Aldi is set to open nine stores in the capital this year as part of a £55 million investment within the M25.   Building on its promise to bring unbeatable value to even more Londoners, the supermarket has revealed four of the locations set to welcome new Aldi stores in the next 12 months.  Shoppers in Wimbledon, Fulham Broadway, Caterham and Orpington are all set to benefit from a new Aldi store in 2025. The openings form part of Aldi’s £650 million investment in Britain in 2025. The investment also includes upgrades at some of its existing locations within the M25, including an extension to its Colindale store. Aldi has a long-term ambition to open another 100 stores in London, creating around 3,500 new jobs. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “We strongly believe that everyone in Britain should have access to high quality food at our unbeatable Aldi prices.  But we know that there are still thousands of shoppers in the capital that don’t yet have access to an Aldi nearby. “We don’t think it’s fair that so many people still have to make do with big prices at other supermarkets, which is why London continues to be a real focus for us as we work to bring even more Aldi stores to shoppers across the capital.” Aldi has been named by Which? as officially the UK’s cheapest supermarket of the year for 2024, the fourth year in a row the supermarket has picked up the title. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Landsec has closed 2024 on a high, reporting a stellar performance across its retail destinations during the year’s ‘golden quarter.’ Sales and footfall surged ahead of expectations, solidifying its position as a leader in the UK retail property market. Impressive Growth in Spending and Footfall During the quarter, more than £800 million was spent across Landsec’s portfolio, marking a 3.8% year-on-year increase—well above the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) reported sales growth of 0.4% for the same period. Notably, Trinity Leeds experienced a remarkable 13.1% boost in sales, driven by the arrival of major brands like Nike and Zara earlier in the year. Footfall also saw a notable uptick, rising 1.9% year-on-year, in stark contrast to the BRC benchmark, which recorded a 2.5% decline during the same period. December alone brought an additional one million visitors to Landsec retail destinations, underscoring their appeal as go-to shopping and leisure hubs. Strategic Investments Paying Off This success builds on Landsec’s earlier half-year results, which revealed that occupancy rates at its major retail destinations had surpassed pre-pandemic levels. A shift in strategy by brands to focus on fewer, higher-quality stores has aligned perfectly with Landsec’s emphasis on premium retail experiences. Bluewater in Kent emerged as a standout performer, welcoming ten new stores during the quarter, including high-profile names like Sephora, Bershka, and Aesop. Bruce Findlay, Managing Director for Retail at Landsec, highlighted the company’s growing dominance:“Following our recent acquisition of Liverpool ONE, we now own seven out of the top thirty performing retail destinations in the UK. These best-in-class locations continue to outperform benchmarks as both brands and shoppers gravitate towards prime spaces.” The All-Day Experience Advantage Landsec attributes its success to offering more than just retail. The combination of premium brands, well-designed stores, and all-day-out experiences has proven to be a winning formula. With increased footfall and sales, brands are reinvesting in these prime locations, ensuring continued growth and consumer appeal. As Landsec heads into 2025, its strategy of curating vibrant, high-performing retail spaces positions it as a key player in shaping the future of UK retail. The strong results from the ‘golden quarter’ are a testament to the enduring value of investing in premium destinations that cater to both brands and consumers alike. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Greggs, the beloved UK bakery chain, has announced ambitious plans to open up to 150 net new stores in 2025 after a record-breaking year of expansion. The company revealed a “strong pipeline of opportunities” that will support its continued growth, with plans including 50 store relocations to optimise its presence across the country. A Milestone Year in 2024 Last year, Greggs achieved a milestone by opening 226 new stores, marking its highest-ever annual growth. After accounting for 28 closures and 53 relocations, the company achieved a net increase of 145 shops, bringing its total to 2,618 by year-end. This figure includes 2,057 company-managed stores and 561 franchised locations. In its latest trading update, Greggs reported a 7.7% increase in sales during the final quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. Total annual sales reached an impressive £2.01 billion, a significant rise from £1.81 billion the previous year. CEO Reflects on Success and Future Plans Roisin Currie, Chief Executive of Greggs, hailed the chain’s achievements:“2024 was another year of good progress by Greggs, with a record number of new shops opened and the £2 billion sales milestone surpassed. I’m incredibly proud of our teams who, day in and day out, do such a fantastic job for our customers.” Looking ahead, Currie expressed optimism despite challenges in the broader retail environment:“We enter 2025 with a strong pipeline of new shop opportunities and continue to broaden our menu and enhance our digital capabilities. Additionally, we are investing in our supply chain capacity to support our growth strategy. While lower consumer confidence continues to impact high street footfall and spending, our value-for-money offer and the quality of our freshly prepared food and drink position us well to navigate the challenges ahead.” Balancing Growth and Resilience Greggs’ success comes amid a challenging retail landscape, with high street footfall still recovering from pandemic lows and ongoing pressures on consumer spending. The bakery chain’s focus on affordable, freshly made food and expanding its digital services has helped it stand out in a competitive market. By continuing to innovate and expand, Greggs is poised to maintain its position as one of the UK’s favourite food-to-go chains. With plans for 150 new stores this year, the company is clearly ready to take another bite out of the market in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

