Hammerson has signed a second flagship deal with UNIQLO, bringing the Japanese retailer to Cabot Circus in Bristol. The two-storey unit will provide around 15,000 sq ft of tradable space and stock womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, including the brand’s signature LifeWear collections—available in the South West for the first time. The letting builds on leasing momentum at Cabot Circus, where M&S is due to open later this year and ODEON is set to follow in 2026. It also follows Hammerson’s agreement with UNIQLO at Birmingham’s Bullring earlier this year, with the brand making its Midlands debut next month. Paul O’Brien, director of leasing and commercialisation at Hammerson, said UNIQLO’s investment in both destinations “highlights the confidence that leading retailers have in Hammerson, and the unmatched quality of our destinations,” adding that prime, city-centre locations continue to attract “best-in-class global brands seeking regional flagships”. Alessandro Dudech, chief operating officer of UNIQLO UK, said the move forms part of a nationwide expansion across physical stores and ecommerce. “We are pleased to introduce UNIQLO to the communities and visitors in the South West at Bristol’s Cabot Circus,” he noted, highlighting LifeWear’s focus on quality, simplicity and functionality. For Cabot Circus, the arrival of a high-profile international brand adds further weight to a refreshed fashion and leisure mix, strengthening its draw across the region. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Aldi has set out an ambitious plan to open 80 new UK stores over the next two years as part of a £1.6bn investment in its estate, sharpening competition on the high street and widening access to low-cost groceries. The supermarket says 21 branches will open in the next 13 weeks alone, including Shoreditch in London, Durham in the North East and Kirkintilloch in Scotland. The expansion builds on momentum from the past year and supports Aldi’s long-term ambition to operate 1,500 stores nationwide. It currently runs 1,060 supermarkets across the UK, meaning the programme would take the discounter a significant step closer to its target while improving geographic coverage in areas where consumer demand remains strong. Earlier this year Aldi named 20 priority locations where it is actively seeking sites, among them Bromley and Ealing in Greater London, South Shields in Tyne and Wear, and Witney in Oxfordshire. The retailer’s approach typically focuses on convenient, accessible plots that can serve dense residential catchments, pairing everyday value with straightforward store layouts and ample parking. Financial results for the 12 months to December 2024 underline the scale of the operation. Sales rose to £18.1bn, up from £17.9bn in 2023, reflecting sustained shopper appetite for keen pricing and own-label innovation. The latest investment aims to lock in that loyalty by making stores easier to reach and by refreshing parts of the existing estate alongside new openings. Giles Hurley, chief executive officer for Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Since we opened our first UK store over 35 years ago, we’ve brought high-quality, affordable groceries to almost 800 towns and cities, but there are hundreds more communities that don’t have an Aldi nearby. We’re more determined than ever to meet that demand, and that’s why we’re investing a record £1.6bn over the next two years, to bring Aldi prices closer to millions more customers.” The near-term pipeline of 21 stores suggests a balanced mix of city, town and suburban locations, a pattern that has helped the brand broaden its appeal from weekly family shops to top-up missions and convenience-led baskets. A steady drumbeat of openings over two years should also allow supply chains, recruitment and training to ramp in step with customer demand. For landlords and local authorities, Aldi’s plans signal continued confidence in bricks-and-mortar retail, especially in neighbourhoods that value everyday essentials at competitive prices. For shoppers, the outcome is straightforward: more choice on where to buy the weekly shop, and greater pressure on rivals to keep prices sharp. As the cost of living remains a live concern for many households, the discounter’s expansion will be closely watched across the sector. With a clear store-opening timetable and significant capital committed, Aldi is positioning itself to capture more market share while staying true to the formula that has underpinned its rise: simplicity, efficiency and value. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

On September 6th, Belstaff opened its first ever full price store in Leeds. Located on Vicar Lane in Victoria Leeds in the historic Victoria Quarter, the store will house all of the brand’s latest collections, including motorcycle clothing and the new Autumn/Winter 2025 collection. The design of the store is a continuation of the ‘Future Garage’ concept unveiled at the London flagship in 2024 – a contemporary nod to the brand’s motorcycle heritage. This is an exciting new opening for Belstaff, which has a historic connection to the North of England – its founders Eli Belovich and Harry Grosberg first conceived the idea for the brand in nearby Manchester. As Belstaff’s third full-price store in England, it’s perfectly placed to better service its loyal customers in the region, while welcoming new ones. Full address: Unit 37, Victoria Quarter, 67 Vicar Lane, Leeds LS1 6BH Rachel Bradburn, Head of Leasing at Redical, commented “As Victoria Leeds’ line-up continues to grow, so does our status as the region’s go-to location for retailers. Belstaff is a premium addition to our flourishing destination, extending our menswear offer and delivering a distinct point of difference we know our loyal consumer base will benefit from. This city debut is one of many at Victoria Leeds, and we look forward to not only what Belstaff’s opening will bring, but also what lies ahead as we gear up for even more landmark Leeds debuts.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Frasers Group has acquired Waterfront Retail Park in Greenock, Scotland, from HKIP for an undisclosed sum. The town-centre scheme totals just over 90,000 sq ft of retail warehousing and drive-through space, with tenants including Currys, Halfords and Pets at Home. The sale followed the park reaching 100% occupancy after Farmfoods signed a long-term lease on the former SCS unit. During its ownership, HKIP’s asset management programme broadened the tenant mix, adding JD Gyms, Home Bargains, Costa Coffee and Pizza Hut to strengthen day-to-day appeal. Knight Frank acted for HKIP, with Sims Retail representing Frasers Group. The deal is Knight Frank’s second sale to Frasers Group in quick succession, after the retail group’s purchase of Rose Street Retail Park in Inverness. The acquisition underlines continued investor interest in well-let, convenience-led retail parks that pair essential retail with food-to-go and fitness, and benefit from ample parking and easy access. With the Greenock park fully occupied at completion, Frasers Group secures a stabilised Scottish asset aligned to its focus on resilient, value-orientated locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Boots is preparing to launch a new retail concept with the opening of its first-ever standalone fragrance store at Broadgate Central in the heart of the City of London. The 1,900 square foot shop, set to welcome customers this autumn, will showcase more than 400 scents from over 20 leading brands, offering an extensive choice for perfume enthusiasts and casual shoppers alike. The move reflects a significant shift in consumer habits. The UK fragrance market is expanding at a rate far outpacing the wider economy, with forecasts suggesting it could reach £2 billion by 2029. Boots aims to tap into this rapid growth by giving fragrance its own dedicated space, creating an environment where customers can browse, test and discover without the distractions of a larger pharmacy or beauty floor. Broadgate Central, adjacent to Liverpool Street Station, was chosen for its high visibility and constant flow of City workers and commuters. The location positions the store to attract both daily foot traffic and those seeking a quick stop during their journey across London. Dan Kent, head of retail at property consultancy Rapleys, which advised Boots on the deal, said the new concept underlines the retailer’s ability to bridge digital and physical shopping. “Boots is leading the way in combining online and physical store presence,” he explained. “Broadgate Central is the perfect location for the new concept, with City workers able to drop in and huge passing footfall from commuters via Liverpool Street Station. We look forward to working with Boots on further projects as they continue to innovate and roll out the concept in the future.” The Broadgate opening also comes as Rapleys strengthens its own retail expertise. Earlier this year the consultancy added six new team members from Avison Young and has recently secured work with Sainsbury’s, Australian fitness brand BFT, Stansted Airport and The University of Sheffield. This expansion aligns with the growing demand for strategic retail advice as brands reimagine their physical footprints. For Boots, the standalone fragrance store represents a fresh chapter in a long history of innovation. By carving out a dedicated space for perfume, the company is not only responding to the booming fragrance market but also experimenting with how specialist retail can complement its established high street presence and online operations. With its curated selection of more than 400 perfumes and a prime City location, the new store is set to become a destination for anyone seeking a signature scent or the perfect gift. As the fragrance sector continues to flourish, this debut could mark the beginning of a wider rollout of standalone Boots Fragrance stores across the UK, bringing a renewed focus on luxury and personal expression to one of the nation’s best-known retail names. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

High street health and beauty chain Bodycare has announced the closure of 32 of its UK stores, after rising costs and funding challenges pushed the business into administration. The retailer, which operates 147 stores nationwide, had been facing significant financial pressures. A potential rescue deal failed to materialise, leading to the appointment of administrators from advisory firm Interpath, who are now exploring a sale of the business and its assets. Bodycare said it had been hit by mounting costs, a delayed transition from its online retail platform, and the continuing effects of the cost-of-living crisis on customer spending. The company was also left with a funding shortfall following the cancellation of a planned stock market listing last year. The closures will affect branches across England, Scotland and Wales, including sites in Croydon, Edinburgh, Maidstone, Newport, Perth, Scunthorpe, West Bromwich and Wrexham. Nick Holloway, joint administrator and managing director at Interpath, said:“These remain challenging times for high street retailers as rising costs and reduced consumer spending continue to weigh heavily on trading. Unfortunately for Bodycare, which was also contending with a significant funding gap and increasing creditor pressure, these challenges proved too difficult to overcome.” The health and beauty sector has seen mixed fortunes in recent years. While discount operators and online platforms have gained market share, traditional high street retailers continue to grapple with reduced footfall, inflationary pressures and shifting consumer habits. For Bodycare, which built its reputation on offering affordable beauty and personal care products, the combination of increased operating costs and tighter household budgets proved insurmountable. The future of the brand and its remaining stores now rests on whether a buyer can be secured in the coming weeks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Superdrug is set to strengthen its position in Dundee city centre with a significant expansion at the Overgate Shopping Centre. The health and beauty retailer is enlarging its existing store by more than a third, taking over the neighbouring unit previously occupied by Clintons. The move will see Superdrug grow from 7,125 sq ft to 9,739 sq ft, creating one of its largest stores in Scotland. When complete, the new-look branch will feature a range of upgraded services, including dedicated beauty studios, enhanced fragrance counters, and a private nurse clinic alongside an expanded pharmacy. The investment is part of Superdrug’s wider strategy to modernise, refurbish, and extend many of its strongest performing stores nationwide. Dundee has been identified as a key location, with the expansion designed to provide a more contemporary and comprehensive shopping experience for local customers. Malcolm Angus, centre manager at Overgate, welcomed the announcement:“Once complete, the new store will offer a significantly elevated shopping experience for our customers. The introduction of new Beauty Studios, each offering a range of popular and affordable treatments, is an exciting development. The enhancement of Superdrug’s pharmacy with a new face-to-face private nurse clinic will also bring a welcome personalised healthcare service. “This commitment by Superdrug is a resounding vote of confidence in Overgate, and in the future of bricks-and-mortar retail in Dundee city centre. There is no doubt this new store will prove highly popular with our customers.” Clare Jennings, property director at Superdrug, added:“This store extension in Overgate, Dundee is a significant milestone in expanding Superdrug’s presence locally, allowing us to offer an even broader selection of products and services to our valued customers. By upgrading the store, we’re now able to offer a more modern shopping experience – featuring top health and beauty brands, a premium fragrance section, and our in-store Beauty Studio. This new extension allows us to support local employment in Overgate and the surrounding communities.” Overgate Shopping Centre was acquired by Frasers Group and spans 440,000 sq ft. Anchored by Frasers, the centre is home to a strong mix of national and international retailers, including Primark, Next, Mango, H&M, River Island, New Look, Sports Direct, Footasylum, Office, Castore, Rituals, Pandora, Clarks, DV8, Holland & Barrett, and Boots. The expansion of Superdrug at Overgate reflects both consumer demand for accessible health and beauty services and the ongoing confidence of major retailers in Dundee’s city centre. With the opening scheduled later this year, the enlarged store is expected to strengthen Overgate’s role as a leading regional retail destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Primark has opened its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo, marking a milestone for the retailer’s expanding interiors offering. The new two-storey, 12,000 sq ft store showcases an extensive homeware range, including bedding, throws, decorative items, and storage solutions. A mezzanine floor also houses Primark’s travel collection, with luggage and travel accessories available for shoppers. Alongside the debut Home store, Primark has invested in its existing Trafford Palazzo branch. The store has undergone a significant makeover, featuring an expanded womenswear department, upgraded fixtures across health and beauty, and the introduction of a new beauty studio. Leandra Dwyer, asset manager at Peel Retail & Leisure, said:“Trafford Palazzo is fast establishing itself as the UK’s leading destination for new flagship retail and leisure concepts. The launch of Great Britain’s first standalone Primark Home store at Trafford Palazzo is a fantastic example of how Peel Retail & Leisure partners with major brands to create vibrant spaces where retail and leisure thrive and where consumers want to be. We are looking forward to seeing the progression of this exciting new store evolve.” The new concept complements Primark’s existing stores across Greater Manchester and follows the earlier launch of a standalone Primark Home in Belfast. The move highlights the retailer’s growing commitment to expanding its homeware range as part of its wider strategy to diversify its product offer and enhance the shopping experience. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Ikea has opened a new ‘Plan & Order Point’ at Clifton Moor Retail Park in York, continuing its drive to make its products and services more accessible across the UK. The smaller format store is dedicated to kitchen and bedroom planning, providing customers with free home furnishing advice. Shoppers can book an appointment with one of the York store’s six planning specialists or use self-service tools in-store to design their own solutions. Customers will be able to order from the full Ikea product range, with next-day collection and home delivery options available. The York site also features a dedicated collection point for online orders and facilities for returns of any Ikea purchase. Conor Doherty, Ikea market manager, said:“We’re thrilled to open the doors to our new Ikea Plan and Order Point in York. This welcoming space is designed to inspire; offering a chance to explore our unique kitchen ranges and smart storage solutions. It’s the perfect place to discover Ikea’s extensive selection of affordable home products, suited to every budget. Plus, it provides a convenient new location for collecting online orders and purchases from our Hull and Leeds stores.” The York opening is part of Ikea’s broader UK expansion strategy. In the months ahead, the retailer will launch another Plan and Order Point in Dundee and a small-format store in Chester. It follows the recent debut of similar outlets in Hull, Harlow, and Norwich, as well as a new city store in Brighton. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Tech retailer WYE has appointed Savills to support its nationwide expansion, as it looks to open up to 400 new sites over the next five years. The company, a manufacturer and supplier of mobile phone and technology accessories, currently operates through a network of kiosks and retail units. Its growth strategy will combine both modular kiosks and full shop fit-outs, with a focus on shopping centre locations. In addition, WYE has developed a new solar-powered external design aimed at the out-of-town retail market, which it plans to roll out over the next 12 months. Neil Grice, director in retail at Savills, said:“WYE is redefining the mobile accessories sector across the UK. They have perfected a retail format that can be deployed quickly and adapted to a variety of locations. They are uniquely placed to combine aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency, helping landlords transform underutilised areas into valuable retail space. We are delighted to be working with them on their expansion plans, as they seek to rapidly grow their presence across the UK.” Haron Noori, group CEO at WYE, added:“Working with Savills represents a significant step forward in delivering on our strategic plans for UK growth, both in the short and long term. It will enable us to bring our high-quality products to a wider customer base, strengthen our market presence, and create new opportunities for innovation and service excellence. Together, we look forward to driving sustainable growth and delivering exceptional value to our customers.” With its focus on flexible formats and sustainable design, WYE’s expansion highlights the changing face of UK retail property and the growing demand for adaptable, future-proofed space. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals