Retail in Greater Manchester [Archive] - Page 31

flange

April 19th, 2012, 04:36 PM

Harvey Nichols is moving a lot of beauty stands to the area on the right of the main doors , with Jo Malone in the corner window space , and other units to the right of the walkway , Bobbi Brown make up is opening a new concession in the store also .

Jo Malone and Bobbi Brown opened their new counters at Harvey Nichols today.

Jo Malone London

Jo Malone London, a name synonymous with luxury British style and revolutionary scent, is opening an exciting new space in the Accessories Hall in the Manchester store, on Thursday 19 April.

To celebrate we invite you and a friend to indulge in a luxurious pampering Hand & Arm Massage.

Please drop into the existing boutique and speak to a stylist to book an appointment, or call us on: 0161 828 8855.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Bobbi Brown Education

“Make-up is a way for a woman to look and feel like herself, only prettier and more confident.” Bobbi Brown

Opening on Thursday 19 April, visit our team of professional make-up artists at the new Bobbi Brown counter in Harvey Nichols Manchester and receive a complimentary lesson and deluxe sample – our treat.*

Bobbi Brown is renowned for her ability to create a naturally flawless no make-up look. She has redefined what is considered to be beautiful with her unconventional approach – “A strong brow, bedroom eyes, a bump in the nose – these are the features that inspire me. Beauty isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about celebrating your individuality.”

Through Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, every woman can enhance her unique beauty with straightforward, easy-to-use cosmetics in timeless hues, all formulated to create a smooth, natural, and healthy appearance.

Along with Yves Saint Laurent who have launched a new counter aswell.

Lesson From Yves Saint Laurent

Visit the new Yves Saint Laurent counter at Harvey Nichols Manchester and receive an expert skincare consultation and a complimentary make-up lesson.

Discover Yves Saint Laurent’s beauty coaching and address your anti-ageing concerns, plus find your three steps to a more youthful skin with a personalised routine.

Complete your look with one of our make-up lessons. The Yves Saint Laurent experts will teach you how to create a radiant base with a Complexion Perfection lesson or build the ultimate seductive eye look with a lesson in the Signature Smoky Eye. In addition, discover the latest catwalk shades which will take your look from day to night in an instant, with a seasonal Colour Makeover. You will also receive a free deluxe trial size of Forever Youth Liberator Serum and Luxurious Mascara with any consultation.

And Floreat a new florist concession has opened at the Deansgate entrance to the store.

[b]Floreat at Harvey Nichols

We are pleased to welcome our new flower concession Floreat to the store. Floreat offers a stunning collection of floral styling and bespoke bouquets. Now in Harvey Nichols Manchester located in the Deansgate entrance, you can order your flowers while you shop.

Ranging from traditional styles, to exotic and contemporary, the staff at Floreat are capable of turning a room or an area into a unique and exquisite setting, or simply creating a beautiful bouquet or posy to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Using fresh flowers, plants and long lasting materials such as willow and bamboo, you’re sure to get a sensational display of floral heaven!

Floreat, Deansgate Entrance, 0161 828 8808

http://www.harveynichols.com/hnedit/category/stores/whats-on-stores/manchester-whats-on-store/

flange

April 19th, 2012, 06:04 PM

Well Traveled Clinic has closed on Piccadilly Approach.

Gregg's at Piccadilly Gardens has become a Taste Rescue Centre, as part of their new marketing campaign.

Scaffolding is now up on the Piccadilly Gardens entrance for Primark.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/3690/manchester19thapril2012.jpg

Athena Gallery has closed down at the Arndale.

Kylie at Home & Cushion Couture are now open at the Arndale.

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/3690/manchester19thapril2012.jpg

The existing Superdry store in the Arndale closes on 26th April, due to end of franchise agreement.

The entrance for Foot Asylum at Exchange Square, has now been taken out with the shopfront being constructed.

It looks like at The Triangle the plans for the refurbishment have been on show probably for meeting with councirlers and property teams, plans can still be seen on show in the former Henri Lloyd unit, though obviously unit is closed. Also looked liked a meeting was happening today with people look around the centre in particular the entrance.

Scavolini kitchen showroom opening soon in the former Konak Cafe on John Dalton St

Work has finally started on the Scavolini kitchen showroom on John Dalton Street.

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3690/manchester19thapril2012.jpg

Sevenoaks is opening in the former Luso restaurant on Bridge St. Sevenoaks is currently located next door so unsure if this is a relocation or expansion.

http://i964.photobucket.com/albums/ae129/neil081273/172880c3.jpg

A notice is now up on the existing Sevenoaks store on Bridge Street, it says that they will be moving next door to a new improved larger store in early summer.

The Tanning Lounge has opened in the former Rimo Designs unit on Deansgate.

jrb

April 19th, 2012, 06:18 PM

How Do.

Second outing for Spinningfields mag

http://www.how-do.co.uk/sites/default/files/imagepicker/AVENUE%202%20cover.jpg

Thursday 19 April 2012

Spinningfields has published its second issue of AVENUE/, a quarterly magazine that promotes the new Manchester district.

The A4 glossy, produced by Echo PR with the Spinningfields team, has increased in size from 36 to 44 pages and includes features on Mulberry’s creative director Emma Hill, Sale Sharks player Mark Cueto and upcoming events in and around Spinningfields.

Some 20,000 copies have been printed which are available in shops and distributed through offices and hotels.

Editor Kelly Briggs said: “The first issue of AVENUE/ received fantastic feedback and we’re confident that this second issue is bigger and better still.

"The magazine has got something for everyone, from this season’s trends to a what’s on guide for the estate, as well as features, competitions and reviews.

“We launched the magazine in time to coincide with the new season and we’re in the process of distributing it city wide, to help drive continued awareness of The Avenue and the stores we have down here.”

flange

April 19th, 2012, 07:53 PM

The first unit to be let at Fabrica on Great Ancoats Street is revealed, with the unit underneath the Ibis Budget Hotel being let to Costa Coffee, plans are online for store signage now.

Building A Pollard Street Manchester M4 7

Installation of 3 no. internally illuminated fascia signs and 1 no. internally illuminated projecting sign facing Great Ancoats Street

http://pa.manchester.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=M294SUBC6K000

flange

April 20th, 2012, 04:18 PM

Wolsey (http://www.wolsey.com/) is looking at Manchester as a location for a possible pop up store.

Changing history

21 April 2012

By Ian Wright

It may be 257 years old, but for Wolsey chief executive Fergus Patterson, the brand’s story starts right now.

"This is season zero for Wolsey” the brand’s chief executive Fergus Patterson asserts as he reclines in a comfortable, well lived-in antique leather chair in his new store on Brewer Street in London’s Soho. This may sound odd coming from the top dog at a brand that’s 257 years old (“the oldest menswear brand in the world” according to Patterson) but in a way he’s right.

Patterson arrived at the historic heritage brand back in January 2009 at a time when the Wolsey business was almost unrecognisable from what it is today - his predecessors had even lined up a national treasure to represent the brand. Through his suitably warm Scottish brogue he explains: “When I joined, the Alan Titchmarsh deal had been signed and obviously Wolsey was positioning itself with mid-priced, quite traditional, quality clothes for a conservative customer. I didn’t see a future in it - that’s a declining market.”

It took a couple of seasons but the jolly hardy perennial was swapped for green shoots of change as Patterson embarked on a new chapter for Wolsey. But his vision for what the brand should look like and where the brand should be had to deal with the sporadic and disparate nature of the companies trading under the Wolsey name all over the world, predominantly northern Europe and China. And it was the Scandinavian operation, at that time a separate subsidiary, that Patterson saw as the key to Wolsey’s future.

“The Scandinavian management team started the journey first: they brought Richard Bengtsson in as their creative director and started to improve the distribution. Then all of a sudden instead of selling in similar type shops to the UK they were in [Stockholm indies] NK, they were in Jupiter, they were in Grandpa - they got really good distribution very quickly and got a lot of traction. We wanted to do the same but in order to do it we had to have different owners.”

It was Wolsey’s then owner Matalan that Patterson thought was standing in his way; his attitude to it was at once bold but pragmatic.

“We had a parent company then who had no interest in investing in the brand and that’s why we looked for potential acquirers. The Matalan and Wolsey businesses were like oil and water - there was no synergy between them.”

He says Wolsey “had a lot of interest from overseas, particularly from China and Korea where we’ve got businesses that are quite premium” but, running a British brand, he was resistant to foreign ownership.

“Emotionally I wasn’t that happy about it. Luckily it was just about around that time that John [Hargreaves, owner of Matalan] started to take notice of what we were doing outside of Matalan probably because at that stage he was looking to sell it. I think he was looking at the fact that if he sold Matalan and we were still an integral part of it then we would have gone with Matalan to the new owner. I spoke to John about it and discussed what our plans were and he said, ‘I don’t want to sell it to the Chinese, I’m going to buy it.’”

Although Hargreaves subsequently failed to sell Matalan, he now owned Wolsey as a separate concern. This was a watershed for the brand, as Hargreaves’ and later his family’s investment in Wolsey signalled the moment it had the right team and right backers for where Patterson wanted to take it. The next step was the product, and again the Scandinavian operation led the way.

“What I saw in Scandinavia was absolutely right for the UK - if we could create the same model over here by bringing the two businesses together and get one person managing the collection, it would work.”

Wolsey UK acquired the Scandinavian subsidiary and in doing so brought the Swedish-designed 1755 range to a wider market. The 1755 range, named after the year Wolsey was founded, was the key to moving the business on because, as Bengtsson puts it: “Wolsey is the core line and, like a pyramid, 1755 sits on top. The way we design the collection is with the same DNA, the same trends but it’s just a little bit different. 1755 is more vintage tailoring, not as casual as Wolsey [the mainline] but the idea is to be able to mix it.”

Happily for Patterson, buyers have bought across both collections. Lee Fleming, store manager of Liverpool premium menswear indie Weavers Door, considers Wolsey to offer “finely crafted items, premium quality with a price structure that can suit all”, while Steve Monaghan, co-owner and buyer at heritage-focused menswear etailer The Great Divide, likes Wolsey for its attitude towards “style over fads - the knitwear and the outerwear silhouettes were spot on”. Adam Jagger, buying director at York indie Sarah Coggles thinks it’s important to stock “quality from brands with an extensive history” and, with autumn 12 sales up 300% season on season at Wolsey, it looks like the likes of Harvey Nichols, My-Wardrobe, London indie Present and more agree.

So with the set-up complete, Patterson’s mind now turns to adding to the brand’s annual sales of £70m, both home and abroad. And while the UK plans are more certain, it’s abroad, particularly in the Far East, where the strategy is still very much a work in progress. He says: “We have an operation in China which is very successful as a licence but it launched 20 years ago. They positioned us as almost a sportswear brand for golf [and] very premium, more premium than we intend to be in the UK. We want to be a democratic heritage brand as we put it, but in China we’re almost a luxury brand.”

In that market it sits alongside the likes of Dunhill, Pringle of Scotland and Ralph Lauren’s golf lines - the move towards what Wolsey represents in the UK will be less of a flicked switch and more a gradual progression: “What we want to do is over time morph from just doing golfwear to being a fashion brand. The biggest challenge with the Asian market will be where we pitch it price-wise, because that market is still quite polarised into premium and quite cheap, and the mid-market, which is probably the biggest market in every other developed country, isn’t as developed over there.”

However, Patterson thinks that mid-market is starting to grow, quoting Bestseller Group’s Jack & Jones and Vero Moda chains and H&M as leading the way in China in a market where “you either sold to people with very little money or you aimed at people with lots of money”. The key for Patterson and Wolsey’s development in the Far East is that “it’s easier to drift [customers] back slightly than it is to become a premium brand”.

This strategy won’t come without casualties, however. But Patterson remains focused on, as he puts it, “new Wolsey” and won’t stop even if tough decisions need to be made along the way.

“We will lose the customer base we have currently [in China] because they’re predominantly older, businessmen, 50-plus, lots of money, members of a golf club aspiring to wear European. That market is now contracting and there’s a whole new generation coming through that want to dress fashionably and that’s what we’ve got to aim at.”

This may sound foolhardy but it’s not an alien concept to Patterson, who faced a similar situation in Wolsey’s home market post-Titchmarsh. “When we started the repositioning of Wolsey in the UK we lost pretty much 100% of our distribution that we were selling to just two years ago,” he says.

“From autumn 12 I think something like 90% of our customers that are selling Wolsey are different to the customers that were selling Wolsey two years ago, and I guess it’ll happen in other markets where we’ll have to make that change as well.”

Patterson by his own admittance tends to be cautious as he presents his wares to a new audience but he’s not going to let that get in the way of growing his wholesale accounts, which currently make up about 67% of the business, in Scandinavia, Benelux and the US, where a chance association with the well-respected Nick Wooster, former fashion director of US department stores Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, resulted in the brand being showcased at Las Vegas trade show Project. The response was encouraging, so much so that plans to sell in the US were brought forward by two years.

With Asia about “two to three years away”, the focus for the short term is the UK and Sweden where, like the brand’s Monmouth Street pop-up store in Covent Garden (which is doing so well it’s being kept open with a view to a permanent store), [b]Wolsey is “looking potentially at getting a pop-up” in Stockholm, with Manchester and Newcastle on the radar for the UK.

But for the minute the focus is on Wolsey’s Brewer Street store, the perfect home for Wolsey’s “season zero”.

http://www.drapersonline.com/

King Street could be a good area for Wolsey to pop up in.

MancKnight

April 20th, 2012, 05:00 PM

Wolsey (http://www.wolsey.com/) is looking at Manchester as a location for a possible pop up store.

http://www.drapersonline.com/

King Street could be a good area for Wolsey to pop up in.

Or northern Quarter near oipolloi et all.

flange

April 20th, 2012, 07:58 PM

Could things be finally moving on with the redevelopment at Partington Shopping Centre, a new planning appliction has gone online.

Partington Shopping Centre, Central Road, Partington. (M31 4EL)

Variation of Conditions 3, 6, 8, 9 and 10 of planning permission H/OUT/68618 (outline application for erection of new shopping centre) to vary approved layout plan.

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning Applications On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=409413&XSLT=/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/SiteFiles/Skins/Default_AA/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning Application Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/SiteFiles/Skins/Default_AA/Menus/PL.xml&DAURI=PLANNING

The layout has been altered slightly, but an achor tenant is signed up with Co Op signed for the food store to relocate from their existing store already at the site, and deals are also close to being secured for four of the non food units from national retailers.

flange

April 20th, 2012, 08:26 PM

A planning application has gone online for Wythenshawe Shopping Centre, to refurbish, reclad and extend the ASDA, B&M and Homezone block.

Swan Walk Wythenshawe Shopping Centre Simonsway Manchester M22 5HZ

Erection of building to form 697sq metre (gross) retail unit (Class A1) and re-cladding of the existing retail units, improvements to the pedestrian areas and associated hard and soft landscape works.

http://pa.manchester.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=LZR0PSBC6K000

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/1276/wythenshawetowncentre1.jpg

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/515/wythenshawetowncentre2.jpg

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/8623/wythenshawetowncentre3.jpg

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/3481/wythenshawetowncentre4.jpg

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/8733/wythenshawetowncentre5.jpg

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/8964/wythenshawetowncentre6.jpg

Irish Blood English Heart

April 20th, 2012, 11:37 PM

Urghh what a horrid reclad, still going for Russia circa 1976 in that image above.

Seasonedbest

April 21st, 2012, 01:33 AM

Or northern Quarter near oipolloi et all.

I’d love to see nq retail expand, but I think Wolsey would do better going to a more commercial area. Oi Polloi is still very much a word of mouth independant store, selling some coveted niche products, and using social media and online retail to market its presence. Wolsey looks to be a chain, selling its own less well known brand, and owned by Matalan so I’d suspect they’d want it to have a more high street presence. My 2 cents.

oakman

April 21st, 2012, 02:56 AM

monkey_rat

April 21st, 2012, 01:04 PM

I'd prefer a greater spread of independents and chain stores around town (both retail and food).

I don't think having an 'indie ghetto' eg. the Northern Quarter serves a city well - it needs to be a bit more spread out. Which is why I'm happy Brew Dog have chosen Peter Street and Wolsey is looking at the Northern Quarter. Even Tesco on Church Street arguably helps bring more footfall towards the Northern Quarter.

This mix is important - European cities tend to have a thinner variety of indies and chains sitting side by side and I think this works and both benefit from each other.

Meadows

April 21st, 2012, 01:23 PM

flange

April 21st, 2012, 02:27 PM

I think Wolsey positions it's self as more mainstream than the NQ , it's customer base would more likely to be around King Street then Thomas St.
I checked the Fat Face reopening date today in the TC , but you're just to quick Flange and beat me to it !!

Yes sorry about that oakman. I agree with you though Wolsey would seem to fit more opening on King Street than Thomas Street really. There are already quite a few ready to fit out stores on King Street that can easily support a pop up operation, not really sure if that is true for the Thomas Streer or the Northern Quarter. Though Wolsely's only permanent shop is based in Soho in London so the Northern Quarter could be looked at as a possible location maybe?

Seasonedbest

April 21st, 2012, 03:10 PM

monkey_rat

April 21st, 2012, 05:36 PM

Just my own impression - it seems livelier that way these days.

neil081273

April 22nd, 2012, 10:30 PM

Unit 1 - The largest unit in the old Lloyds bank building on the corner of King Street is now under offer.

andysimo123

April 22nd, 2012, 10:38 PM

I don't think its enough, they have a big enough market as it is.

Tesco slashes store expansion by over a third

Supermarket chain will embark on refurb programme for existing stores

Tesco will slash its store expansion plans by over a third it announced today following a dip in UK profits of 1%.

The supermarket giant will reduce the amount of new space it opens this financial year by 38% as it cuts capital expenditure by £500m to £3.3bn. UK profits in the year to 25 February 2012 fell 1% to £2.5bn.

However, the chain will embark on an accelerated programme of refurbishing its existing stores.

Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke said: “We are focusing our lower overall capital expenditure more into our existing stores and in building our online businesses. We are adapting our right store base for the future, to underpin the returns that create long term value for our shareholders.”

Tesco will refresh or refit 430 stores in 2012/13, which represents over 25% of its current UK store space.

It said any new store openings it did embark on would likely be smaller than its current stores.

The UK arm of Tesco saw revenue grow 5% over the year to 25 February 2012, lagging substantially behind its growth rates in Asia, the US and Europe which were 10%, 32% and 8% respectively.

Tesco’s plans follow an announcement by retailer M&S yesterday that it would cut £100m from its store refurbishment.

http://www.building.co.uk/tesco-slashes-store-expansion-by-over-a-third/5035184.article

LNGCats

April 22nd, 2012, 10:39 PM

Unit 1 - The largest unit in the old Lloyds bank building on the corner of King Street is now under offer.

Downstairs will work as a shop but upstairs will probably never have a commercial value again. Old rabbit warren in desperate need of massive investment.

flange

April 22nd, 2012, 10:43 PM

Unit 1 - The largest unit in the old Lloyds bank building on the corner of King Street is now under offer.

^^ From what I have seen online Neil it is Unit 3, which is indeed the biggest unit. Unit 3 is due to be the area that the existing Lloyds branch has been downsized to within the building.

This letting plan shows the floor plan for the refurbishment of the Lloyds building.

http://www.shopproperty.co.uk/Pdf/40004067102TNOO.pdf?id=520716f8960342f8849c2736c11431b0

It will be interesting to see whether it will be retail or restaurants that open here, what with this area of King Street now becoming a foodie area. Hopefully with the refurbishment of the Lloyds building it might start to interest operators for the retail and restaurant unit at 55 King Street?

Though with two interesting retail refurbishments now shaping up for this year with the Lloyds building and The Triangle, we could see a lot of new entries to the Manchester market possibly.

flange

April 23rd, 2012, 02:13 PM

The plans have now gone online showing the refurbishment of 42-46 Market Street. The redevelopment is now planned to be three units, one in the basement for a restaurant, and two retail units on the ground floor.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/1609/marketstreetredevelopmelf.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/5248/marketstreetredevelopme.jpg

flange

April 23rd, 2012, 02:18 PM

Could a Manchester location be on the cards for Uniqlo?

Uniqlo's losses fail to dampen UK expansion

James Thompson

Sunday 22 April 2012

Uniqlo, the Japanese clothing retailer, is to push ahead with plans to expand in the UK despite making widening losses of nearly £10m last year.

The chain's plans include hunting for a global flagship store in London to add to its 12 existing shops in the capital.

Uniqlo, which is owned by the Japanese company Fast Retail, posted a UK loss of £9.74m for the year to 31 August, following losses of £739,387 the previous year. But, a spokeswoman said, the losses were "due to a combination of a change in accounting estimates and also costs incurred from work within Uniqlo to restructure and reposition the brand in the UK market".

She added: "The long-term aim for Uniqlo UK is to open large format stores in alignment with the global strategy, and as such, loss has been incurred due to small store closures. We are continuing to seek suitable store locations in the UK."

Uniqlo's turnover slipped by 0.7 per cent to £63.07m.

The property firm Harper Dennis Hobbs, which declined to comment, is helping Uniqlo UK to find a 40,000 sq ft flagship store in London, including Covent Garden, Knightsbridge, Oxford Street and Regent Street, that will allow it to showcase its full range of products.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/uniqlos-losses-fail-to-dampen-uk-expansion-7668820.html

monkey_rat

April 23rd, 2012, 02:53 PM

I'd like to see more restaurants on Market Street so this is a good sign. It would certainly make it seem less dodgy in the evening by bringing a bit of nightlife in.

flange

April 23rd, 2012, 03:13 PM

I'd like to see more restaurants on Market Street so this is a good sign. It would certainly make it seem less dodgy in the evening by bringing a bit of nightlife in.

The restaurant is due to be in the basement monkey rat, with access to it from Pall Mall. The unit is still classed as 'Under Offer and has been for some months now, so an announcemnt on who will be opening here could be revealed soon maybe?

The alterations got approval, so hopefully work should be cracking on soon with this redevelopment, it all seems to be inside for now, with no visible signs of work on Market Street itself just yet.

flange

April 23rd, 2012, 03:48 PM

Although this letting plan is from Autumn 2011, it does give one interesting store opening. http://www.completelyretail.co.uk/media/scheme/3676/CR_SC_3676_Manchester_Arndale_Manchester_brochure_7.pdf

Aswell as the previously known Cult/Superdry opening Easter 2012 from a previous letting plan, this one now reveals that the former Superdry unit will not stay empty for long with Ark relocating from Corporation Street to a store within the Arndale istelf in Easter 2012.

The lease for Ark on Corporation Street has been on the market for sometime now due to relocation for a while, and it is now classed as 'Under Offer.' So it seems like it could be confirmed relocation, we will just have to keep an eye on the units now.

madferret

April 23rd, 2012, 04:50 PM

Tesco will slash its store expansion plans by over a third it announced today following a dip in UK profits of 1%.

The supermarket giant will reduce the amount of new space it opens this financial year by 38% as it cuts capital expenditure by £500m to £3.3bn. UK profits in the year to 25 February 2012 fell 1% to £2.5bn.

However, the chain will embark on an accelerated programme of refurbishing its existing stores.

Tesco chief executive Philip Clarke said: “We are focusing our lower overall capital expenditure more into our existing stores and in building our online businesses. We are adapting our right store base for the future, to underpin the returns that create long term value for our shareholders.”

Tesco will refresh or refit 430 stores in 2012/13, which represents over 25% of its current UK store space.

It said any new store openings it did embark on would likely be smaller than its current stores.I know West One is no more, will this have an impact on the new Salford Precinct store that's under construction?

iheartthenew

April 23rd, 2012, 05:05 PM

VoldemortBlack

April 23rd, 2012, 08:09 PM

MEN

Lowry Outlet Mall enjoys cracking Easter with 35 per cent rise in sales

April 22, 2012

Wet weather and free family activities helped drive shoppers indoors to Salford’s Lowry Outlet Mall over the Easter period, leading to a 36 per cent rise in footfall and a 35 per cent increase in total sales compared with the same period a year earlier.

Mall bosses said homeware was the strongest-performing category over the two-week holiday period, with sales up 133 per cent. Shops selling homeware items include M&S Outlet Furniture & Home Accessories, Whittard of Chelsea, @Home, Wax Lyrical, Ponden Home Interiors and Belledorm.

Home baking items such as cupcake tins, bowls and utensils as well as knife blocks were among the top-selling products. Menswear saw a 91 per cent rise in sales, with footwear up 38.5 per cent, mixed fashion up 30 per cent and gifts ahead by 22.5 per cent.

Centre manager Robert Hallworth said the mall, which has more than 80 stores, had performed above expectations, boosted by targeted marketing campaigns, the growing workforce at MediaCityUK and a strong line-up of shows at the nearby Lowry Theatre.

Family activities included an Easter garden party, a steel band, hula-hoop workshop and games day.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1491996_lowry-outlet-mall-enjoys-cracking-easter-with-35-per-cent-rise-in-sales

flange

April 24th, 2012, 04:03 PM

The London 2012 shop is now open on the first floor within John Lewis.

Reeds Dry Cleaners have relocated to the former La Senza unit on Lower Regent Crescent.

The Body Shop has closed for refurbishment on Upper Regent Crescent, they reopen Saturday 12th May.

flange

April 24th, 2012, 06:05 PM

Second shopping city of the UK

24 Apr 2012, 16:58

Manchester is second only to London in the UK when it comes to targets for international retailers, according to research by CBRE.

Manchester ranked 33 in a list of the 200 cities most targeted by retailers in the 2012 edition of How Global is the Business of Retail?

Liverpool was fourth in the UK and equal 56th in the global list. Birmingham was ranked at 47 globally and Leeds at 71.

UK retained the number one position as the most penetrated global country, with 56.7% of retailers in the survey present. London reclaimed its outright number one position after sharing the top spot with Dubai last year, attracting 55.6% of all international retail brands surveyed.

CBRE's annual survey mapped the global footprint of 326 of the world's top retailers across more than 200 cities to identify trends in global retail expansion at national and local levels. The report found that retailers expanded into a wide range of markets in 2011, with 74% of the countries in the survey seeing at least one new retailer enter the market last year.

Graham Barr, director of retail at CBRE, said: "It is encouraging that Manchester is rated so highly within the report, although not hugely surprising. The city is a popular retail destination, with a wealth of high quality premises available to attract leading retailers, and the transport infrastructure investments currently underway will further increase footfall into the city."

He continued: "Retailers are choosing countries like the UK that are considered safe havens, having de-risked their operations in response to the challenging economic climate. Generally, retailers do look to London as a first port of call, extending their remit into the regions once their London operations are firmly established. Major regional shopping centres such as the Trafford Centre, Meadowhall and Bluewater have performed particularly well."

The top UK cities in order were, out of 200 global cities:

London 1
Manchester 33=
Birmingham 47=
Liverpool 56=
Glasgow 60
Leeds 71=
Bristol 90=
Edinburgh 90=
Belfast 103=
Southampton 109=
Jersey 167=
The top retail cities in the world, according to CBRE, are

London
Dubai
New York
Moscow
Paris
Hong Kong
Madrid
Kuwait City
Barcelona
Singapore
When looking at the most targeted countries by global retailers, the UK holds onto first position in the rankings closely followed by the United Arab Emirates (53.1%) and the United States (50.3%). Spain is in fourth position (47.5%) closely followed by China (47.2%), with France and Germany (46.9%) joint sixth in the rankings. Russia (44.5%), Italy (43%) and Saudi Arabia (41.1%) make up the remainder of the top 10.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/11502-second-shopping-city-of-the-uk.html

WingTips

April 24th, 2012, 06:45 PM

The Tesco Extra stores being built next to Salford Precinct and on Chester Rd are going ahead as planned. I wouldn't be surprised though if they look a little different inside to current Tesco Extra stores with more of a focus on food than all the electricals, clothing etc. And I wouldn't write off the West One store just yet ;)

You are quite correct, the two ramaining new Tesco stores planned in the area will/are going ahead Tesco stores will see a quite different look style to them as they refocus on what Tesco really means to alot of people, i.e food, groceries, etc with more staff being employed in customer service roles.

WingTips

April 24th, 2012, 06:47 PM

MEN

Looking good then...:cheers::cheers:

neil081273

April 24th, 2012, 06:59 PM

Looks like there is a new retailer signed up for the old Jewel Nation unit in the Arndale with shop fitters in today.

flange

April 24th, 2012, 07:12 PM

Looks like there is a new retailer signed up for the old Jewel Nation unit in the Arndale with shop fitters in today.

Good news, the new openings are now slowly starting to filter in. I think over the next few months we will start to see the Arndale get filled up once again, as we know that the centre has a waiting list of retailers wanting to open stores, so it is just a case of them going through the legals and everything to get the retailers signed up hopefully.

One thing that does surprise me especially at the Trafford Centre today, with The Body Shop and Fat Face closed for refurbishment. I would have thought opening a temporary pop up store whilst they refurbish their existing store, would have made sense to keep the store running for the refurb period. There are plenty of empty units at the Trafford Centre so it is not like they are limited for space.

neil081273

April 24th, 2012, 07:25 PM

Good news, the new openings are now slowly starting to filter in. I think over the next few months we will start to see the Arndale get filled up once again, as we know that the centre has a waiting list of retailers wanting to open stores, so it is just a case of them going through the legals and everything to get the retailers signed up hopefully.

One thing that does surprise me especially at the Trafford Centre today, with The Body Shop and Fat Face closed for refurbishment. I would have thought opening a temporary pop up store whilst they refurbish their existing store, would have made sense to keep the store running for the refurb period. There are plenty of empty units at the Trafford Centre so it is not like they are limited for space.

Forgot to say there was also work going on in the old Comet unit for the new (temporary?) Apple store.

flange

April 24th, 2012, 07:32 PM

Forgot to say there was also work going on in the old Comet unit for the new (temporary?) Apple store.

Could be neil, we know from forumers on here that Apple own the unit, the sooner the Apple store is extended the better. It really has made such a difference the extension at the Trafford Centre store, so I can only imagine how the Arndale store will be once the works are completed.

Also the former Jewel Nation unit is 'Under Offer' on marketing website, so it looks like a new retailer will definitely be opening there.

uklad1979

April 24th, 2012, 07:53 PM

flange

April 24th, 2012, 08:02 PM

Apple have been waiting for a new store for ages. I believe they looked at the old Clinton unit before it was split but deemed the the surrounding stores of low value and the footfall is lower than on the upper level in this part of the mall so they decided to wait it out until a store came up which suited them.

Apple are much better suited to the upper level, especially with the double height space they have, makes for the easy clearance to see the shining beacon that is the Apple logo.

It will be interesting to see with the Apple refurb/extension whether they continue in the same style of shopfront with the stainless steel or if they go for a full new look with the frameless glass shopfront. Really either of them will catch the eye and stand out.

iheartthenew

April 24th, 2012, 08:04 PM

You are quite correct, the two ramaining new Tesco stores planned in the area will/are going ahead Tesco stores will see a quite different look style to them as they refocus on what Tesco really means to alot of people, i.e food, groceries, etc with more staff being employed in customer service roles.

Well it's a bit too late to change their mind on the Chester Rd store, the frame work steels have started to go up. Looks a bit like ITVs new building at Media City ;)

flange

April 25th, 2012, 11:09 AM

I think we all know the retailer who is doubling their space is. Anyone for an Apple?

New leisure attraction planned for Trafford Centre

25th Apr 2012

The owners of Manchester's Trafford Centre retail complex said they were planning to open a "major new leisure attraction" there.

Capital Shopping Centres, which also owns the city's Arndale Centre, said it had agreed terms with an operator for the attraction in Barton Square which was subject to planning permission.

CSC, which acquired the Trafford Centre last year from Peel, also said today (25 April 2012) a "major global brand" was planning to double its space in the Arndale Centre.

In an interim management statement for the period from 1 January to 25 April 2012, CSC said 42 new long term leases had been agreed, in aggregate £10m of annual rent, including fashion chain Forever 21 at the Trafford Centre.

Among its tenant deals and openings in the period were coffee machine retailer Nespresso launching at the Trafford Centre.

Fashion chain Superdry is to extend into an adjacent unit at The Trafford Centre and open in the former HMV store in the Arndale.

CSC chief executive David Fischel said: "CSC is determined to provide the best experience to shoppers and to continue to attract leading retailers to our prime regional centres, with 27 new stores opening in the period.

"While the UK retail environment remains tough, we continue to benefit from last year's transformational Trafford Centre acquisition as we focus on securing the right retailers in the right places paying the right rents with the objective of achieving strong total returns from our assets."

The trading update said the mall business had experienced a reduction in footfall across its UK centres for the year to date.

A number of factors had contributed to a 2 per cent year-on-year reduction, CSC said, highlighting that UK national retail footfall as measured by Experian fell by 3 per cent year on year for the same period.

In a trading update, the mall business said it had experienced a reduction in footfall across its UK centres for the year to date.

http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/north-west/69677-new-leisure-attraction-planned-trafford-centre/index.html

Lookin Up

April 25th, 2012, 12:13 PM

flange

April 25th, 2012, 09:02 PM

With Forever 21 opening at the Trafford Centre, could they still be interested in opening at the Arndale. As we have said before there are now so many empty units in the Arndale, could WHSmith possibly relocate to the former Hub or Peacocks unit freeing up their existing two floor unit for Forever 21 to open within?

WHSmith have some form for relocating for Forever 21 now, with the Trafford store and the Bluewater store both having relocated to allow Forever 21 to open in their previous units.

flange

April 25th, 2012, 09:10 PM

Do any of you retail gurus out there have any views on King St?

Walked down there yesterday in the middle of the day and was pretty shocked at how many units were vacant especially since some had not long since opened.
I guess one of the problems is lack of footfall, it really does feel half deserted.
To make matters worse, there was a bunch of scrotes walking up and down effin and jeffin at the top of their voices in hardcore Solfod accents just to intimidate those few shoppers that were there, some of whom appeared to be tourists. Talk about re-enforcing stereotypes.

Any thoughts on what could fix King St?
Is it just high rents as often alleged?

King Street has recovered amazing well really, there are only 5 empty units on the street.

The former All Saints unit
The former Cecil Gee unit
The former Duo unit
The former Kuyichi unit
The former FACE Stockholm unit

Compare that too two years ago and King Street really was in dire straights, with at least double that amount of units empty on the street. The letting agents have really managed to bring back a high quality feel to King Street, with the additions of Jack Wills, Aubin & Wills, The Kooples, Suttons & Robertsons and Cath Kidston.

I think the area that now needs to be looked at closely is St Anns Square, and the retailer that whoever decides to takeover the former Habitat unit. The unit is huge there and spreads over three floors so it is a perfect flagship store opportunity and I would not be surprised if some American retailers have maybe looked into the unit.

flange

April 26th, 2012, 05:41 PM

Bargain Express is now open on High Street.

More of the Primark refurbishment has now been opened at the back of the store, on both the ground and first floors. Also the Piccadilly Gardens entrance has now been closed too for the new shopfront and entrance here. The Menswear & Homes have moved upstairs, due to the basement now being closed for a full refurbishment.

Shakeaway is being refurbished at the Arndale, they reopen tomorrow.

The hoardings are now down around Superdry for their grand opening tomorrow. Though I sense another Hollister coming, the store looks really dark inside and that is just looking through the closed shutters today.

The Foot Asylum refurbishment is now complete.

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/7270/manchester26thapril2012.jpg

Forgot to say there was also work going on in the old Comet unit for the new (temporary?) Apple store.

Hoardings are now up around former Comet unit, nothing announcing who is opening here but most like preparing for the temporary Apple store?

The Food Hall at M&S is now nearing completion, with the Bakery nearly finished, just the hoardings to come down and new fridge cooler/cabinets now installed aswell.

Legends has reopened in Manchester in the former Clintons unit on Deansgate.

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/7270/manchester26thapril2012.jpg

Cheshire Watch Company is now open on King Street West.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/7270/manchester26thapril2012.jpg

oakman

April 27th, 2012, 12:50 AM

neil081273

April 27th, 2012, 08:46 AM

Big half page advert in MEN yesterday for Adidas concept store on Market Street. Wouldn't be surprised if they are moving back into their old unit now that Lloyds has been refused.

flange

April 27th, 2012, 01:13 PM

Big half page advert in MEN yesterday for Adidas concept store on Market Street. Wouldn't be surprised if they are moving back into their old unit now that Lloyds has been refused.

Good find neil, here are all the job vacancies advertised online.

Store Manager (http://adidas.jobpartners.com/jpapps/adidas/jobs/jobview.jsp?TOKEN=788ba324839d11d46b95b7d2a0&0.7422181116454983&lang=enus&requestno=RQ00026964&brandBars=FP00000210)
Assistant Store Manager (http://adidas.jobpartners.com/jpapps/adidas/jobs/jobview.jsp?TOKEN=788ba324839d11d46b95b7d2a0&0.869002206965819&lang=enus&requestno=RQ00026969&brandBars=FP00000210)
Floor Manager / Senior Sales Consultants (http://adidas.jobpartners.com/jpapps/adidas/jobs/jobview.jsp?TOKEN=788ba324839d11d46b95b7d2a0&0.17282148559390653&lang=enus&requestno=RQ00026968&brandBars=FP00000210)
Sales Consultants (http://adidas.jobpartners.com/jpapps/adidas/jobs/jobview.jsp?TOKEN=788ba324839d11d46b95b7d2a0&0.5106137943844272&lang=enus&requestno=RQ00026966&brandBars=FP00000210)

The closing date is 4th May with interviews taking place from 9th - 14th May, so it could be a very quick turnaround from filling the vacancies to opening possibly?

The only real possibilities for Adidas to open on Market Street are as you say neil, their former store or maybe one of the units at the redevelopment of the former Schuh and Noise units, but that seems like it could be a while before it is complete and ready for retailers. Also these units are still both the only units on Market Street to be classed as 'Under Offer' on marketing website aswell.

Hopefully if Adidas do reopen in their former store, then they give the unit a major refurbishment, as the unit is now rather outdated, the plans for Lloyds actually looked good with having a frameless glass shopfront, that really was the only good part of the Lloyds proposal.

Am still amazed we have not seen any movement on Dr Martens yet for their Market Street, the store was due to open in May, hopefully the deal has not fallen through?

flange

April 27th, 2012, 01:24 PM

King Street West will now become fully let, with the former Nickys Sandwich Bar unit now relet. Wings Dai Pai Dong's (http://www.daipaidong.co.uk/manchester-arndale-market.html) will be opening here.

A new planning application has gone online for store signage.

37 King Street West Manchester M3 2PW

Internally illuminated signage behind the glazing and the installation of an internally illuminated sign on the return of the facade.

http://pa.manchester.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=M1US9VBC6K000

It looks like from the documents though, that this will be a brand new look for Wings with new branding.

iheartthenew

April 27th, 2012, 01:38 PM

Fat Face is ready to reopen tomorrow in the Trafford Centre, the new concept is just that it has an open shop front with no store window , the interior fit out is similar in style but seems more spacious . The completely open front gives it a lot more room , it was always a very cramped store.

Open front? No store window? New concept? Isn't it just like the Free Spirit store that used to be in the Trafford Centre a good few years ago? :lol:

Mycure

April 28th, 2012, 07:05 PM

Work has started on the former Comet store to be made into a temporary pop-up apple store.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/9628/img3497lb.jpg

civstu

April 28th, 2012, 09:08 PM

flange

April 28th, 2012, 09:37 PM

According to someone within apple, this will be no 'cheap' pop-up store. They are apparently spending £1mil on the temporary store, that will be there for the 12 weeks it will take to extend the current store, and it will open around the middle of may. Apparently the new apple store will have a huge single piece of glass across its front. This glass will be too large to fit through the doors of the Arndale, so the plan is to remove glass panels from the Arndale roof at night and drop it in via crane. Money is no object when it comes to Apple

Bloody hell £1million, it kinda shows that the Arndale store is the more profitable store for them compared to the Trafford Centre, if they are gonna spend £1mill just on a temp store for three months. Especially when the Trafford Centre temp store looked a rather cheap pop up. Also compared to the existing Apple Arndale store the pop up store might not be so small in size, that is if the space is used well, infact it could turn out to be even bigger maybe?

I suppose though it does not come as a surprise with the money Apple spends on just a temporary store, when they closed their Soho store in New York refurbishment and extension and opened a pop up store nearby that was rumoured to have cost $1.4million.

Is there anyword on what the actual new store itself will look like civstu? Whether it will be a continuation of the stainless steel shopfront or a completly new shopfront for Apple? It does sound like it will be a quick fitout with the pop up being open for 12 weeks, so come August/September we could have a greatly expanded and refurbished Apple store reopen in the Arndale.

future.architect

April 29th, 2012, 12:40 AM

I'm glad that Apple are doing so well. I wouldn't call myself a fanboy but in the past week I have taken delivery of a Macbook Pro and it is literally amazing.

Early days but I can't see myself going back to windows.

Seasonedbest

April 29th, 2012, 12:46 AM

^^

I was the same, but then I got my hands on an Asus Tablet/PC and saw the light.

When was news released regarding Apple store expansion?

Seasonedbest

April 29th, 2012, 12:50 AM

flange

April 29th, 2012, 01:02 AM

When was news released regarding Apple store expansion?

It has never officially been confirmed, but then that is Apple for you. All the information has come from this very forum and thread, from the week that Adidas closed.

Civstu has been giving us some very useful insider information. Along with the little bits of gleaming information from when the latest centre guide was released which stated that Apple were open in the former Comet unit, that has been the only official small sign of goings on with an Apple refurb/extension. And now there are the black hoarding around the former Comet unit, which is always the first tell tell signs of an Apple store opening.

future.architect

April 29th, 2012, 01:04 AM

^^^

I was at the Liverpool apple store a few months ago admiring the frameless glazing. I have never seen such a large pane of glass in my entire life. It must have been about 4 x 5 metres. No idea how it was transported to the store. Must have been levitation or something.

iheartthenew

April 29th, 2012, 01:07 AM

Must have cost a few bob too. But like everyone has said, they can afford it.

Sent from my iPhone :lol:

Mycure

April 29th, 2012, 02:42 AM

Bloody hell £1million, it kinda shows that the Arndale store is the more profitable store for them compared to the Trafford Centre, if they are gonna spend £1mill just on a temp store for three months. Especially when the Trafford Centre temp store looked a rather cheap pop up. Also compared to the existing Apple Arndale store the pop up store might not be so small in size, that is if the space is used well, infact it could turn out to be even bigger maybe?

I suppose though it does not come as a surprise with the money Apple spends on just a temporary store, when they closed their Soho store in New York refurbishment and extension and opened a pop up store nearby that was rumoured to have cost $1.4million.

Is there anyword on what the actual new store itself will look like civstu? Whether it will be a continuation of the stainless steel shopfront or a completly new shopfront for Apple? It does sound like it will be a quick fitout with the pop up being open for 12 weeks, so come August/September we could have a greatly expanded and refurbished Apple store reopen in the Arndale.

1 million! wow. To think they'd go through all that trouble just to have a nice looking store front? It doesn't make sense, they could've done two pieces of glass and no one would notice to be honest.

I passed down the black wall today, it was huge. I've been to the comet store before it closed, it somehow never seemed this big.

I'm glad that Apple are doing so well. I wouldn't call myself a fanboy but in the past week I have taken delivery of a Macbook Pro and it is literally amazing.

Early days but I can't see myself going back to windows.

I proudly call myself a "fanboy", but for the right reasons :) Apple machines work so well compared to Windows. I'm not saying they're perfect, there are a few bumps here and there, especially with compatibility, but overall they're much more reliable. Trust me, you won't go back to Windows, as they say: once you go mac, you never go back.

Seasonedbest

April 29th, 2012, 03:36 PM

Could a Manchester location be on the cards for Uniqlo?

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/uniqlos-losses-fail-to-dampen-uk-expansion-7668820.html

Just read this. Hopefully its the case, although I’m a big online purchaser of Uniqlo and now fear it would dilute the brand. So I’m in two minds.

http://www.soultsretailview.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/woolworths_uniqlo_kensington_high_street_graham_soult2.jpg

As discussed previously, Uniqlo no longer locates in low ceiling, American Apparel types stores, and would need two or even three storey space (like Urban Outfitters). Ex-Habitat unit would do it.

flange

April 29th, 2012, 04:14 PM

Just read this. Hopefully its the case, although I’m a big online purchaser of Uniqlo and now fear it would dilute the brand. So I’m in two minds.

http://www.soultsretailview.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/woolworths_uniqlo_kensington_high_street_graham_soult2.jpg

As discussed previously, Uniqlo no longer locates in low ceiling, American Apparel types stores, and would need two or even three storey space (like Urban Outfitters). Ex-Habitat unit would do it.

The Habitat unit would be a great unit for them, though I fear St Ann's Square would not be a location Uniqlo would look at, like I said previously St Ann's Square needs to be the next area to be thought about regarding retail and who is allowed to open there.

The letting agents have done a good job regarding King Street, so the same strategy could be bought in for St Ann's Square. King Street could be a possiblity for Uniqlo maybe but some of the units could be a bit too small, the other possibility could be part of the former Schuh/Noise unit which is now being redeveloped?

Or I hate to think it, but could the Trafford Centre be on Uniqlo's radar?

ReissOmari

April 30th, 2012, 04:51 PM

flange

April 30th, 2012, 05:48 PM

Woah, Apple must be really committed, what is the Arndale roof like, would it be 'easy' to remove panels to lift in the glass pane? Sounds like its going to be a flagship store for Apple

Here are photos of the Arndale roof on the New Canon Street Mall section of the Arndale. The first photo is taken just after the Arndale refurbishment work had fully opened, and just shows Apple before the store had opened with just the white hoardings around what would become the Apple store.

http://farm1.staticflickr.com/94/243218746_6ac98a17db_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pit-yacker/243218746/)
Manchester Arndale "New Cannon Street" (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pit-yacker/243218746/) by pit-yacker (http://www.flickr.com/people/pit-yacker/), on Flickr

http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1185/1333148006_3f68b79d8a.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mscrow/1333148006/)
Arndale Roof (http://www.flickr.com/photos/mscrow/1333148006/) by MsCrow (http://www.flickr.com/people/mscrow/), on Flickr

I imagine the glass will either be craned in through the Wintergarden atrium which is the glass roof the furtherest in the photo above, or it could be directly craned in through the long stretch of glass roof directly above the Apple store.

neil081273

May 1st, 2012, 09:25 AM

New Tesco Express on New Bailey street opens on 18th May

Meadows

May 1st, 2012, 04:14 PM

Jesus, they're like cockroach infestations

Tony_H1

May 1st, 2012, 04:41 PM

So much for Peel relinquishing control of the Trafford Centre

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/11531-whittaker-takes-csc-stake-towards-25.html

Seasonedbest

May 1st, 2012, 08:27 PM

flange

May 1st, 2012, 08:29 PM

Well it's a bit too late to change their mind on the Chester Rd store, the frame work steels have started to go up. Looks a bit like ITVs new building at Media City ;)

Can see this one flying up now, as reported previously a Winter opening is planned and now new plans for advertisment board confirm this with them to read 'New Store Winter 2012 Opening.'

Planning application is online here.

Land off Chester Road, Stretford

Display of 2 no. temporary non-illuminated post-mounted signs fronting Chester Road.

http://planning.trafford.gov.uk/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/Generic/StdDetails.aspx?PT=Planning Applications On-Line&TYPE=PL/PlanningPK.xml&PARAM0=409213&XSLT=/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/SiteFiles/Skins/Default_AA/xslt/PL/PLDetails.xslt&FT=Planning Application Details&PUBLIC=Y&XMLSIDE=/Northgate/PlanningExplorerAA/SiteFiles/Skins/Default_AA/Menus/PL.xml&DAURI=PLANNING

flange

May 1st, 2012, 08:44 PM

Hoardings for the new Corn Exchange have appeared. The branding is big and apparently as 'modern and cool' as its predecessor. I was hoping for something a little more conservative making use of the full named sign thats currently above the entrances - ‘The Corn and Produce Exchange.’ In that respect, I can see it going down the same problematic route as the Triangle. This was the opportunity to return to the classic styling from its routes (like the Leeds CE) and to stand out as something very different from the Arndale and the Printworks, stripping out all the modern spaceship crap.

No branding has been put up inside The Triangle yet, from looking around the centre today, so it must have been on the Urbis/Cathedral Gardens side where some work was taking place I noticed.

It is good to see work starting on time and as promised from two weeks ago, though the branding does not sound too good, I too was hoping for it too look a little historical and not overtly modern, is it branded as just the Corn Exchange or Corn & Produce Exchange on the hoardings Seasoned?

And the modern spaceship crap should apparently be getting stripped out in later phases of the redevelopment.

Also today I noticed the BBC screen has now been branded with London 2012 logos and sponser banners around it, so much for trying to clean and repair the stonework of the building hey.

flange

May 1st, 2012, 09:06 PM

Incognito at Stevenson Square has become an Impossible Partner Store. (http://www.the-impossible-project.com/)

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8605/manchester1stmay2012006.jpg

V Revolution (http://vrevolution.myshopify.com/) open in the former Mooch Art unit on Oldham Street.

http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/8167/manchester1stmay2012026.jpg

Workmen are now in the former Adidas unit on Market Street, possible for the new Adidas concept store to open there? Floorplans can be seen hung up within the store.

Shakeaway is now reopen in the Arndale following their refurbishment.

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/8130/manchester1stmay2012049.jpg

Looks like there is a new retailer signed up for the old Jewel Nation unit in the Arndale with shop fitters in today.

The new retailer for the former Jewel Nation unit should be open soon, stock looks to be already in the store from the looks of things today, the store looks very pink, possibly an accessories or shoes store.

Hoarding are now up around the former Superdry unit, possibly for Ark?

The new Superdry store now open, like I said last week, pretty much a Hollister clone now.

http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/5826/manchester1stmay2012059.jpg

The former Sony Centre unit is now being boarded up, most probably like a few others unit, that have now been covered over with just generic Arndale branding to hide the unit.

The Food Hall refurbishment is nearly complete at M&S, with hoardings partly down around the new Bakery and Hot Food To Go areas now. Along with signage for the newly enlarger M&S Cafe now installed on the first floor.

Hoarding are now going up around the former Lucile unit in Police St, it is probably to fit the new glass shop front, like Rockefeller's next door.

Seasonedbest

May 1st, 2012, 09:15 PM

No branding has been put up inside The Triangle yet, from looking around the centre today, so it must have been on the Urbis/Cathedral Gardens side where some work was taking place I noticed.

It is good to see work starting on time and as promised from two weeks ago, though the branding does not sound too good, I too was hoping for it too look a little historical and not overtly modern, is it branded as just the Corn Exchange or Corn & Produce Exchange on the hoardings Seasoned?

And the modern spaceship crap should apparently be getting stripped out in later phases of the redevelopment.

Also today I noticed the BBC screen has now been branded with London 2012 logos and sponser banners around it, so much for trying to clean and repair the stonework of the building hey.

Just the Corn Exchange in big squashed together font.

Like this I think -
CORN
EXCH
ANGE

Edit: Exactly like this if you can magnify it.
http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x241.04296875/feb_12/pnw__1328180687_Corn_Exchange_Lighting_view_B_.jpg

flange

May 1st, 2012, 09:24 PM

Seasonedbest

May 1st, 2012, 11:02 PM

A bit of a shame, but I am just glad to see the work starting here, hopefully the plans for refurbishing the inside are good and help to bring in new retailers to Manchester and finally get the place full again, it is rather depressing going in there now and see only a few stores actually open.

Yeah I was in today. The security guard looks bored. Cafe Blend seems to do ok, and there were a few in Zizzi’s but the rest of the place is dead. Im sure that cafe Nero gets very little business - they don’t do sandwiches and blended drinks either.

Adcro

May 2nd, 2012, 02:03 AM

Urghh what a horrid reclad, still going for Russia circa 1976 in that image above.

That would be an improvement on its current state, which is Wythenshawe 1976, heh. That whole area is horrid. I grew up within walking distance, and The Civic Centre is a real dump, and any improvements are welcome, but it still looks like crap. They need to have things that look good but are hard wearing so the residents won't just go at it all like monkeys on a car in a safari park.

Adcro

May 2nd, 2012, 02:16 AM

Delice De France now open at Victoria.

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/8736/manchester13thapril2012.jpg

This saddened me when I saw it last week, because it was a great little independent hot dog unit, had been there for years, and I had fond memories of grabbing a hot dog on the way back from work... now its been replaced with another generic chain-store overpriced baguette shop :(

Headancer

May 2nd, 2012, 03:20 PM

Does anybody know where the TC ranks in terms of size viz-viz other shopping malls.

I think at one stage it was one of the top 5 in Europe in terms of area but not sure if that data was updated when they added Barton Square !

DiscoSteve

May 2nd, 2012, 03:21 PM

wikipedia has these stats

flange

May 2nd, 2012, 03:54 PM

Card Factory Opens New Store at Lime Square!

http://www.dransfield.co.uk/includes/echoImage.inc.php?x=V2%2Frhw8LWcNcHp3ibTs71z%2FtWzKcGy98KkFPSYQJvbdT99GNEgNySYBYdjVg%2Fjqv%2F08qWn7aEzd36xaNJ4POS3qXIgH4KWb%2FdZdc3jXA3OXU5CH8k985Bx%2BqXR4%3D

Card Factory are the latest company to open their doors to shoppers at Lime Square - east Manchester's newest retail destination.

The company joins a line up at the Openshaw shopping centre which also includes B&M, Poundland and Greggs as well as Bet Fred, Brighthouse and the the charity Extra Care. Store 21 are also due to open later in the year.

The new shop which covers 936 sq ft has created six new jobs in the area.

Card Factory opened its first store in Wakefield in 1997, now the company has nearly 600 stores across the country. The team at Card Factory are passionate about providing high quality cards and gifts at affordable prices.

The first phase of Lime Square opened in November 2010 and delivered a new 80,000 sq ft Morrisons store as part of the strategic regeneration of this part of east Manchester. Phase two has delivered new retail units with provision for a doctors surgery.

The development has the stunning steamhammer sculpture as its centrepiece.

Head of Communications at Dransfield Properties Ltd, Amanda Holmes, said: "Card Factory are a great retailer and really add to the line up here at Lime Square. We have some great stores here and are attracting more and more shoppers every week."

http://www.dransfield.co.uk/news.php?id=625

flange

May 2nd, 2012, 04:14 PM

The Simply Be opening at the Arndale rumours comes back again, could probably be true this time with all the empty units.

N Brown's £753.2m revenues see 50 per cent online sales barrier broken

May 01, 2012

Home shopping group N Brown says it is confident about its prospects after reversing a decline in customer numbers and growing sales across the Atlantic.

Revenues were up 4.8 per cent to £753.2m in the year to March 3, with pre-tax profits up 2.5 per cent at £96.9m.

Online sales grew 16 per cent to £377m during the year, passing the 50 per cent share of total sales for the first time.

Its Figleaves lingerie brand, which it acquired in 2010, delivered its first profit in 13 years with sales up 20 per cent, thanks to reduced costs and new swimwear, pyjamas and menswear ranges.

US sales of plus-size women’s clothing brand Simply Be – N Brown’s biggest brand in the UK – increased fivefold to £4.8m.

The group now plans to launch its Marisota and Jacamo brands across the Atlantic in 2012, and it is planning to install a Jacamo department in its Simply Be store which will open in the Manchester Arndale centre in the autumn.

Menswear continues to be N Brown’s fastest-growing product sector, with sales up 15 per cent to £95m, or 13 per cent of total revenue, thanks largely to the success of Jacamo and the expansion of the High & Mighty store network.

The Manchester-based group saw a three per cent reduction in the number of active customers, but credited a combination of higher selling prices and promotional campaigns for a four per cent increase in average sales per customer.

Chief executive Alan White said: “Obviously it has been a tough year, so to have grown sales is good news.

“We did a huge amount of promotional activity in the second half of the year and customer recruitment was up 10 per cent

“We are also seeing lots of new customers at our physical stores, and online sales are higher in areas near them.

“The real milestone has been passing 50 per cent of sales coming from online.

“Once they go online, customers see other products and special offers, so they end up spending 25 per cent more than placing an order by phone.”

Sales for the eight weeks to April 28 were one per cent up on last year, and online sales continue to grow, up 11 per cent in in March and April.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch analyst Aurelie Caspar said: “The start of the year has been sluggish but the outlook looks more positive with the company expecting consumer confidence to improve later this year.

“Management also expects to cut prices in H2 to drive demand and lower markdowns should benefit gross margin.”

The board is proposing a final dividend of 7.74p per share, up five per cent on last year, giving a total dividend for the year of 13.03p.

N Brown shares gained 14.1p, or 6.15 per cent, to 243.3p.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1492580_n-browns-7532m-revenues-see-50-per-cent-online-sales-barrier-broken

Maybe Simply Be and Jacamo could open in the former Peacocks unit, with maybe splitting the unit into two for the seperate brands, instead of on a mezzanine level within Simply Be, like at the first Jacomo store at the Metrocentre and planned at the existing Simply Be store at Liverpool One.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/546483_10150756311003468_30601448467_9121608_394993867_n.jpg
First Jacamo store, Metrocentre. Photo from Jacamo's Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150756304638468.418818.30601448467&type=1#!/media/set/?set=a.10150756304638468.418818.30601448467&type=1), with more photos of the Jacamo store online there.

flange

May 2nd, 2012, 04:29 PM

Drewdle a new stationary brand are looking to open in Manchester, they recently signed to open their first store at The Centre in Livingston. http://www.shopping-centre.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/5236/The_Centre_welcomes_two_new_brands_.html

http://illuminantbrands.com/images/drewdle-logo.jpg
Now seeking 5 new stores to open during March 2012
Between 300 and 800 sq ft
Initial target locations include: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle
High quality shopping malls with good demographics
Strong footfall locations
Can temp units
Other cosmopolitan areas with a concentration of students and young professionals
Drewdle is a hot stationery brand. With bold, vibrant colours, we are fashion oriented and very different. You’ll love to hold our pens and pencils, smell our rubbers and show off our folders. We design and manufacture an inspiring range of stationery, from pens with an infernal integrated ball bearing maze to furry pencils, from the knobbly bouncy pencil case to the oh-so-sweet caricature bookends. This stuff will have you wanting to hold it, wanting to play with it, to show it off, to draw, to doodle (can you see where we got our name from?), you’ll even be offering to take the notes in meetings.

This isn’t a kids brand, although kids will adore it and beg you to buy them a collection and when you do, you’ll want to pinch it from them. This is for the student, the architect, your marketing company’s achingly trendy offices and for corporate gifts at Christmas. You can even give it to the actuary in your life, they’ll love it too (well, 99.9% of the time). It’s not expensive either. With pens and pencils starting at 50p, it’s pocket money territory for the kids and it won’t break the bank if you then secretly buy the set for yourself. You won’t be able to miss us in all the good shopping malls in the UK, pencils are small and so are our shops so don’t rush past us. If we don’t have something in stock, we can order it for you and have it delivered to your house. If you’re shy or just too busy to shop, you can come and buy from us online.

http://illuminantbrands.com/drewdle/

Could possibly be a good addition to the Arndale?

Seasonedbest

May 2nd, 2012, 04:55 PM

Jacamo, bahaha.

flange

May 2nd, 2012, 05:46 PM

As part of the refurbishment at Fred Aldous, a photobooth has been installed by the entrance to the store.

http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3d9oc5kWU1qeolzeo1_1280.jpg

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m3d9oc5kWU1qeolzeo2_1280.jpg

Say hello to the newest edition to the Fred Aldous family. An original Photo-Me Model 17 B&W Photo Booth from 1968. It was two years ago that we first came up with idea of getting a Photo Booth. And what a journey it has been. We finally tracked one down over 3,000 miles away and had it shipped back home. The day has finally come. It is here, it is tested and now it is ready for use.

http://fredaldous.tumblr.com/post/22222354048/say-hello-to-the-newest-edition-to-the-fred-aldous

flange

May 2nd, 2012, 07:33 PM

Sevenoaks and Audio T call off merger, Manchester Show cancelled

Surprise news of the day is that Sevenoaks Sound & Vision and Audio T have called off their merger.

The two retail chains had agreed to merge in 2010 to create the UK's largest network of independent specialist hi-fi and AV retailers.

The two companies had already completed the second phase of the merger in which 15 former Audio T stores were re-branded under the Sevenoaks Sound & Vision name. These will revert to the Audio T name by the end of this month.

Some former Audio T branches have already been closed down as part of the restructuring process during the merger.

We also understand that this year's Manchester Home Entertainment Show, run in conjunction with Audio T, has been cancelled too.

Rob Lawley, director of operations at Sevenoaks, issued this statement to whathifi.com this afternoon:

"I’m sorry to have to tell you that SS&V has decided, jointly with Audio T, that a merger of our businesses will not be possible in the medium term. Consequently, we will sever our existing joint arrangements.

"Sevenoaks’ branded Audio T stores will return to life as Audio T by the end of this month, while for the original Sevenoaks stores it will be business as usual.

"Moving forward both Sevenoaks and Audio T will work together to ensure continuity of service for any customers that could have purchased from either style of outlet.

"As one door closes, others open. We have just completed a move in to our new head office and warehouse facility in Kent, and will focus all our efforts on our expansion plans. In fact we expect to be making further announcements, very soon, with details of new SS&V stores in areas where we currently have no coverage.

"In summary, I’m glad to say that we have come to an amicable decision with Audio T and of course wish all the team there success with their own operation. Our goal now is to develop our successful model further and continue to offer real value and choice to our customers nationally."

We have contacted Audio T and asked them for a statement too.

http://www.whathifi.com/news/sevenoaks-and-audio-t-call-off-merger-manchester-show-cancelled

The Manchester store was one of the Audio T stores that got rebranded to Sevenoaks. With the Manchester Sevenoaks store being classed as a operated under license on their website (http://marketing.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk/store/north/manchester/default.aspx), so it makes it interesting now with Sevenoaks relocating to the former Luso unit. Could this means a few things either:

An offical Sevenoaks store opens in the former Luso unit, with the existing franchised Sevenoaks store rebranding back to Audio T.
Sevenoaks does not open in the Luso store and the existing franchised Sevenoaks store rebrands back to Audio T.
Or the existing franchised Sevenoaks closes and a new offical Sevenoaks store opens in the former Luso unit.

js1000

May 2nd, 2012, 09:08 PM

TC is second largest shopping centre by retail size in the country after the Metro Centre. Both are backed up with citations linked to owners CSC.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UK_shopping_centres

I believe TC has a complete size of about 207,000 sq metres when you factor in leisure and dining facilities.

mclassplanet

May 2nd, 2012, 10:58 PM

The Manchester store was one of the Audio T stores that got rebranded to Sevenoaks. With the Manchester Sevenoaks store being classed as a operated under license on their website (http://marketing.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk/store/north/manchester/default.aspx), so it makes it interesting now with Sevenoaks relocating to the former Luso unit. Could this means a few things either:

An offical Sevenoaks store opens in the former Luso unit, with the existing franchised Sevenoaks store rebranding back to Audio T.
Sevenoaks does not open in the Luso store and the existing franchised Sevenoaks store rebrands back to Audio T.
Or the existing franchised Sevenoaks closes and a new offical Sevenoaks store opens in the former Luso unit.
You missed a fourth option which could be equally likely, namely the existing Sevenoaks-branded store relocating to the former Luso unit and reverting to the Audio T brand as it does so. Regardless of what happens next it's a strange decision to pull out of a merger at such a late stage unless there was a recently-discovered contractual obstacle along the lines of a key distributor threatening to withhold the supply of products to a newly-merged company.

The old Sevenoaks store was at the High Street/Back Turner Street junction, visible on Google Street View as being open in July 2008:

http://maps.google.co.uk/?ll=53.484254,-2.237799&spn=0.004552,0.011888&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=53.484237,-2.237959&panoid=9EARA2eEj45otZLtRwec4A&cbp=12,340.79,,0,7.71

Perhaps Sevenoaks could easily reopen this store since the unit was still empty and complete with original signs when I went past there recently? Certainly I think that Sevenoaks opening a rival store next door to Audio T and almost opposite to Superfi (with all three being not too far from a Richer Sounds and House of Fraser) could be one hi-fi store too many for that area at the current time.

Headancer

May 2nd, 2012, 11:13 PM

Interesting - if the measure is annual visitors the combined totla of Arndale and TC puts Manchester streets ahead............of all others combined !

oakman

May 3rd, 2012, 01:15 AM

flange

May 3rd, 2012, 09:58 AM

Anthropologie will be opening a concession in Selfridges in the TC. The White Company will be moving to along to replace the Ralph Lauren and Yves Delorme area , as they are going. Anthropologie will then take the WC site , with Muji staying where they are.It is a bigger area for the White Company and a first in Manchester for Anthropologie who have stores in London and Edinburgh.
Nespresso in the store will be getting a refit as the boutique has now opened

That is really good news regarding Anthropologie opening within Selfridges, taking the lead after the Anthropologie concession within Selfridges in London. I can imagine it being very successful and they will probably use it as a testing ground as to whether to open a standalone store either in the city centre or at the Trafford Centre. If they did open a standalone store at Trafford Centre I can see Anthropologie opening most likely in Barton Square when the first floor extension & roof is completed.

This will now mean the Trafford Centre will have nearly a complete set of the major American retailers open in the centre with Anthropologie, Apple, Banana Republic, Forever 21, Gap & Hollister. The only ones missing being Urban Outfitters and A&F or Gilly Hicks though whether they will expand with further stores is unknown right now.

Am a but surprised Nespresso is staying open in Selfridges, what with the boutique now being open, the trade in Selfridges will surely have gone down now.

flange

May 3rd, 2012, 04:47 PM

flange

May 3rd, 2012, 07:44 PM

Bad times for Argos.

230 Argos sites under threat: Owner in tough talks with landlords after plunge in profits

The 748-strong chain says leases on around 230 branches are up for renewal in the next five years.

CATALOGUE chain Argos has put nearly a third of its store owners on notice after a 60% slump in profits.

The 748-strong chain says leases on around 230 branches are up for renewal in the next five years.

While all stores make a profit now, Terry Duddy, boss of Argos owner Home Retail Group, said it would be looking at whether they will in the future, and if it has other stores nearby, when negotiating with landlords.

Tough bargaining with around 30 store owners last year has already slashed its rent bill by £20million, with average reductions of 16%, shorter leases and the chance to get out, rent-free, after five years.

The chain is likely to close 10 stores this year, and could axe 50 over the next five years.

But Duddy ruled out widespread closures in the near future as they’d be lumbered with rent and rates on empty sites.

He told Your Money: “Landlords take notice when you start questioning whether you’ll stay in a store. In some of these cases we have another store nearby.

"If we can transfer 25% of our sales to out of town stores, we can ask for a significant reduction in rent or we’ll go.”

Your Money first raised the threat of store closures last month, with new Argos managing director John Walden believed to have hired consultants to review the company’s options.

It came as profits at Argos plunged from £219m to £94m after falling TV and video game and console sales, and deep discounting.

However, its online sales are booming, with Argos Britain’s second largest internet retailer after web giant Amazon.

Profits at DIY sister chain Homebase crashed 50% to £22.8m, with leases on 65 of its stores up for renewal.

The sharp drop forced bosses to scrap its final dividend, with the £80m saving pumped back into the business. The move angered investors, with a 13% slump in its share price yesterday.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/money/city-news/230-argos-sites-under-threat-816111

Possibly the Great Ancoats Street store at risk off closure maybe, what with that retail park getting more and more vacant units, and the City Council wanting the land redeveloped.

oakman

May 4th, 2012, 12:44 AM

The Nespresso machines still sell very well in Selfridges , lots of customers find the boutique staff quite rude to deal with ! You can buy the machines in John Lewis and Debenhams as well ,and they all do well ; the only draw back is you can only buy the capsules on line or in the Nespresso boutique !

flange

May 4th, 2012, 01:45 PM

Urban Exchange will be fully let soon. With a new planning application online to change the use of the last empty unit to a gym, which will be used as a extension to Pure Gym.

Urban Exchange Piccadilly Basin 100 Great Ancoats Street Manchester M4 6DE

Change of use of existing shop unit (Use Class A1) to a gymnasium (Use Class D2) and alterations to the rear of the property.

http://pa.manchester.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=M2DBBWBC01D00

flange

May 4th, 2012, 02:01 PM

It looks like the retailer opening in the former Jewel Nation unit in the Arndale will be Miss Diva, the store is now stocked with shoes and the fit out matches their others stores too.

http://www.missdiva.co.uk/

SF07

May 4th, 2012, 08:18 PM

http://www.dransfield.co.uk/news.php?id=625

Noticed that Card Factory was open this week although there was a sign in the door saying that they're only accepting cash payments at the moment. Not a good start. :bash:

flange

May 4th, 2012, 09:53 PM

Good to see them back in Manchester for a second year.

Moroccan Market In St Ann's Square

Why do we like Moroccan markets? Because they're so very moorish.....

A SLICE of North African culture will enliven St Ann ’s Square this week as the Moroccan Market of Handicraft returns to the city.

There's pottery and ceramics, handmade carpets and leather goods, plus a Moroccan Gnawa band and traditional foods – prepared with authentic herb and spices.

The touring market has chosen Manchester as a destination on its journey across the country after the remarkable success of the bazaar last year.

This is the second time the market has pitched up in the city offering five days of Moroccan culture between Tuesday 1 May and Saturday 5 May – between 9am and 5.30pm each day. There's pottery and ceramics, handmade carpets and leather goods, plus a Moroccan Gnawa band and traditional foods – prepared with authentic herb and spices.

Aziz Afkir, organiser of the Moroccan Market of Handicraft, said: "We were so pleased with the success of the Berber market last summer we just had to return to Manchester. The local people are always fantastic – they really want to immerse themselves in Moroccan culture.”

Vicky Rosin, Manchester City Council’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: "Manchester Markets continue to surprise with the varied array of traders they bring to the city. It’s fantastic to see different cultures being represented – showcasing the best in traditional crafts and foods – that go towards enriching the lives and experiences of Manchester residents.”

For more information visit: www.themoroccanmarketofhandicraft.co.uk

http://www.manchesterconfidential.co.uk/Entertainment/Events-and-Listings/Moroccan-Market-In-St-Anns-Square

flange

May 5th, 2012, 02:38 PM

Baskin Robbins looking to expand in the UK.

Baskin-Robbins to create 400 new jobs

Jamie Grierson

Friday 04 May 2012

The world's largest chain of ice cream shops today unveiled plans to nearly double its presence in the UK over the next three years in a move that could create up to 400 jobs.

Baskin-Robbins, which has 100 UK sites, including stand-alone restaurants and concessions in other shops and cinemas, wants to open another 80 franchises.

The announcement comes after the chain, which is owned by the group behind Dunkin' Donuts, opened three new venues yesterday in north-west London, Middlesex and Hertfordshire.

The move will be welcomed as youth unemployment in the UK remains above the one million mark and economists predict the total jobless rate will increase in the months ahead.

Nigel Travis, chief executive of parent group Dunkin Brands, said: "Baskin-Robbins' further growth in the UK provides an excellent opportunity for those looking to develop a franchise business. It also means hundreds of new jobs, which we are particularly pleased to be supporting."

Baskin-Robbins, which has more than 6,700 locations in nearly 50 countries around the world, said it was looking for "entrepreneurs with a strong financial background and a passion for their local communities".

The three new venues in London, Middlesex and Hertfordshire will feature the company's new international restaurant design, which includes lounge-style seating, interactive menu displays and improved dessert displays.

Baskin-Robbins, based in Massachusetts, was founded in 1945 and reported sales of nearly 1.8 billion US dollars (£1.1 billion) in 2011.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/baskinrobbins-to-create-400-new-jobs-7714938.html

uklad1979

May 5th, 2012, 02:51 PM

Baskin Robbins looking to expand in the UK.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/baskinrobbins-to-create-400-new-jobs-7714938.html

Didnt the partnership with Millie's Cookies end as they were moving to Häagen-Dazs? I imagine they have been left with less outlets because of that.

They should open Baskin and Dunkin duel stores as the local franchise here in the UAE has done. Seems to make sense as icecream is very seasonal in the UK so having a the secondary comfort food keeps sales going whatever the weather.

flange

May 5th, 2012, 03:02 PM

Didnt the partnership with Millie's Cookies end as they were moving to Häagen-Dazs? I imagine they have been left with less outlets because of that.

They should open Baskin and Dunkin duel stores as the local franchise here in the UAE has done. Seems to make sense as icecream is very seasonal in the UK so having a the secondary comfort food keeps sales going whatever the weather.

I think it might have got replaced with Ben & Jerrys in some locations, as one of the Millies Cookies units in the Arndale got rebranded to a Ben & Jerrys kiosk and the other Millies Cookies unit in the Arndale in the Wintergardens has now got Ben & Jerry within it too.

Dunkin Donuts tried the UK a while back, but it failed, although with Krispy Kreme now seeming to be successful, they could see it as them time to relaunch back into the UK market with Baskin Robbins.

Seasonedbest

May 5th, 2012, 03:22 PM

Dunkin Donuts is superior to Krispy Kreme in the US. DD have a larger presence in big cities and on trains, and probably now more famous for their cheap take-away coffee. Unofficially, from my experience Dunkin Donuts competition has now become Starbucks, certainly in terms of morning business, as opposed to a Millie’s Cookies type venture.

I think they’d do well opening stores in business areas of Manchester under their new business model.

Mycure

May 5th, 2012, 04:48 PM

Starbucks at The University of Manchester is opening soon.

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/726/asi0raqcqaaiv0ajpglarge.jpg

Seasonedbest

May 5th, 2012, 05:01 PM

Bloody hell, my business school. Money gone.

flange

May 5th, 2012, 05:15 PM

Seasonedbest

May 5th, 2012, 05:31 PM

Starbucks have taken the space that used to be the cafe within Blackwell Books, to open at the University Precinct. They should make a killing there though, it is the only branded coffee shop down this area of Oxford Road, with the only other one being Caffe Nero further up Oxford Road opposite the former BBC building.

True. Except that there is a full Costa Coffee in MBS West, and further up past the Academy. Plus numerous buildings have them new Costa Express outlets. But sure, it will make a killing. The place is rammed full of rich internationals.

VoldemortBlack

May 6th, 2012, 01:12 AM

Looks like it's come a long way since a few years ago when it was about to go bust

Afflecks Wins Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Award

May 04, 2012

Afflecks, the Manchester shopping emporium owned by property group Bruntwood, has won a top regional accolade.

It took the commercial property prize at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors' north west awards last night. Judges said Bruntwood, which bought Afflecks in 2008, had restored the landmark Northern Quarter building to 'an exceptional standard' without losing its cultural significance and unique heritage, adding that the work had led to a doubling of occupancy levels.

The panel, chaired by Jane Thompson, a surveyor at Bolton-based Miller Metcalfe, said Afflecks was now 'an attractive shopping emporium of eclecticism'.

Other Greater Manchester winners at the awards, which were presented at a ceremony at The Point venue at Lancashire Country Cricket Club's Old Trafford headquarters, were: Ordsall Museum, Salford (building conservation); Wigan Life Centre (regeneration); the MediaCityUK footbridge at Salford Quays (infrastructure); Heywood Sports Village (community benefit) and the Greenheys housing development, Moss Side (residential property).

The Brockholes Visitor Village, near Preston, won the design and innovation and tourism and leisure categories and was named project of the year.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1492899_afflecks-wins-royal-institution-of-chartered-surveyors-award?s_cid=business%20bulletin-20120504%20(1204)

neil081273

May 6th, 2012, 10:36 AM

Starbucks have taken the space that used to be the cafe within Blackwell Books, to open at the University Precinct. They should make a killing there though, it is the only branded coffee shop down this area of Oxford Road, with the only other one being Caffe Nero further up Oxford Road opposite the former BBC building.

There is another Starbucks over the road from the Costa Coffee near the former BBC building.

uklad1979

May 6th, 2012, 04:38 PM

I think it might have got replaced with Ben & Jerrys in some locations, as one of the Millies Cookies units in the Arndale got rebranded to a Ben & Jerrys kiosk and the other Millies Cookies unit in the Arndale in the Wintergardens has now got Ben & Jerry within it too.

Dunkin Donuts tried the UK a while back, but it failed, although with Krispy Kreme now seeming to be successful, they could see it as them time to relaunch back into the UK market with Baskin Robbins.

Sorry Flange your right it is Ben & Jerrys. Dunkin had a few stores in london 10yrs back which became Doughnuts & Co when they pulled out. It makes sense now the doughnut market is stronger to come back as they are the biggest brand.
Here we have Krispy Kreme, Dunkin and Tim Hortons so we are spoilt for choice!

flange

May 6th, 2012, 04:52 PM

Sorry Flange your right it is Ben & Jerrys. Dunkin had a few stores in london 10yrs back which became Doughnuts & Co when they pulled out. It makes sense now the doughnut market is stronger to come back as they are the biggest brand.
Here we have Krispy Kreme, Dunkin and Tim Hortons so we are spoilt for choice!

Ahhhh Tim Hortons, now that is a chain I want in the UK. Just the one week in Toronto made me a convert to Hortons, they only have concessions within Spar stores but in Ireland so far.

Tony_H1

May 6th, 2012, 07:22 PM

Theres one in the Spar, T2 Manchester airport :)

neil081273

May 8th, 2012, 09:45 AM

Workmen are currently fitting out the old Moo Cow Coffee kiosk in St James Square.

flange

May 8th, 2012, 11:29 AM

Retailers renew leases at Merseyway Shopping Centre

May 08, 2012

Eleven national retailers at Stockport's Merseyway Shopping Centre have renewed their leases.
WH Smith, Thorntons, Superdrug and Beaverbrooks are amongst the high street names who have committed to new leases.

GVA, the Manchester agent for the centre and letting agents Savills and Tushingham Moore, has worked with Merseyway's management team to negotiate the lease renewals.

Shoe store Clarks announced it is planning a refurbishment of its store at the centre following its renewal of a 10 year lease, and the Post Office has agreed to a further 15 year lease at Merseyway.

Mark Rawstron, managing agent for Merseyway at GVA, said: "It's hugely encouraging to see retailers committing to lease renewals as the investment in the centre pays off.

"Attracting more shoppers to the centre and helping national retailers generate business is key to a successful town centre.

"We are reminded regularly that we are in recession, so for retailers to be renewing leases at Merseyway rather than closing their doors proves that business can thrive in Stockport."

The centre has also reported strong growth in footfall.

It is attracting more than 10 million visitors a year and all but four of Merseyway’s 104 shops are either occupied, or about to be occupied.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1493088_retailers-renew-leases-at-merseyway-shopping-centre-

Meadows

May 8th, 2012, 12:07 PM

10-15 year leases?!

neil081273

May 9th, 2012, 09:28 AM

Orange store in St Ann's Square is closed until 10th May for refit.

flange

May 9th, 2012, 03:11 PM

More empty units possible, with Clintons on the brink now.

Clinton Cards on brink of administration

May 09, 2012

Embattled retailer Clinton Cards is set to lose its fight for survival after its largest supplier said it will force it into administration later today.

The retailer, which operates 628 Clintons and 139 Birthdays stores, has requested that its shares be suspended on the London Stock Exchange.

The move comes after its banks - Barclays and taxpayer-backed Royal Bank of Scotland - sold the company's £35m of loans to its biggest supplier, American Greetings.

But whereas the banks waived certain loan conditions, American Greetings has said it will push the company into administration today.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/business/s/1493275_clinton-cards-on-brink-of-administration

flange

May 9th, 2012, 05:47 PM

^^ Clintons now officially in administration.

Clinton Cards formally enters administration

By Jon Whiteaker

Wed 9th May 2012

Troubled high street greeting cards retailer Clinton Cards has formally entered administration this afternoon.

The fall of the business was prompted by its largest supplier American Greetings purchasing £35 million worth of loans owed by Clintons from the retailer’s lenders Barclays Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland last night.

Once in control of the debt, American Greetings decided to enforce the loan against the retailer and as the business has no other way of paying its debt it has had to enter administration.

Founded in 1968, Clintons is the UK’s largest specialist of greeting cards and related products operating over 750 store and employing more than 8,000 staff members across its two retail brands, Clintons Cards and Birthdays.

Zolfo Cooper has been appointed as the administrator for the business, and today explained that the retailer has made accumulated losses of more than £130 million since 2004 and could no longer fund its turnaround strategy.

Peter Saville, Joint Administrator and Partner at Zolfo Cooper, said: “Our first priority is to stabilise the business and assess its financial position.

“We will continue to trade the business whilst we undertake a full marketing exercise to find buyers for all or parts of the Group so that the best possible outcome can be achieved for stakeholders.

“It is likely that a number of stores will need to be closed in order to make the business financially viable. However, Clinton Cards and Birthdays are very well-known brands on the high street and we believe that there is a strong underlying core business.”

Jones is welcoming expressions of interest from third parties to takeover the business, and many suspect that American Greetings may now try to acquire the retailer in a pre-pack deal.

The decision by American Greetings to force the administration seem to have been prompted by Clintons receiving temporary waivers on its debt obligations in order to try and restructure the business.

A statement from the retailer today read: “The company is not in breach of any financial covenant or repayment obligation under the facilities. However, it had been in receipt of temporary waivers for some technical breaches of default related to management changes and supplier related discussions.”

“The board believed that, if the loan facilities were sold to American Greetings, American Greetings would enter into discussions with the company with regard to its ongoing support for the business and expected it to extend the waiver of the technical breaches of the loan agreement.”

Instead it appears that American Greetings did not have confidence in Clintons’ turnaround strategy and has decided to recover owed funds through the administration process.

Clintons had been embarking on a strategic review, initiated by new CEO Darcy Willson-Rymer and originally due to be published tomorrow, which was expected to recommend store closures and a reshaping of its internal management structure.

Trading at the business during the first 14 weeks of its second half period fell 3.5 per cent year-on-year on a like-for-like basis, following a 1.1 per cent underlying trading decline and a loss of £3.7 million recorded for the first half ending January 29th 2012.

http://www.retailgazette.co.uk/articles/34023-clinton-cards-to-enter-administration

marni1971

May 9th, 2012, 09:53 PM

Very sad, but the prices were way too high given the competition...

uklad1979

May 9th, 2012, 10:00 PM

Clintons supplier has bought the debt to force in it into administration and sort it out. I expect they will close many of the loss making Birthdays stores and come out of this with 1 brand and less stores. The supplier needs a strong clintons business to sell its cards so it has no intention of shutting them all down.

Meadows

May 9th, 2012, 10:49 PM

Recessions are good at clearing out bad businesses...

Seasonedbest

May 10th, 2012, 03:35 AM

So that leaves funkypigeon.com then, or just not bother wasting trees.

mclassplanet

May 10th, 2012, 03:44 PM

Clintons weren't just overpriced they were overpriced rubbish as well. Spent 20 minutes in Clintons looking for a birthday card and came out empty-handed, whilst I found exactly what I was looking for after 5 minutes in a rival card shop and it only cost 60p!

(Disclaimer: The workers who have just lost their jobs weren't to blame because it isn't their fault that Clintons stocked unpopular products.)

markydeedrop

May 10th, 2012, 05:51 PM

Scavolini signage now up

SF07

May 10th, 2012, 09:42 PM

Tesco will be opening a new Express store on Oldham Road in Ashton (signs outside says will open in 3 weeks). Looks like Tesco are converting an old pub in the Express store and is located about 50 yards up from the Lidl store.

future.architect

May 10th, 2012, 09:46 PM

H&M on Market Street is looking great, apart from the white window frames. What where they thinking!

flange

May 10th, 2012, 09:50 PM

^^ Yes not so sure on them either future, it should be interesting to see how the last bit of the refurb looks completed around the entrance and the last bit inside the store closed off behind hoardings. I imagine they should be down soon, if they are already not that is.

Cobbydaler

May 10th, 2012, 09:57 PM

flange

May 11th, 2012, 03:48 PM

All the lettings already known about, but now store sizes and openings announced for the extended Superdry store and the new Forever 21 store.

Flurry of fashion deals for The Trafford Centre

09 May 2012

The Trafford Centre in Manchester, owned by Capital Shopping Centres (CSC), has announced a trio of new fashion deals as it continues to build on its reputation as a market leading destination for fashion.

US giant Forever 21 will open its latest store, and its first location in the north, within The Trafford Centre this summer. It will take an 18,078 sq ft flagship at 33/40 Peel Avenue next to New Look and opposite Superdry which has itself signed a deal for an expanded store. The new Forever 21 store will open in July.

Superdry has taken a neighbouring unit to grow from its previous 7,427 sq ft store to a 10,075 sq ft ground floor unit with a 2,032 sq ft mezzanine. The enlarged store, which is at 39/43 Peel Avenue and sits next to Republic as well as opposite the imminently arriving Forever 21, will open in May.

Meanwhile Fat Face, which is located at 160 Peel Avenue on the upper level, has just reopened with its latest shopfit as part of its continued refit programme. The store is opposite Banana Republic, which opened its first store in the north at The Trafford Centre last year.

Julian Wilkinson, Asset Management Director at CSC, said: “Fashion retailers continue to invest heavily in The Trafford Centre and the fact that retailers such as Forever 21 choose the centre for their first store in the north -- whilst Superdry are expanding and Fat Face redesigning - illustrates just how important The Trafford Centre is as a location for leading UK and international fashion names. These new deals create a very powerful fashion cluster within the centre.”

Julian Dunkerton, CEO of Superdry, said: “The Trafford Centre is one of the UK’s most vibrant shopping environments and we have been delighted with trading to date. Our expansion will provide an even more exciting experience for shoppers and we look forward to capitalising on the current trend.”

Toby Bowhill, Brand Director at Fat Face said: “”The evolution of our store design has been focused wholeheartedly on offering our customers an environment that they can feel inspired by and comfortable in, one which expresses the love for the outdoors and experience first-hand what the Fat Face brand stands for which is ‘Life is Out There’. The refitted Trafford store really takes on these elements and through the fixtures and finishes shows our desire to give our customers quality in everything we do.”

http://www.capital-shopping-centres.co.uk/news/press_releases/?id=119457

SF07

May 11th, 2012, 07:47 PM

That was actually an Aldi store nearby, but it's been Farmfoods for the last 4 years or so...

Remember it being an Aldi store, just couldn't remember who it was who moved in when Aldi moved into the town centre.

craig lindsay

May 11th, 2012, 07:50 PM

Custo Barcelona is plotting major retail and wholesale expansion following its UK debut at Westfield Stratford last month.

The premium Spanish lifestyle brand, which opened its 1,600 sq ft Westfield Stratford store in April, is now looking for a central London flagship.

Distributor Love Brands, which oversees Custo Barcelona’s UK retail and wholesale operations, is scouting around Regent Street and Brompton Road for a flagship site.

Love Brands director Michael Shalders said Custo Barcelona will also branch out to more UK cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Glasgow, with plans to open 12 to 15 stores in the next five years.

Shalders also plans to grow Custo Barcelona’s UK stockist base from 35 to 90 and its Custo Line from 40 to 200 stockists.

The Westfield Stratford store sells womenswear and kidswear from its premium Custo Barcelona range and Custo Line casualwear collection.

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/brands/custo-barcelona-hunts-for-uk-flagship/5036604.article?blocktitle=More-News&contentID=7468

craig lindsay

May 11th, 2012, 07:53 PM

Premium makeup brand Stila has collaborated with retail design consultancy The Attic Room to create a second retail area in Harvey Nichols, this time in Manchester.

Following the success of the full retail pilot site in Harvey Nichols Knightsbridge earlier this year, Stila has opened a second retail site in the department store chain, which includes a consultation area and tester bar.

Further plans are in place for a third retail area for Stila in Harvey Nichols, Dublin for early summer.

http://www.retail-focus.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=634:stila-opens-second-retail-site-in-harvey-nics&catid=37:latest-news&Itemid=67#addcomments

iheartthenew

May 11th, 2012, 08:22 PM

Sainsbury's have put in a licensing application for a store in the Standfield Centre, the small precinct in Boothstown. I'm guessing it will be a 'local' store. Good location with not much competition around.

andysimo123

May 12th, 2012, 09:05 PM

From mancunianmatters Altrincham Vintage Market celebrates first birthday after positive year of growth and award-winning stalls

Altrincham Vintage Market is celebrating its first birthday on Sunday.

The Vintage, Craft & Producers Market was established one year ago and has helped bring trade back to the town centre.

When the market first began it had 17 stalls, and that number has rapidly grown over the last year to more than 70 stalls.

Market organiser Gail Titchener said: “We've such positive feedback with people saying how nice it is to see the market really busy again.”

The vintage market, situated on Greenwood Street, has already achieved a booming trade and supplies everything from collectables, locally-produced crafts and jewellery and vintage clothing.

It also boasts stalls selling award-winning food and its own pop-up tearoom, selling homemade cakes muffins and sandwiches.

The vintage market is part of the historical Altrincham Market which was established in 1290.

The addition of the market has attracted lots of new shoppers to Altrincham, which recently ranked ninth in a nation-wide study of shop vacancy rates.

The historical market has not suffered however, and the addition of the vintage market has meant that trade has gone from strength to strength.

The Sunday market supports local entrepreneurs, craftspeople, students and artists by helping to showcase their talents.

Loose Change, who recently performed at A Taste of Trafford, will be belting out tunes in support of Cancer Research at the birthday bash.

The vintage market will take place Sunday 15 April in Altrincham from 11 to 3.30pm, entrance is free.

http://mancunianmatters.co.uk/content/11053461-altrincham-vintage-market-celebrates-first-birthday-after-positive-year-growth-and-

Cobbydaler

May 13th, 2012, 12:15 AM

From mancunianmatters
Pity Castlefield market is such a disappointment...

flange

May 13th, 2012, 05:27 PM

The H&M refurbishment is nearing completion, with the store close to being fully reopen, there is just the store entrance to finish off now, aswell as the temporary staircase, which is now behind hoardings being taken down.

H&M on Market Street is looking great, apart from the white window frames. What where they thinking!
Like you say future the refurbishment is great, it has done the interior of the store the world of good, making it feel so much lighter inside now and also alot bigger too.

Big half page advert in MEN yesterday for Adidas concept store on Market Street. Wouldn't be surprised if they are moving back into their old unit now that Lloyds has been refused.

Adidas are now confirmed to be opening in their former unit on Market Street with this notice in the windows. By the times mentioned on the notice it seems like Adidas could be open around end of June early July.

http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/2983/manchester13thmay201203.jpg

Miss Diva Shoes now open in the Arndale, in the former Jewel Nation unit.

http://img542.imageshack.us/img542/2983/manchester13thmay201203.jpg

Ark are now confirmed to be relocating, hoardings are now up around the former Superdry unit in the Arndale, announcing they are due to open in June.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/3139/manchester13thmay201201.jpg

The M&S Cafe is now reopen on first floor, it has been greatly enlarged and completely sectioned off from the rest of the store.

flange

May 14th, 2012, 02:17 PM

Jellytots and Dollymixtures in Sale, are expanding with opening a second store in Marketplace Shopping Centre in Bolton on Saturday 2nd June.

We've had a busy busy Sunday here but we are very excited to finally announce that we will be opening our second Jellytots & Dollymixtures store at Bolton Marketplace Shopping Centre on Saturday 2nd June!!!

From Jellytots & Dollymixtures Facebook page. (http://www.facebook.com/#!/JellytotsandDollymixtures/posts/10150780728655826)

flange

May 14th, 2012, 02:40 PM

The Ark own brand Hearts & Bows (http://www.arkclothing.com/Ark_Female/Shop_by_brand/Hearts_and_Bows.html) are going to be opening their first standalone store in Manchester, with new job vacancies now being advertised online.

Manchester, Ladies Wear Store Manager, Ref: HB001

We will be opening our first Hearts and Bows store in Manchester and need a strong Manager to drive the brand forwards and succesfully run the team. Good knowledge of current trends is a must along with strong management skills. If you think you have what it takes then please apply with your CV and covering letter to richard@arkclothing.com

Pay: TBC

Closing date for application: 1st June

Employment start date: TBC

Manchester, Assistant Manager, Ref: HB002

Have you what it takes to become part of the Management team in our new and exciting Hearts and Bows store in Manchester. The successful candidate should have previous management/supervisory experience, preferably within a fast fashion environment. You will need to be highly motivated, organised and a good team leader. Strong visual merchandising will also be a benefit. Please apply by sending your CV and covering letter to richard@arkclothing.com.

Pay: TBC

Closing date for application: 1st June

Employment start date: TBC

Manchester, Supervisor, Ref: HB003

We are in need of a strong store supervisor to help with the running of our new and exciting Hearts and Bows store in Manchester. Previous supervisor experience would be beneficial although if you are a strong team member with ambition to move forwards and have what it takes then please apply. You should be focused, motivated and ready to lead. Good communication skills are essential in this role to liaise with both staff above and below. Please apply by sending your CV and covering letter to richard@arkclothing.com

Pay: TBC

Closing date for application: 1st June

Employment start date: TBC

http://www.arkclothing.com/store/recruitment]

Hearts & Bows could possibly be opening in the existing Ark unit on Corporation Street, when they relocate to their new store in the Arndale in June.

Atlantean7001

May 14th, 2012, 04:54 PM

The pub in question, being converted into a TESCO Express store in Ashton-under-Lyne (well, Waterloo to be precise) was The Wellington, a former Wilson's house. I've passed it on the 409 route recently with the signs saying '2 weeks'.

The former ALDI store has been a Farmfoods since 2009, with the new ALDI store moving to its Wellington Road premises a few weeks before Farmfoods opened.

SF07

May 14th, 2012, 08:01 PM

WatcherZero

May 15th, 2012, 03:07 AM

Owners of Robin Park have applied for relaxation of planning permission to allow clothes stores on the site of upto 9,800 square feet. Looks like it will be granted as its not considered a threat to the town centre by the council.

flange

May 15th, 2012, 01:52 PM

Afflecks: A lanch pad for fashion designers and entrepreneurs

Deborah Linton

May 15, 2012

For a generation of Mancunians, Afflecks Palace represents the soul of the city as a mecca for the off-beat and individual.

The modern Afflecks was the idea of James and Elaine Walsh, who launched it in 1982 with a radical new vision. Their ethos - of providing a place where independent entrepreneurs could get a start in the business world – remains to this day.

The couple's insistence on low rents and no long-term contracts made Afflecks a launchpad for some major careers. Wayne Hemingway started his Red or Dead fashion label there, while Tom Bloxham - of property firm Urban Splash - had a postcard stall.

Afflecks' fame spread during the 1990s, when the 'Madchester' music scene was at its height. Legions of young shoppers came from across the region, and the music and vintage clothes stalls did record trade. But as times and fashions changed, Elaine – whose husband had sadly died – was ready to shut the doors for good in 2008. With pressure from stallholders, the public and the M.E.N, landlords Bruntwood reached a deal to take over management of the site.

The word ‘Palace’ was dropped and it was re-launched as just Afflecks. It has thrived ever since, welcoming more than 1m shoppers last year.

An urban myth has grown surrounding Afflecks' origins with many people thinking that building was the originally home of department store Affleck & Brown. In fact Affleck & Brown was further along Oldham Street on the corner of Dale Street and that building is now occupied by flats and shops.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1502699_afflecks-a-launch-pad-for-fashion-designers-and-entrepreneurs

Street party and new mosaics by Northern Quarter artist Mark Kennedy to mark Afflecks 30th birthday

Deborah Linton

May 15, 2012

Afflecks is to get a street party in its honour – and replacements for the mosaics that disappeared from its walls four years ago. Celebrations are in full swing to mark the Tib Street shopping emporium’s 30th anniversary.

The road outside will be closed to traffic on May 26 for a street party that will feature DJs, live music, food and drink, and a fashion show. And a new set of mosaics featuring the city’s pop culture legends will be unveiled the day before to restore the building to its glorious heydey.

Original artworks created for the Northern Quarter landmark 20 years ago by artist Mark Kennedy were taken down as part of a takeover in 2008.

The popular designs included images of music impresario Anthony Wilson, football legend George Best and Stone Roses frontman Ian Brown.

Mr Kennedy was re-commissioned by the current owners, Bruntwood, to come up with a series of replacements.

He is now finishing off a set of pieces which will be put up on Afflecks’ Tib Street wall on May 25. They include homages to Manchester icons including Factory Records, Coronation Street, City and United, and the Suffragettes. Afflecks general manager Tony Martin said: “We are all very excited about the mosaics being reinstated.

“Each one represents something to do with our fantastic city and the work of Mark Kennedy is unique and will compliment our wonderful steel tree sculpture that is loved by our shoppers and passers-by.”

Mr Kennedy said: “For your work to be wanted by the people of your own town is a great privilege. Manchester’s always looked after me - it’s nice to give something back.”

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1502634_street-party-and-new-mosaics-by-northern-quarter-artist-mark-kennedy-to-mark-afflecks-30th-birthday

flange

May 15th, 2012, 03:58 PM

Denby opens at Lowry Outlet Mall on Thursday 24th May.

The Lowry Outlet Mall serves up a new signing as Denby is confirmed to open

Leading tableware and cookware supplier, Denby, is confirmed to open at the Lowry Outlet Mall on 24th May 2012.

Occupying a 1246 sq ft unit, on the ground floor, Denby will employ six members of staff in its new store. Offering its renowned collection of dinnerware sets, exquisite china, timeless glassware and contemporary cookware. Combining sumptuous design and exceptional quality and functionality, Denby is ideal for all formal and informal dining occasions.

In an intensely competitive retail market, keeping customers satisfied has never been so important. The Lowry Outlet Mall continues to deliver here, with an expanding and extensive retail and leisure mix, giving customers quality brands for less.

The Mall recently announced strong performance figures, where sales are currently up 11% year on year and footfall is up 14% year on year. The homeware category has performed particularly well with sales currently up 94% year on year. Stores in this retail category include M&S Outlet Furniture & Home Accessories, Tefal, @Home, Whittard of Chelsea, Ponden Home Interiors and Belledorm.

Sue McIntosh, Head of Retail at Denby, said: "We are thrilled to open this new store in the Lowry Outlet Mall, to add to our growing portfolio of Outlet Stores in the UK. Our stores stock the latest Denby tableware alongside our complementary Cookshop Collection and offer not only contemporary design but great value and choice for outlet shoppers."

Robert Hallworth, Centre Manager at the Lowry Outlet Mall, said: "Denby is an iconic British brand with an impressive, high-quality offering. With the recent figures report showing that the Mall's homeware category is continuing to out perform; Denby is a strong and welcome addition to the Mall's current retail portfolio."

http://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/5/11/the-lowry-outlet-mall-serves-up-a-new-signing-as-denby-is-confirmed-to-open.aspx

Seems like Denby will not be opening in the former Thomas Cook unit then like we originally thought, with it being stated above they will open on the ground floor.

marsden

May 15th, 2012, 08:48 PM

Saw this on the Lego jobs website! A second Lego store for the city is pretty cool!
link (http://jobsatlego.com/united-kingdom/manchester/retail/jobid2421604-store-manager-manchester-jobs)

flange

May 15th, 2012, 08:59 PM

Good find there marsden, is good news for the Arndale, the openings are now starting to all come back now all over the city centre too.

The Lego store will be a pretty big store too, with the size of the store to be 2, 695 sq ft and due to open at the end of August from the job vacancy you linked too.

WingTips

May 16th, 2012, 12:52 PM

Denby opens at Lowry Outlet Mall on Thursday 24th May.

http://www.orbit-developments.co.uk/news/2012/5/11/the-lowry-outlet-mall-serves-up-a-new-signing-as-denby-is-confirmed-to-open.aspx

Seems like Denby will not be opening in the former Thomas Cook unit then like we originally thought, with it being stated above they will open on the ground floor.

It will be located in unit 59 (the former Julian Graves store on the ground floor-being fitted out as we speak) more or less opposite the M&S home outlet.

Mycure

May 16th, 2012, 02:55 PM

Starbucks at The University of Manchester is now open. Didn't go inside but it looks like quite a large one from the outside.

flange

May 16th, 2012, 03:19 PM

New planning application has gone in for the new Adidas store on Market Street, looks like no new shopfront from sounds of it, just new signage and a major refurb of the inside.

52 - 56 Market Street Manchester M1 1PW

Application for individually lettered fascia sign above shop-front.

http://www.publicaccess.manchester.gov.uk/associateddocs/MCCList1.aspx?099129/AO/2012/C1

No documents are online just yet.

flange

May 16th, 2012, 03:54 PM

Looks like adding the retail units at Dalton House in Sale, has proved successful enough that the same will happen to the office block across the street, space is now being marketed for ground floor space at the Cornerhouse in Sale.

ACCOMMODATION

The premises are arranged over ground floor only providing 2,850 sqft (264.75sqm) with 8 onsite car parking spaces. There is potential to extend the ground floor to provide a total area of 4,140 sqft (384.58sqm) should this be required.

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/8020/cornerhousesale.jpg

I can see the unit possibly being taken by a supermarket for their convience store format, either ASDA Supermarket, M Local or Little Waitrose, due to these companies having no presence in the Sale area.

Store plan approved for 'gateway to Sale'

Wednesday 16th May 2012 in News

Store plan approved for 'gateway to Sale'

PLANNING chiefs have given the green light to a proposal for offices at the ‘gateway to Sale’ to be used as a store.

The scheme will see ground floor offices at the junction of Cross Street and Glebelands Road being converted to retail use.

Planning committee member, Cllr Laurence Walsh, said: "This is an important site, it is the gateway to Sale. We want to see a vibrant shopping area.”

Cllr Mike Whetton said: “I hope this acts as a catalyst for regeneration along the A56 towards Sale.”

The planning committee unanimously approved the application.

http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/9705917.Store_plan_approved_for__gateway_to_Sale_/

flange

May 16th, 2012, 04:47 PM

Topshop and Topman Join Outfit

Topshop and Topman are coming to Outfit at Manchester Fort on Wednesday 30th May. A special launch event will take place on the morning of the 30th with Hollyoaks celebrities, fabulous entertainment and a special ribbon cutting to mark the opening Please see our Facebook and Twitter pages for regular updates...

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

Seasonedbest

May 16th, 2012, 06:36 PM

Starbucks at The University of Manchester is now open. Didn't go inside but it looks like quite a large one from the outside.

It is quite large, was packed full when I was in there. Students filling up on coffee before exams.

flange

May 16th, 2012, 07:54 PM

Store closures to begin at Clintons, along with the Birthdays brand leaving the high street.

Clinton Cards to close 350 stores with 2,800 job losses

Troubled retailer Clinton Cards, which is in administration, is to close almost half its stores across the UK, leading to the loss of 2,800 jobs.

Adminstrators Zolfo Cooper said that it has "regrettably" decided to close about 350 stores of its total of 784.

The closures include all of its Birthdays-branded stores.

"In the course of this work it has become clear that the business is burdened with an untenable retail estate," it said.

Clinton Cards was placed in administration on 9 May.

Founded in 1968, it was the UK's biggest card retailer and before its collapse employed more than 8,000 staff.

In March, Clinton Cards reported a loss of £3.7m for the six months to the end of January and said the outlook for 2012 was worse than previously thought.

It had loans of £35m to banks, which were then sold on its supplier, American Greetings.

While the banks had waived certain conditions for the loans, American Greetings had pressed for repayments that Clinton Cards could not meet.

Clinton Cards has been restructuring its business to try to turn around its fortunes, including closing a number of Clintons and Birthdays-branded UK stores.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-18096654

flange

May 17th, 2012, 02:00 PM

Finally confirmed Tesco are opening in the former Kro2 unit on Oxford Road. With a new license application having gone online today for it.

Tesco

Tesco, Oxford House, Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 7EF

Application Type: Premises Licence (New)

Proposed licensable activities to be carried on at the premises:

Proposed trading hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises only:
Mon to Sun 0600 to 2300

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

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500047/city_centre/610/city_centre-current_licence_applications/16

I wonder if we will get another protest again?

MancKnight

May 17th, 2012, 02:02 PM

ANOTHER Tesco. Hooray...

flange

May 17th, 2012, 04:13 PM

The list of Clintons and Birthdays closures now released, here are the one that relate to Greater Manchester

Ashton - Arcades Centre
Bolton - Market Place
Bolton - Middlebrook
Denton
Manchester - The Fort
Oldham - Town Square
Salford - Lowry Centre
Stockport - Warren Street
Stretford, Arndale Centre
Wigan
Wigan - Robin Retail Park

http://www.propertyweek.com/news/news-by-sector/retail/revealed-full-list-of-clinton-cards-stores-most-at-risk-of-closure/5036863.article

WatcherZero

May 17th, 2012, 08:36 PM

The Robin Park is a Birthdays/Thorntons duo, not sure which of the two Clintons Cards in Wigan town centre is closing.

flange

May 18th, 2012, 09:15 PM

Superdry have now opened up their store extension on Lower Peel Avenue.

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/5243/traffordcentre18thmay20.jpg

Forever 21 finally announcing their opening at Trafford Centre on the hoarings on Lower Peel Avenue, they are due to open in July.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5243/traffordcentre18thmay20.jpg

Fat Face is ready to reopen tomorrow in the Trafford Centre, the new concept is just that it has an open shop front with no store window , the interior fit out is similar in style but seems more spacious . The completely open front gives it a lot more room , it was always a very cramped store.