B&Q has announced its plans to acquire five leasehold Homebase stores across the UK for a total investment of £2.5 million. This strategic move will add over 269,000 square feet of retail space to B&Q’s growing portfolio, cementing its position as a leader in the home improvement sector. A New Chapter for B&Q The five stores, located in Altrincham, Basingstoke, Biggleswade, Leamington Spa, and Worcester, will undergo a transformation as they are converted to the B&Q brand. Subject to landlord approvals, the transaction is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of Kingfisher’s 2025/26 financial year. Store conversions are scheduled to begin in spring 2025, with completion anticipated by the year’s end. This acquisition follows B&Q’s recent expansion into Ireland, where it acquired three Homebase stores in late 2024, adding over 100,000 square feet of retail space. Excitement at the Helm Graham Bell, CEO of B&Q, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition:“We’re thrilled to be adding these five stores to our network, bringing a total of eight new sites to our footprint in the UK and Ireland. Our goal is to offer home improvers the convenience and choice they deserve, and we’re committed to transforming these stores to meet those needs. It’s a fantastic way to kick off 2025, and we look forward to welcoming our new customers and colleagues to the B&Q family.” A Response to Market Changes The move comes after Homebase faced significant financial difficulties, entering administration in November 2024. This led to 74 of its stores being placed on the market. B&Q’s strategic acquisition highlights its adaptability and determination to seize growth opportunities in a shifting retail landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Co-op has unveiled plans to bolster its presence across the UK with the opening of 75 new stores in 2025. This growth initiative includes both Co-op-operated and franchise stores, alongside major refurbishments for 80 existing locations, as the retailer focuses on enhancing its role as a hub for convenience and community services. Expanding the Co-op Network The expansion aims to ensure easy and convenient access to Co-op stores nationwide. Among the first new openings, Salford Quays – The Anchorage and East Benton – Newcastle Upon Tyne will welcome Co-op-operated stores in early 2025. Franchise growth will contribute up to 50 additional stores, allowing Co-op to extend its reach into communities it might not otherwise access, thanks to partnerships with trusted collaborators. Building on 2024’s success, Co-op will continue its innovative approach to franchise locations, which include university campuses, petrol forecourts, hospitals, and even military bases like HMS Collingwood. Revamping Existing Stores Up to 80 stores will undergo significant refurbishments, designed to modernise and maximise the potential of Co-op’s property portfolio. Early 2025 will see major makeovers completed in locations such as Exeter, Brighton, Bristol, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Avonmouth, Hereford, and Clapham. These refreshed stores will embody Co-op’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community engagement. A Hub for More Than Groceries Co-op stores go beyond traditional retail, offering services like parcel collection, payment options, and quick online delivery. Acting as micro-distribution hubs, stores support Co-op’s growing ecommerce platform, enabling rapid delivery of fresh groceries through partnerships with Just Eat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo. Co-op aims to expand its quick commerce market share to over 30%, solidifying its position as a leader in online grocery delivery. In-store digital media screens, member savings, and support for local causes also highlight Co-op’s focus on creating a sense of community and delivering economic and social benefits to its members. Sustainability at the Forefront Co-op’s green ambitions include plans to install up to 76,000 solar panels across 700 sites in its food, funeralcare, and logistics portfolio over the next three years. This move reinforces Co-op’s commitment to carbon reduction and sustainability. A Vision for the Future Matt Hood, Co-op’s Managing Director, stated:“We want everyone to have easy and convenient access to a Co-op store, wherever they live. This year, we are completely focused on achieving that through an ambitious and exciting new store strategy. “As a membership organisation owned by six million members, we are experts in convenience shopping. By combining quality products, great value, ethical retailing, and quick online delivery with community participation, we’re creating stores that act as active hubs of local life.” With a robust plan for expansion and innovation, Co-op continues to cement its role as a leading convenience retailer while supporting its members and communities across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Frasers Group has officially opened the doors to its latest flagship Sports Direct store at Westfield White City, Shepherd’s Bush, further cementing its presence in the heart of London. This new 29,000 sq ft store, spread across two floors, follows the success of the brand’s first flagship on Oxford Street and promises an unparalleled shopping experience for sports and fitness enthusiasts. A Premium Sports Destination in West London Located within one of London’s premier shopping destinations, the new Sports Direct store offers an extensive range of fitness gear, performance wear, footwear, and sports equipment from some of the world’s top brands, including Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma, and ASICS. Whether customers are seeking high-performance running shoes, outdoor adventure gear, or the latest in athleisure, this flagship store caters to every need. Exciting New Concepts for Fitness Lovers One of the standout features of the Westfield White City store is the introduction of Sports Direct’s Running Concept, alongside a newly-launched Outdoor Concept, designed to provide customers with everything they need for their specific sporting pursuits. The store is thoughtfully arranged into distinct sections dedicated to various sports categories, making it easier for customers to find exactly what they are looking for. Expanding the Sports Retail Experience In addition to its core offering, the store will feature brands from other Frasers Group-owned companies, including GAME and USC, providing a unique blend of sports, gaming, and fashion under one roof. This marks an exciting expansion for the Group, as it continues to diversify its portfolio and offer shoppers a broader selection of products. Michael Murray on the New Opening Michael Murray, Chief Executive Officer at Frasers Group, expressed excitement about the new store, saying: “As a leading global retailer in sports, Sports Direct is committed to providing customers with unparalleled access to the best brands and the best sports retail experience. We understand the importance of evolving to meet consumer needs – especially in a crucial market like London. With this opening, we’re building on the successful formula from our Oxford Street store, bringing another unmatched destination for sports enthusiasts.” What’s Next for Frasers Group? The opening of the Westfield White City store is part of Frasers Group’s wider strategy to expand its presence in London. Earlier this year, the Group secured two major leases at Westfield Shopping Centres. Following this store’s success, Sports Direct at Westfield Stratford is set to open its doors in Spring 2025, continuing Frasers Group’s mission to create sports retail destinations that stand out in the city’s competitive shopping landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Marks & Spencer’s flagship store on Oxford Street is set for a transformative redevelopment, following approval from Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. This decision paves the way for the creation of a modern retail and office space, marking a significant milestone in the revitalisation of one of London’s most iconic shopping streets. A Long Road to Approval M&S first submitted its redevelopment proposal for the Marble Arch site in March 2021, envisioning a flagship store complemented by a café, gym, and offices. While the plans initially received approval, they faced a setback in 2023 when then-Secretary of State Michael Gove rejected them. His concerns centred on the perceived harm to local heritage sites, including the neighbouring Selfridges store and nearby conservation areas. The recent green light from the government marks the end of a three-year struggle. Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, expressed relief and optimism:“I am delighted that, after years of unnecessary delays and political posturing, our plans have finally been approved. This project is a chance to rejuvenate the UK’s premier shopping street, create 2,000 jobs, and set a global benchmark for sustainability.” A Vision for the Future The redevelopment promises to breathe new life into the Marble Arch site. Alongside a revamped M&S store, the plans include a café, fitness facilities, and modern office spaces designed to attract businesses to the heart of London. The new building will prioritise sustainability, aligning with the government’s ambitions to revitalise urban centres. It is also expected to act as a catalyst for rejuvenating Oxford Street, which has seen challenges in recent years due to the decline of traditional retail. A Step Towards Urban Revival The approval of M&S’s plans aligns with broader efforts to modernise UK cities and reinvigorate high streets. Machin’s comments reflected this sentiment:“We share the Government’s ambition to breathe life back into our cities and towns and are pleased to see they are serious about getting Britain building and growing.” Next Steps With approval in hand, M&S aims to move quickly on the project, signalling a commitment to delivering on its promise to enhance both the retail experience and urban environment at Marble Arch. The redevelopment of this flagship site stands as a symbol of resilience and reinvention for Oxford Street, offering a glimpse of a more dynamic and sustainable future for London’s most famous shopping destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Waitrose has made a significant comeback by opening its first new store in six years, located in Hampton Hill, south-west London. This latest addition marks the retailer’s 47th convenience store, as Waitrose shifts its focus towards smaller, community-based outlets. Convenience is Key The new Hampton Hill branch aligns with Waitrose’s strategy to concentrate on convenience stores, typically around 3,000 sq ft in size. The retailer has also announced plans to explore opportunities for larger convenience outlets, approximately double that size, to cater to evolving customer demands. Strengthening Strategic Partnerships The launch in Hampton Hill coincides with Waitrose’s ambitions to expand its collaborations with established partners, including Welcome Break and Shell. The retailer opened a store on the A14 in Spaldwick, Cambridgeshire, in November and is set to open another on the M1 in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, in January. A third location is planned for 2025, signalling the first new store openings with Welcome Break in over a decade. Having partnered with Welcome Break since 2009, Waitrose currently operates as Little Waitrose at 27 motorway service areas. The new store openings mark a revitalisation of this partnership, reflecting Waitrose’s commitment to offering premium food options to on-the-go customers. Waitrose’s presence at Shell forecourt shops has also surpassed the 100-store milestone, with further expansions planned for 2025. Customer Expectations on the Rise James Bailey, Executive Director at Waitrose, emphasised the growing customer demand for quality food in convenient locations:“The long-associated stereotypes of food at forecourts and service stations are becoming a thing of the past – expectations have moved on, and customers are rightfully demanding more. They want great tasting, quality food no matter where they are. Through new store openings and strategic partnerships, we will continue to evolve our shops to get better and better, whilst reaching new locations that help bring Waitrose’s great quality, service, and value closer to more customers.” A Bright Future for Waitrose With its renewed focus on convenience and strategic partnerships, Waitrose is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of on-the-go food retail. The opening in Hampton Hill represents not just a return to store expansion but a bold step towards meeting modern consumer needs. As the retailer grows its footprint, Waitrose is poised to redefine convenience shopping with its signature quality and service. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals