PM

Was out and about in Altrincham today during my lunch break and it was heaving with new shops opening up, sadly they all look like pop up stores but its better than having the place look like a ghost town. The shops are as follows:

H.Samuels (was a pop up store that closed for a month,now re open again)
Past Times
HMV

Plus the unit next to Past Times appeared to have the builders in for what looks like another new shop, oh and before I forget Grainger Games is also now open. That does not appear to be a pop up as it's been fitted out with a fantastic orange shop front!!. Oh and Sayers has been replaced with the Pound Bakery (ideal for us fatties).

Question I have is who or what has caused this to happen??. Are landlords now more open to pop up/short term units or is Altrincham council doing something about its recent appearance on BBC Breakfast as the number one place in england for empty shops??

My mum (!) who does her shopping in Alty said there has been a huge change since the recent press coverage , a lot of shops have joined an Altrincham Retailers Association and have a sign to say so in the window . There has been several meetings with the council and retailers about the situation , and some really tatty units on Stamford New Road which were boarded up , have had all the fly posters removed and been painted black to smarten it up ! It was a real shock to the town , but have to say it had really gone down hill from what it once was !

cle

October 29th, 2010, 03:14 PM

I was in Alty a few weeks back, that monstrous Tesco has really ripped the heart out of it.

As the natural meeting point and transport hub between affluent Cheshire and Manchester, it should be heaving with high end chains, boutiques, nice places to eat etc... but it's pretty down on its knees at the moment.

markydeedrop

October 29th, 2010, 08:07 PM

http://i56.************/9fp1jm.jpg

http://i52.************/35m2ltz.jpg

http://i54.************/21evsk1.jpg

http://i51.************/abkx6s.jpg

http://i54.************/2powgfq.jpg

http://i51.************/2vsluon.jpg

http://i55.************/20k7pqr.jpg

http://i51.************/35lrfy0.jpg

Seasonedbest

October 29th, 2010, 08:20 PM

Whats going in the old virgin brides store with the vertical and pink stripes?

jas29

October 29th, 2010, 08:59 PM

The new Waitrose looks tiny, was hoping it would turn out to be at least track express new quay street size as min, hopefully they'll open a bigger store in town soon

jas29

October 29th, 2010, 09:01 PM

The new Waitrose looks tiny, was hoping it would turn out to be at least tesco express new quay street size as min, hopefully they'll open a bigger store in town soon

flange

October 30th, 2010, 11:05 AM

A mate of mine opens his new shop Frog Flowers on Turner St in the NQ on Thursday , hope it's successful because he's worked really hard for it .

Frog flowers

Catherine May finds the future of floristry in the Northern Quarter

29/10/2010 16:55:40

Where is it?
Frog Flowers
51 Turner Street
Northern Quarter
Manchester
M4 1DN

Tel: 0161 833 3463

History:
Owner David has been providing flowers for weddings, civil partnerships and corporate events for many years now, but his first stylish Northern Quarter shop has only just opened this week. David has a wealth of experience behind him and has previously taught flower arranging at Selfridges which has led to his desire to start up workshops in the New Year.

The site was only acquired on October 1 and David has done an impressive job in transforming it into a modern shop with a studio basement.

What do they sell?
Flowers for all occasions, with a small selection of simplistically designed cards to match. Whether you’re looking for an arrangement to show sympathy, or one that screams “I love you”, David and his team are sure to find you the perfect bunch. The arrangements on show are so beautifully presented that I was scared to touch them for fear of damaging the pristine display.

In addition to the flowers, they also sell vases, candle and other bits and bobs that will create ideal presents for loved ones.

Who shops there?
I’d hate to use the word ‘trendy’, but expect to see the stylish creatives from the Northern Quarter alongside anyone planning a contemporary wedding. The shop is open for anyone to pop in and buy an individual bunch, but Frog will continue to provide floral arrangements for all sorts of events.

Why go there?
Frog is truly a unique flower shop which is in a league of its own. What David doesn’t know about flowers isn’t worth knowing and the design of the shop is stunning with colour coordinated arrangements lining the left hand side of the room.

David is clearly a man with an eye for style. He said that he’d spotted an artist’s work in London and told the artist that he wanted the work for his window. He wants his shop to showcase artistic talent as well as his own flare for design. Frog is inspired by interior design, fashion trends and modern living and this is evident in the shop itself. In short, it oozes style.

Future:
After a busy launch party, bustling with people making the most of the incredible hospitality laid on by the Frog team, David is very positive about the future. He is looking forward to utilising the downstairs space to start flower arranging workshops from January 2011. The plan is to take groups of 6-8 people and help them create something special to take home with them.

Verdict:
Frog is no ordinary flower shop. Supermarket flowers should be binned and online order forms exited as Frog is the way forward. It’s an original idea and with David’s drive and passion for his latest venture, I expect it will do very well.

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Health-and-Beauty/Shopping/Frog-flowers_15832.asp