The new Fat Face concept store on Upper Peel Avenue.

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/5243/traffordcentre18thmay20.jpg

Jack Jones on Upper Regent Crescent is closed for a store refurbishment they reopen on Monday 21st May.

The Body Shop is now reopen after their store refurbishment on Upper Regent Crescent.

http://img696.imageshack.us/img696/5243/traffordcentre18thmay20.jpg

flange

May 18th, 2012, 09:58 PM

Hoarings are now up around the former Adidas unit, for the begining of the Apple extension and refurbishment.

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/7495/manchester18thmay201205.jpg

With the hoarings now up, the temporary store will probably be opening soon.

At Marks & Spencer, the hoardings are now down around the new hot food to go counter, it looks like it will open next week, with the hot food to go counter next to the row of tills and then there is a new dining area which is in the middle of both sets of escalators. Also the new Bakery is now open, with the former Bakery and the temporary cafe now closed off behind hoardings being refurbished.

The metal structures are now coming down at the refurbishment at The Triangle.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/1622/manchester18thmay201201.jpg

Lookin Up

May 18th, 2012, 10:19 PM

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/8020/cornerhousesale.jpg

Blimey, odd looking building. Assume they're going to call it Darth Vader House.
Might be more evidence of the threat of the (Tesco) Evil Empire.
Actually yes certainly, the architects have designed it that way to attract Tesco:lol:

r02bapurdie

May 18th, 2012, 10:21 PM

andysimo123

May 18th, 2012, 11:06 PM

That unit Apple are planning to expand into looks massive on its own compared with the old store. Any idea on just how big it will be?

Cobbydaler

May 18th, 2012, 11:19 PM

Tunisian Market in St Ann's Square this weekend:
Tunisian Treasures Market

St. Ann's Square, City Centre
Saturday 19 May to Friday 1 June

Head down to St Ann's Square in May to enjoy the exotic sights and smells of the Tunisian Treasures Market.

New to Manchester for 2012, browse the stalls in the Tunisian Bazaar and pick up some stunning handmade goods. You'll find ceramics, tiles, terracotta lamps, drums and leather bags and slippers all handcrafted by Tunisian Artisans. You'll also be able to buy olive wood ornaments, jewellery, carpets and spices.

Peruse the traditional Tunisian clothing stall or be wow'd by the delicate blown glass ornaments - you can even purchase a handmade leather puffie to rest your feet on!

After admiring all on offer, schedule a stop at The Medina bedouin tent and enjoy a cup of mint tea or moorish Tunisian coffee. Don't forget to sample the delicious salads and patisseries too!Looks a lot like the Moroccan Market at the beginning of the month....

Link (http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/616/specialist_markets/5569/tunisian_treasures_market/1)

Mycure

May 19th, 2012, 12:49 PM

Oh wow! The apple store looks huge compared to the current one. Do you guys think they'll just move to the former Adidas unit or will they knock off the wall between the current apple store and the former adidas unit to create one giant store?

future.architect

May 19th, 2012, 12:54 PM

knock off the wall between the current apple store and the former adidas unit to create one giant store?

This

Seasonedbest

May 19th, 2012, 01:02 PM

The double sized stores are really not any more impressive than the single units. The Genius Bar is just extended and they have an additional table of merch. Although I welcome a bigger store, they are nothing compared to a standalone store in a listed building.

flange

May 19th, 2012, 01:38 PM

That unit Apple are planning to expand into looks massive on its own compared with the old store. Any idea on just how big it will be?

Yes it will be huge, I would say size wise it would be around the same size as Monsoon or Hollister so possibly around 10,000 sq ft, but so far we dont know if Apple will use the mezzanine level yet, if they do the store could become even bigger.

The double sized stores are really not any more impressive than the single units. The Genius Bar is just extended and they have an additional table of merch. Although I welcome a bigger store, they are nothing compared to a standalone store in a listed building.

Sometimes they can be a bit dull Seasoned, but Apple know that the Arndale store is one of there best perfoming store, so they will be investing heavily into the extension and refurbishment. According to civstu the store will have a all new glass shopfront so it should be a major departure from the existing Apple store at the Arndale. Though I do agree the Apple stores in a listed buildings are beautiful, though I doubt that will ever happen in Manchester sadly.

flange

May 19th, 2012, 07:30 PM

David v Goliath: Newsagent takes on Tesco in court in bid to stop them opening store next door

Exclusive by Paul Britton

May 19, 2012

http://m.gmgrd.co.uk/res/62.$plit/C_71_article_1512676_image_list_image_list_item_0_image.jpg?18%2F05%2F2012%2018%3A00%3A37%3A786
Newsagent Vivienne Nuttall has delayed Tesco opening a store next door to her shop. Now the row will go to court where she will take on landlord Bruntwood, which she says is breaching the terms of her lease

A newsagent is fighting a multi-million pound property developer in a ‘David and Goliath’ court battle to stop a new Tesco opening up next door.

Vivienne Nuttall, who runs West Riverside News, has launched legal action against Bruntwood to try to stop them from leasing the unit next to her shop to Tesco for a new Express store.

She rents her shop, which is in the Riverside Building in New Bailey Street, Salford, from Bruntwood, which has a portfolio valued at about £940m.

And she claims the new Tesco breaches a clause of her lease which prevents any other competing business from opening on the same site.

Mrs Nuttall said the Tesco Express, which is currently being fitted out, was due to open yesterday.

But on Thursday she went to the High Court at Manchester Civil Justice Centre seeking an injunction to stop them opening.

And she won a temporary reprieve when Bruntwood agreed they would not grant Tesco a lease or allow the store to open until after a two-day trial next month.

Signs that were put up advertising the imminent opening of the Tesco Extra store have now been taken down.

The clause will be examined at the trial and one issue will be what defines a newsagent.

Mrs Nuttall, 48, from Rochdale, said: "We understand the lease to mean that Bruntwood cannot put anyone else in this building that sells what we sell.

"Bruntwood are saying, we understand, that we are a newsagent and Tesco is a supermarket, so there is no conflict. But we sell things that they would sell.

"This business is my livelihood and my life. I have no option but to fight back. We are fighting for our future."

She has owned West Riverside News, opposite Salford Central train station, for six years. The newsagents has been open for 40 years. The site next door used to be a children’s nursery and salon but it closed about 18 months ago.

Salford council agreed last July to let Bruntwood extend the building forward. The glass-fronted extension, including a cash machine, now forms the front of the Tesco Express store.

But Mrs Nuttall also claims that Bruntwood hasn’t applied for the correct form of planning permission concerning a change of use to retail premises on behalf of Tesco.

She said: "In January we found out that Tesco were coming. We contacted Bruntwood and they said let’s meet and see how we will go forward.

"We said we would move out subject to suitable compensation. We made an offer but lawyers for Bruntwood said they did not agree. They said we could leave and they would not charge us any more rent until the end of the lease. It was not acceptable.

"I feel like this is a case of David and Goliath but also feel that other people should be aware of what is going on."

Bruntwood said it couldn’t comment because of the ongoing legal process.

But a spokesman added: "On all aspects of the planning process we continue to work with the relevant local authorities."

Tesco said it couldn’t comment.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1512676_david-v-goliath-newsagent-takes-on-tesco-in-court-in-bid-to-stop-them-opening-store-next-door

Surely West Riverside News already has the competition from Londis next door and Pure Convience in the arches?

iheartthenew

May 19th, 2012, 08:08 PM

I imagine Bruntwood would argue that Riverside news fits the description/classification of a CTN (confectionary, tobacco, news) where as the Tesco will be classified as a convenience store. They could argue taking the restriction on selling competing items to literally would be an onerous and unfair interpretation of the lease. Bruntwood/Tesco could agree to not sell newspapers and magazines as a sop to them but I think Riverside News will end up with an almighty legal bill.

I think Londis/Pure will suffer much more. Riverside News might enjoy some of the extra footfall but no-ones gonna cross the road to the others. In Monton both newsagents have survived but the Spar is now defunct.

uklad1979

May 19th, 2012, 09:01 PM

I used to work in a building close by and that shop used to be overpriced and hasn't adapted over the years. I can imagine she is upset that Tesco has come to town and she will have to lower her prices. The benefits office public entrance was next door so they did a roaring trade on cigarettes.

Meadows

May 19th, 2012, 10:57 PM

It's a free market, adapt or die. Offer something different if you don't want to lose customers.

civstu

May 21st, 2012, 04:09 PM

The temporary Apple Store opens this Saturday. Current Apple Store closes at 8pm on Friday, then everything is being moved over during the night

flange

May 21st, 2012, 07:30 PM

Thanks for the information civstu, all still planned for a 12 week closure and build then?

VoldemortBlack

May 21st, 2012, 07:37 PM

Flange, any news on the Printworks and Triangle refurb?

flange

May 21st, 2012, 07:40 PM

Not heard any new news that we do not know about, work has started on The Triangle though now with the metal sculpture works coming down inside.

The metal structures are now coming down at the refurbishment at The Triangle.

http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/1622/manchester18thmay201201.jpg

Remember though this is just phase 1 of the works, the rest will include the full refurbishment and redevelopment of the building, when new retailers will open.

The Printworks refurbishment is probably happening, it is just not visible to the general public yet.

VoldemortBlack

May 21st, 2012, 07:46 PM

Thanks. Am I right in remembering that the Printworks redevelopment will include a new mezannine?

flange

May 21st, 2012, 08:04 PM

Yes possibly, a mezzanine level to connect to the upper level of the former Opus unit, which is due to get redeveloped into two units, one on the ground flor and one on the first floor. Though nothing has been put in for planning for that so far. Then there is the alreayd approved work on the outside, with the new signage zones and the new tv screen too, to begin.

There are two new bars or restaurants confirmed for Printworks that we know who will open, with a third apparently signed too. Aswell as the former Hard Rock Casino unit finally being 'Under Offer' now, so that could be getting relet very soon too.

VoldemortBlack

May 21st, 2012, 08:34 PM

Excellent, tar flange. Although I have it in my books that Printworks is due for completion by the end of the year..?

flange

May 21st, 2012, 08:39 PM

^^ Yes they are due to complete towards the end of the year, according to some website, but that could all change, who knows. Like I said not much is none about the works in the general domain, just on a few website. Work apparently started in November last year, but most likely behind the scene, reconfiguring units etc.

uklad1979

May 21st, 2012, 08:42 PM

Maybe a bowling ally will open in the old hard rock unit. It's all the craze and the location is far enough from the other one opening.

flange

May 21st, 2012, 08:46 PM

Dont you mean the other two opening uklad, though it is a possibility, the unit is 25,000 sq ft in size. Hopefully it might be something different though, maybe another leisure use new to Manchester. I have always thought with that unit, that having it connected inside The Printworks would help alot more with the unit really, along with the corner entrance that already exists.

Seasonedbest

May 21st, 2012, 08:55 PM

^^Anywhere I can get hold of floor plans for the Printworks and specifically, the Odeon?

flange

May 22nd, 2012, 05:35 PM

^^ Not really sure on that Seasoned, really only ones I see are GOAD plans for letting brochure for the units in The Printworks. Probably best place is the planning pages online for any previous Printworks applications.

Seasonedbest

May 22nd, 2012, 09:02 PM

^^Danke

Tony_H1

May 23rd, 2012, 01:28 AM

I suppose it is kind of retail related. Outside the Triangle today on the gardens side they were finally sorting out the grass that had become desert areas. How long it will last is anyones guess!

JohnnyLeigh

May 23rd, 2012, 02:09 PM

Leigh:

Work starting on replacing 43.4k sqft Sainsburys with new 138k sq ft Sainsburys
new: http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/10539-brookhouse-s-supermarket-proposal-approved.html
old: http://outoftownretail.joneslanglasalle.co.uk/index.php?p=viewPlan&id=2834

Last 6 months:
110k sqft Tesco opened (+7 screen cineworld & 4 restaurants) http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/6062-leigh-town-centre-plans-approved.html
&
65k sqft Morrisons opened http://www.hallconstruction.uk.com/admin/uploads/file/Morrisons%20-%20Leigh.pdf

both are quite nice actually, as far as supermarkets go.
The Sainsburys development is part of a wider scheme for Parsonage Way which will see 150 new homes and about 300k sq ft office space too.

flange

May 23rd, 2012, 08:53 PM

Looks like the Primark refurbishment will last until at least December, with this new planning application online.

Primark Stores 106 - 122 Market Street Manchester M1 1WA

Application for 2x temporary hoarding signs attached to scaffolding on Piccadilly Elevation and Market St from 23rd April - 16th December 2012

http://pa.manchester.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=M1JG4YBC01D00

flange

May 23rd, 2012, 09:08 PM

Trafford Centre outperforms market

23rd May 2012

By Mike Fahy - Assistant Editor

DESPITE the difficulties in the wider retail market, The Trafford Centre enjoyed a bumper 2011, according to newly-filed accounts.

The centre, which was bought from Peel by Capital Shopping Centres (CSC) in a £1.6bn deal in January 2011, saw its turnover grow to £97m, compared with £70.9m for the nine months to December 2010. Rental income also increased to £81.2m (9 months 2010: £57.2m), although pre-tax profits dipped slightly to £26.2m (£32.1m). This was due partly to higher interest payments of £54.2m (£25.1m) on its debts.

Visitor numbers also increased by 1.1%, despite the fact that shoppers have generally been making fewer car journeys.

A report accompanying the Trafford Centre's accounts prepared by CSC's finance director, Matthew Roberts, said that it "continued to improve as evidenced by improving tenant mix, new bigger and better flagship stores and net rental income growth."

It attracted a new group of retailers including Banana Republic, Boux Avenue, VANS, Elvis Jesus Jeans, North Face and Bose.

"In total, 18 new stores and 23 refits account for £15m of new tenant investment into the centre," said Roberts.

"Our continued strategy to refuse to compromise tenant mix has been a key part of the success of the centre, attracting new customers and maintaining a very strong retail and catering line-up that is refreshed."

He added that several of the centre's retailers - including Superdry, La Senza and WH Smith - had taken extra space in the centre,

Several tenants who have been in the centre since its opening in 1998 are on 15-year leases which are due to expire in 2013.

"With the continued appetite for new space on ERV rental terms and the low level of voids in the centre, we are now well-placed to move forward in renewing, re-gearing and securing new high quality tenants to the centre," said Roberts.

In a recent trading update, CSC said it was planning a £50m investment in the centre, including "a major new leisure attraction" at Barton Square, which is understood to be an aquarium.

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

AndrooGM

May 23rd, 2012, 09:28 PM

Looks like the Primark refurbishment will last until at least December, with this new planning application online.

http://pa.manchester.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=M1JG4YBC01D00

According to Primark's own signage on the scaffolding on the Piccadilly Gardens side, the refurb will be complete in Spring 2013.

flange

May 23rd, 2012, 09:32 PM

Thanks for that AndrooGM, that planning application will be for the signage you talk about. Over a year to refurbish the store, it really is gonna be such a huge difference for the store then.

flange

May 24th, 2012, 08:25 PM

Peel Holdings gets go-ahead for supermarket on Neary Way, Trafford Retail Park

Thursday 24th May 2012

A PLANNING inspector has given the go-ahead for an out-of-town supermarket in Trafford Retail Park, after rejecting claims that it would hit trade in Urmston and Stretford.

Developer Peel Holdings was given the green light at the appeal to open a 7,426 sq m store on Neary Way, which is a mile from Urmston town centre.

Trafford's planning committee turned down the application in February last year, on the grounds that it would hit trade in Urmston, and also in Stretford town centre which is about four miles away.

Peel appealed against the decision and inspector John Gray has concluded that a new store would not be a threat to the town centres.

His report said: "Put very simply, there would be no harm to the vitality and viability of Urmston or Stretford town centres that could justify dismissal of the appeal."

Labour group leader, Cllr David Acton, who spoke against the application last year, told Messenger this week that the approval was 'devastating news'.

He said: "They are killing our town centres with these out-of-town shopping centres.

"I am absolutely astounded by this decision. It will have a massive impact on Urmston town centre, drawing people away from the town centre at a time when the council is trying to regenerate Urmston.

"This was unanimously rejected by the council through the planning process and the inspector has ridden roughshod across local democracy in granting this."

Trafford Council and Peel Holdings declined to comment about the decision.

http://www.messengernewspapers.co.uk/news/9722594.Supermarket_plan_approved/

WatcherZero

May 24th, 2012, 08:39 PM

Poor Stretford, a long agonising death since the Trafford Centre opened.

SF07

May 24th, 2012, 11:02 PM

Given that Asda is already in the area near the Trafford Centre, Sainsburys is in Urmston and Morrisons in Eccles, logic would say Tesco would be the potential supermarket. Might be too big for an Aldi.

iheartthenew

May 25th, 2012, 12:07 AM

Given as its bigger than Urmston's Sainsburys (but smaller than Trafford Park's Asda) in size, it's way too big for the likes of Aldi.

When the plans were submitted they looked very Morrisons like, it even mentioned that it would have a clock tower... who else has those :lol: At over 70,000 sq ft gross it would be as big as their Eccles store.

Could it be a Tesco? Well yes they don't have a store nearby and they pulled out of the store in Urmston which is now Sainsburys (why? Hmm...) so they would be my 2nd choice,

SF07

May 25th, 2012, 11:17 AM

The clock tower is certainly a feature of Morrisons. Could be possible that they'll move in to Trafford Retail Park while staying at Eccles, as they already have another store near Eccles at Salford Quays.

Safe to say it'll be one of the big four.

WingTips

May 25th, 2012, 05:41 PM

The new Denby Pottery Store now open in the Lowry Mall...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P5250655.jpg

uklad1979

May 25th, 2012, 06:07 PM

The new Denby Pottery Store now open in the Lowry Mall...

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss255/trakkie/P5250655.jpg

This has opened in the old Julian Graves store? I take it carphone warehouse is closed next door too? I have been in for about a year but didn't you say the mall would pick up with media city? Seems that isn't the case as stores have close since media city opened and still haven't been filled. Seems they are fighting a loosing battle with this mall and should do the sensible thing and sell to peel if they did make an offer as they have more of a clue how to run malls.

WingTips

May 25th, 2012, 07:07 PM

Yes this is the former Julian Graves store, and yes the Car Phone Wharehouse has departed,( ironically they are quoting West One in Eccles as the nearest store):nuts::nuts: I am not sure if there is something afoot at the moment with Emerson, time will tell.

sefton66

May 25th, 2012, 11:39 PM

Not sure if you guys knew this..

Handmade Burger Co expands to North West

Last updated: 25th May 2012 at 08:02am
The Handmade Burger Co is expanding with the opening of its first restaurant in the North West in Manchester city centre.

The company, founded in Birmingham in 2006, has signed a 15-year lease on a 2,000 sq ft unit in the Courthouse building which is currently being renovated by Henry Boot Developments.

The restaurant is scheduled to open next summer and will join 14 other sister sites around England and Scotland.

Founder Chris Sargeant said: "We are delighted to be opening in Manchester and we can't wait to find out what visitors to the Courthouse think of our new restaurant."

Adam Brady, head of Henry Boot Developments' Manchester office, added: "We are pleased to confirm that Handmade Burger Co has chosen the Courthouse for the location of its first Manchester restaurant."

http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/midlands/71165-handmade-burger-co-expands-north-west/index.html

flange

May 26th, 2012, 12:00 AM

^^ Posted into the separate Pubs, Bars, Clubs and Restaurants thread yesterday Sefton.

jrb

May 26th, 2012, 12:07 AM

Arndale Centre Advert Shots

http://vimeo.com/42827490

flange

May 26th, 2012, 12:12 AM

Arndale Centre Advert Shots

http://vimeo.com/42827490

That's one of the older marketing campaigns for the Arndale jrb, think it was done for when the full redevelopment had been completed. You can tell with the old yellow glass frontage for New Look and Samsonite still open too.

jrb

May 26th, 2012, 12:24 AM

That's one of the older marketing campaigns for the Arndale jrb, think it was done for when the full redevelopment had been completed. You can tell with the old yellow glass frontage for New Look and Samsonite still open too.

There's no kidding Flange. :)

i'll have aord with the OP on Vimeo.

flange

May 26th, 2012, 12:30 AM

jrb

May 26th, 2012, 12:36 AM

It is possibly just the company who did the graphics or something for that campaign, putting examples of their work onto their Vimeo site, it is only a short clip of the old marketing campaign and with no sound too.

I go buy date on Vimeo.

TBH I don't read the retail thread that often. I could do with taking a bit more interest in it TBH.

Regardless, keep up the good work matey. :)

flange

May 26th, 2012, 12:39 AM

Will do.

This should all be made official tomorrow, when the announcement is made, but Stockport has apparently been selected as a Portas Pilot town.

@davidquinn

Stockport's going to be a Portas pilot. Seems bizarre when Rochdale missed out and is clearly in a far worse position. #PortasPilot

https://twitter.com/davidquinn/status/206150446350475265

flange

May 26th, 2012, 11:39 AM

Now confirmed Stockport is the only Portas Pilot town chosen in the North West.

Stockport wins £100,000 share of Portas Pilot cash to revive High Street

Jennifer Williams and Deborah Linton

May 26, 2012

Stockport has beaten hundreds of rivals for a pot of government cash to revive its struggling high streets.

The town is one of just 12 places nationwide to be picked as a Portas Pilot town – a government scheme inspired by retail guru Mary Portas.

The news means Stockport will get £100,000, which the council will match with another £100,000.

Portas herself will be on hand to offer advice to help the town encourage creative and independent traders to set up shop.

The ‘town team’ behind the successful bid plan to revive the historic Underbanks area of Stockport, which they believe can become a rival to Manchester’s Northern Quarter.

Stockport was one of 12 places selected from more than 370 places to bid for a share of £1.2m. Ms Portas praised the town’s bid as ‘young and fearless’.

The government’s cities minister has now announced that 15 more areas will be selected to become pilot towns by the end of July. It will give a second chance to Rochdale, Levenshulme, Eccles, Prestwich and Macclesfield, which missed out this time.

Stockport council leader Sue Derbyshire said the news was fantastic and would allow the town to try out new ideas.

She said: “The historic centre of Stockport is a hidden gem.

“There’s some cracking stuff going on – such as the vintage village – but it needs customers and footfall and this will give us the opportunity to try some things that otherwise we wouldn’t be able to do.

“This is very encouraging – and hopefully will encourage other people to see that investing in Stockport is worthwhile.”

Traders and politicians in Rochdale described their omission from the list of winners as ‘extremely disappointing’.

The town had its bid backed by politicians including government ministers Baroness Warsi and Eric Pickles.

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk said “While it’s disappointing, we can draw many positives from this experience. The council has accepted a short-term strategy is needed to make longer-term regeneration possible.”

Town centre retailer Paul Turner-Mitchell, who runs independent fashion store 25Ten Boutique, said: “It’s extremely disappointing – we thought we had a really strong bid.”

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1534732_stockport-wins-100000-share-of-portas-pilot-cash-to-revive-high-street

hulmeman2

May 26th, 2012, 12:20 PM

Now confirmed Stockport is the only Portas Pilot town chosen in the North West.

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1534732_stockport-wins-100000-share-of-portas-pilot-cash-to-revive-high-street

There's also Nelson!

flange

May 26th, 2012, 12:33 PM

Ahhh yes so there is, sorry hulmeman.

The full list of Portas Pilot towns is online here, with the original bid videos.

http://www.maryportas.com/portaspilots/

uklad1979

May 26th, 2012, 01:52 PM

£100,000 won't make any difference it is a tiny amount even with the £100k council match money.

This is just a government marketing campaign to make it look like something is being done.

Mycure

May 26th, 2012, 02:04 PM

Here's a photo of the new temporary apple store.

https://p.twimg.com/At0Jp28CEAAyCnq.jpg:medium (https://p.twimg.com/At0Jp28CEAAyCnq.jpg:large)

Slow Burn

May 26th, 2012, 02:39 PM

£100,000 won't make any difference it is a tiny amount even with the £100k council match money.

This is just a government marketing campaign to make it look like something is being done.

In full agreement here. Plus it serves her purpose of getting another tv show out of it and expanding her 'brand'. Hollow

iheartthenew

May 27th, 2012, 02:41 PM

100k? That should cover a bit of signage and PR. Maybe a bit of tarting up of the pavements and street furniture... Will make a huge difference to Stockport...

/sarcasm

ReissOmari

May 28th, 2012, 12:55 AM

Wow this looks very smart for a temporary store!

Here's a photo of the new temporary apple store.

https://p.twimg.com/At0Jp28CEAAyCnq.jpg:large

flange

May 28th, 2012, 06:03 PM

Partying like it's 1982: Northern Quarter marks 30th birthday of Afflecks Palace

May 27, 2012

Hundreds flocked to a street party to celebrate the 30th birthday of Afflecks shopping emporium in the Northern Quarter.

Devotees of the arcade's vintage clothing and jewellery shops donned 80s-era fancy dress as they enjoyed live music, a fashion show and food and drink stalls.

Murals by the artist Mark Kennedy - celebrating icons such as Factory Records, Coronation Street, City and United, and the Suffragettes - were unveiled on Friday as part of the celebrations.

The artworks had to be recommissioned after the originals had to be taken down when the arcade - formerly known as Affleck's Palace - was sold in 2008.

There was a live performance by The Invaders Band, who played covers of hits from the Madchester era of the late '80s and early '90s, when Afflecks became the trendiest destination in town.

Outfits at the fashion show included Mr T from the A-Team, 80s leotards and ankle warmers and Limahl from 80s popsters Kajagoogoo.

A photo booth allowed revellers to take a photo of themselves to be posted on Afflecks walls as part of a montage to commemorate the milestone.

Organisers estimated that 200 people were packed on to Tib Street behind Afflecks for the whole day - while thousands flocked to the Palace itself.

Affleck's was set up in 1982 by husband and wife James and Elaine Walsh, to provide a space for independent entrepreneurs to get started in the business world.

Famous tenants of the Oldham Street emporium included Wayne Hemmingway, who started his Red or Dead fashion label there, and Tom Bloxham, now boss of property firm Urban Splash.

Two stores that were there when the emporium was launched 30 years ago - American Graffiti and Zephyr - were among 16 Afflecks shops that helped out with the fashion show.

Afflecks general manager Tony Martin said: "It was a fantastic day. Usually with the hot weather we would expect a decline in footfall but we were up on a usual Saturday.

"It was an opportunity to say thank you to the many people who have supported us over the years, to give something back."

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1538735_partying-like-its-1982-northern-quarter-marks-30th-birthday-of-afflecks-palace

flange

May 28th, 2012, 06:59 PM

According to Primark's own signage on the scaffolding on the Piccadilly Gardens side, the refurb will be complete in Spring 2013.

The mentioned signage about the Primark refurbishment

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/7206/manchester28thmay201202.jpg

The H&M refurbishment is now complete on Market Street, it is definitely one of the better store refurbishments in Manchester this year, the store feels so much brighter and alot bigger too.

http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/2313/manchester28thmay201204.jpg

Here's a photo of the new temporary apple store.

https://p.twimg.com/At0Jp28CEAAyCnq.jpg:medium (https://p.twimg.com/At0Jp28CEAAyCnq.jpg:large)

Another angle on the temporary Apple store. I would imagine that the area that is just a white wall, is the back of house/stockroom for Apple.

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/6733/manchester28thmay201205.jpg

And now the hoardings have been constructed over the existing Apple store too.

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/480/manchester28thmay201206.jpg

The former Bose store looks like it is being fitted out, the windows are covered in paper and lights are on in the unit.

Hoardings are now up around the former Barratts unit in the Arndale, no indication who will open there though yet.

Ark is now closed on Corporation Street, with the hoardings now down around their new store in the Arndale store which was being stocked today.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6992/manchester28thmay201207.jpg

The new Bakery and Hot Food to Go counter is now open at the food hall at Marks and Spencer on the lower ground floor.

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/3666/manchester28thmay201208.jpg

Kara's Blow Dry Bar (http://karasblowdrybar.co.uk/)has opened next to Thornley Groves on John Dalton Street.

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4876/manchester28thmay201209.jpg

Sevenoaks on Bridge St will revert to trading as Audio T (http://www.audiot.co.uk/storefinder/manchester/) on Friday 1st June. Also it now looks like work has started in the former Luso unit on what will now be the new Audio T store next door, with a new ceiling having been constructed in the unit.

neil081273

May 28th, 2012, 07:12 PM

Great update as usual Flange

civstu

May 28th, 2012, 07:29 PM

First steel has arrived for the Tesco Extra in Pendleton

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/8962/dsc03461c.jpg

civstu

May 28th, 2012, 07:31 PM

I would imagine that the area that is just a white wall, is the back of house/stockroom for Apple.

Yeah you're right, that's the back of house area. New store expected to open in approximately 12 weeks

neil081273

May 28th, 2012, 07:32 PM

First steel has arrived for the Tesco Extra in Pendleton

Wow that was quick. Any idea when the projected opening date is?

iheartthenew

May 28th, 2012, 07:47 PM

Early 2013 I believe. The much more advanced Chester Rd store is due to open in time for Christmas 2012 so I think it sounds about right.

flange

May 28th, 2012, 08:22 PM

A new planning application has gone online for a unit at the Lowry Outlet Mall.

F11A/B Lowry Designer Outlet The Quays Salford M50 3AH

Change of use from A1 to A1 and/or A3, A5

http://publicaccess.salford.gov.uk/publicaccess/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=M4IWZ6NP06300

Unit F11A/B is the former Thomas Cook unit, so it looks like the Lowry might be expanding the Food Court slightly with getting a change of use to Retail (A1) Restaurant & Cafe (A3) & Hot Food Takeaway (A5)

flange

May 29th, 2012, 12:41 PM

B&M signs in Bolton

29 May 2012, 10:43

Agents Riddell TPS and Cheetham & Mortimer have let a 31,000 sq ft former Focus unit at Central Retail Park in Bolton to discount retailer B&M Bargains.

Acting on behalf of the administrators for Trostre Retail, Riddell TPS secured the letting, agreeing terms on a 15-year lease.

B&M Retail currently fitting out the store and is expected to open at the beginning of June. The unit is the largest on Central Retail Park. B&M Bargains joins Brantano, Pets at Home, Maplin and Carpet Right.

Andy Crompton of Riddell TPS said: "B&M's letting at Central Retail Park continues an emerging trend in the retail property market, with value stores remaining buoyant during challenging times for the high street. With households facing both soaring food and fuel prices consumers are making more considered purchases by looking to discount retailers like B&M Bargains."

B&M Retail Ltd was established in 1976 and currently has 280 stores throughout the UK and employs 10,000 staff.

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/11724-b-and-m-signs-in-bolton.html

flange

May 29th, 2012, 12:45 PM

Lego is now due to open in July in the Arndale, according to their job vacancies. http://jobsatlego.com/united-kingdom/united-kingdom/view-all/jobid2421604-store-manager-manchester?utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Indeed

Could Lego possibly open in the former Barratts unit, now that hoardings have been constructed around the unit?

flange

May 29th, 2012, 07:28 PM

Little Lever Tesco given go-ahead

29 May 2012, 18:06

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/assets/_files/cached/img/402x181.763671875/may_12/pnw__1338310832_Tesco_Little_Lever.jpg

Cheshire-based developer Ladson Commercial Plans has been granted consent for a new Tesco supermarket with a net sales area of 18,500 sq ft in Little Lever, Bolton.

The new store on the former Pennine Pet Factory site will replace the existing Tesco Metro on Market Street.

Bolton Council's planning committee voted unanimously in favour of the development at the former factory site which is currently derelict.

Ladson Commercial has agreed a 20-year lease with Tesco. According to the developer construction work should begin on site in autumn 2012 with an opening date of late 2013.

Chris Bowman, land director of Ladson Commercial, said: "When the site became available we recognised it was ideal for retail use so we snapped it up. The plans are in keeping with the Government's push to see the regeneration of brownfield sites. The scheme will provide investment and jobs in Little Lever and we are thrilled about developing the site."

Once the new supermarket is open Tesco will close their existing 5,000 sq ft net sales area Metro store with the potential to lease the building which will maintain its open A1 retail consent.

Matthew Magee, regional corporate affairs manager at Tesco, said: "We are delighted by the decision and we have worked alongside Ladson Commercial to produce a scheme that improves our offer to customers and keeps more trade in Little Lever.

"We also look forward to bringing an opportunity for further retail to Little Lever at our existing Metro store once we relocate."

http://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/news/archive/11728-little-lever-tesco-given-go-ahead.html

SF07

May 29th, 2012, 10:09 PM

Busy news in the Bolton area today then. Can safely assume that the new B&M store will replace the existing one further down Manchester Road. New store will be in a better catchment area, so it's a good move for them.

flange

May 29th, 2012, 10:21 PM

Well in Bolton there is the B&M Homestore on Manchester Road as you say SF07, and the other B&M store on Newport Street, both rather close to the new store in the former Focus unit, so maybe both will close?

Will just leave the former Rivington Taylor unit at Central Retail Park to be relet now then, which is another huge unit at 21,500 sq ft on ground and a 18,000 sq ft mezzanine level too.

flange

May 30th, 2012, 10:06 AM

German owner sells loss-making Makro to Booker

30th May 2012

THE German parent company of Eccles-based wholesaler Makro has decided to cut its losses after a series of poor results and sell the business to competitor Booker for £139.7m.

Booker, which is based in Northamptonshire, is paying £15.8m in cash for the business and issuing new shares equivalent to around 10% of the enlarged business, which equates to £123.9m on yesterday's closing price of 79.1p per share.

The Makro business has been the centre of much disharmony in recent years, undergoing several rounds of restructuring and the replacement of most of its management team last year. It has also incurred heavy losses over the past three years, and in the year to December 31 declared a pre-tax loss of £63.2bn on sales of £787.4m. The firm also had gross assets of £348.7m at its year end.

However, Booker has said that the proposed deal would allow it to become "the UK's leading wholesaler to caterers, retailers and small and medium-sized enterprises, with a wide range of food and non-food via the internet, delivery and cash and carry".

"The combination of the two businesses will enable Booker and Makro UK to further improve choice, prices and service for all customers," it said.

Booker is the considerably larger company of the pair, with sales to March 31 of £3.9bn and 172 cash and carry branches around the UK, compared with Makro's 30 - most of which it owns either as freehold sites or on a long leasehold. Makro also currently employs 3,000 staff, compared with 10,000 working at Booker.

Booker has said the pair will enter into "a strategic partnership agreement which will enable competence sharing for mutual benefit".

Booker's chief executive Charles Wilson said: "Through working together, Booker and Makro UK will improve choice, prices and service.

"The board is confident that this collaboration will enable us to continue to generate value for shareholders."

The chairman of Makro's German parent group, Metro AG, Olaf Koch, said: "In Booker, we have found the right buyer for our challenging UK business, which has shown an unsatisfying performance.

"Booker is very well positioned in the UK market, with a great brand perception and vast experience in managing product ranges and in customer services.

"Therefore we are convinced that this new setup meets all requirements for future success in the UK, while allowing Metro Group to further concentrate on countries within our strategic focus."

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