Livingston Designer Outlet in Scotland has reported strong sales growth among retailers that have recently invested in store refurbishments and upgrades. A standout example is premium kitchenware brand Le Creuset, which relocated to a larger unit in November 2024. Since the move, the brand has seen a notable uplift in performance, recording a 48% year-on-year increase in sales across November and December, along with a 33% rise in footfall during the same period. This positive trend continued into the first quarter of 2025, with Le Creuset achieving a 42% year-on-year growth in sales, a 31% increase in footfall, and a 7% improvement in its sales conversion rate. Nicky Lovell, Head of Outlets and Retail Business Development at Global Mutual, commented:“The performance of Le Creuset at Livingston Designer Outlet clearly demonstrates the value of reinvestment in outlet retail. For brands aiming to remain relevant and attractive to customers, upgrading their store environments is essential. The outlet sector continues to gain momentum, and it’s exciting to see major global brands investing in destinations like Livingston. These refurbishments underline that outlet shopping is firmly positioned at the heart of many of the world’s most dynamic retail strategies—and we are proud to play a part in that.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced plans to invest over £300 million into its store estate this year, as part of a significant expansion and modernisation programme. The retailer will open 16 new stores in 2025, including 12 food halls, two full-line stores, and two outlet branches. Among these are the already confirmed full-line stores at Bath SouthGate and Bristol Cabot Circus, along with new food halls planned for Bell Green Sydenham, Abingdon, Cannock, and Farnham. In addition to the new openings, M&S will be extending nine existing stores and refurbishing a further 12 as it continues to enhance its in-store experience for customers. Over the past year, M&S has signed agreements for 47 new or renewed stores, all scheduled to open by the end of the 2028 financial year—exceeding the total number opened over the previous three years combined. The company also revealed that it is actively assessing more than 300 potential locations across the UK as it looks to further expand its national footprint. Stuart Machin, Chief Executive Officer of M&S, commented:“This year we are stepping up the pace of our programme and investing over £300 million to rotate and renew stores across the country. We have a rigorous strategy to ensure we have the right stores in the right places, and this year we will deliver 37 new and renewed stores showcasing the best of our food, fashion, home, and beauty to our 32 million customers.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Merry Hill has announced that Marks & Spencer will be introducing its latest store concept to the top 10 UK destination, following a combined significant investment package from the acclaimed British retailer and landlord. M&S has been at Merry Hill for 35 years, first opening in 1990. The decision to invest in the centre, introducing a brand-new fit-out and an M&S café for the first time, signifies a long-term commitment from the brand, creating a best-in-class anchor space for Merry Hill. The destination has been transformed in recent years with other anchor brand additions such as Hollywood Bowl, Harvey Norman, and XF Gym. Working in partnership with Merry Hill’s owners, M&S will be consolidating its offer from its two current units into one, with the store next to Primark set to expand to an overall area of 93,000 sq ft to accommodate the new concept. It will include a full fashion collection across womenswear, kidswear, and menswear, as well as larger home and beauty departments, and a refreshed, larger Foodhall. The destination will also be home to a new-look M&S standalone café in-mall area when the refurbished store opens in late 2025. Graeme Jones, Executive Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, on behalf of Merry Hill, commented: “The last couple of years have been transformational for Merry Hill, and agreeing with M&S to invest in the destination means we’re carrying that momentum forward. They have a strong legacy here and the move into one store will provide them with a great platform for growth which will also benefit the centre as a whole, particularly our customers. “It’s no coincidence that M&S’ investment has come to Merry Hill, joining our super regional peers in having the latest concept from a brand every destination wants. That makes this collaboration incredibly important as it means we can showcase M&S as a key anchor tenant with a lasting commitment to Merry Hill, delivering the best experience possible for our visitors.” Merry Hill’s anchor tenants have all invested in the centre in recent years. It is now anchored by two new leisure experiences in Hollywood Bowl and XF Gym, as well as an English debut and flagship for international retailer Harvey Norman, and the likes of H&M, Next, and now M&S have all upgraded their stores, ensuring the best possible visitor experience and inspiring other brands to follow suit. JLL, Time Retail Partners, and Font Real Estate represent Merry Hill.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Metrocentre in Gateshead has announced a wave of new investment, as four well-known brands commit to revitalising and upgrading their presence within the shopping destination’s Platinum and Green Malls. Boots, the health and beauty giant, has led the charge with a significant refurbishment of its existing 40,000 sq ft unit in the Green Mall. A tenant for nearly four decades, Boots has modernised its store to enhance accessibility to both its product range and opticians’ services. In the Platinum Mall, Clintons has completed a major store refit, unveiling a new retail concept that includes a wider selection of gifts and party supplies, complementing its established greetings card offering. Fellow Platinum Mall occupant and tour operator Kuoni has also invested in its space, installing a sleek new digital window display and reconfiguring the interior layout to create a more contemporary and engaging environment for customers. Rounding out the quartet, café chain Muffin Break – a longstanding Metrocentre favourite – has launched its new store concept, offering visitors an upgraded and refreshed experience. Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros (part of CBRE), asset manager of Metrocentre, commented: “This cluster of brand investments clearly demonstrates Metrocentre’s continued importance within the retail landscape. Our close partnerships with occupiers play a crucial role in creating an exceptional shopping experience, and we are committed to helping brands maximise their potential within the centre. These enhancements reflect strong confidence in the destination and a long-term commitment from retailers.” The latest upgrades follow the recent announcement that Urban Outfitters will open its first UK store of the year at Metrocentre, occupying 8,000 sq ft in the Upper Mall – further cementing the centre’s position as a premier retail hub in the North East.

CDS Superstores, the parent company of The Range and Wilko, has announced ambitious plans to expand both retail brands, releasing updated property requirements as part of their latest growth push. The company is targeting a mix of city centre and out-of-town locations across the UK. Wilko is seeking retail units between 20,000 and 25,000 sq ft in size, ideally located in shopping centres or central urban areas. Meanwhile, The Range is focusing on larger, out-of-town sites ranging from 25,000 to 60,000 sq ft. CDS confirmed it is open to both freehold and leasehold opportunities, as well as development land and joint venture proposals. This expansion follows a period of significant momentum for the group. Over the past six months, The Range has launched 55 new stores and opened hundreds of in-store concessions, underlining its robust performance and market demand. Antony Darbyshire, Head of Property at CDS Superstores, said: “Demand for our retail brands has never been stronger. We’ve been gearing up for growth by investing heavily in our operational infrastructure, including warehousing and transport. At a time when many retailers are scaling back, we’re bucking the trend. We’re committed to bringing leading retail experiences to even more communities and we’re calling on landlords, developers and agents to partner with us to unlock our next phase of expansion.” The announcement signals a confident and proactive approach to retail growth, positioning The Range and Wilko as key players in the evolving high street and out-of-town retail landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Marks & Spencer is set to launch its latest store concept at Merry Hill in Dudley, following a substantial investment into the retail destination. The retailer, which has maintained a presence at Merry Hill since 1990, will debut a new store layout along with an M&S Café—marking the first time the café has featured at the centre. In collaboration with the centre’s owners, M&S will consolidate its two existing units into a single, significantly larger space. The expanded store, located next to Primark, will span approximately 93,000 sq ft. It will offer an extensive fashion range across womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear, along with enhanced home and beauty departments and a revamped, larger Foodhall. The new store is expected to open in late 2025. Graeme Jones, Executive Director at Sovereign Centros (part of CBRE), speaking on behalf of Merry Hill, commented: “The last couple of years have been transformational for Merry Hill, and securing this investment from M&S allows us to build on that momentum. M&S has a long-standing presence here, and this consolidation into a flagship store creates a fantastic platform for their growth while enhancing the overall customer experience at the centre. It’s no coincidence that M&S has chosen Merry Hill for their latest store concept—joining the ranks of major regional destinations that feature cutting-edge retail environments. This partnership underscores M&S’s continued commitment to Merry Hill and its role as a key anchor tenant.” M&S is the latest major brand to invest in Merry Hill in recent years. The centre is now home to leisure anchors such as Hollywood Bowl and XF Gym, and hosts the UK flagship store for international retailer Harvey Norman. Retailers including H&M and Next have also undertaken significant upgrades to their stores. Merry Hill is represented by JLL, Time Retail Partners, and Font Real Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Landsec has officially broken ground on its redevelopment of Marlborough Square at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, marking a significant step forward in the ongoing enhancement of the popular outlet shopping destination. This latest phase follows recent improvements to The Avenues and forms part of Landsec’s broader strategy to elevate the centre’s physical environment, improve operational performance, and enhance the retail offering. The works are scheduled for completion in spring 2026. The redevelopment will include updated building façades and shopfronts, revitalised landscaping and public realm areas, expanded and modernised guest washrooms, increased public seating, and the addition of a new retail unit. Tim Treadwell, Head of Retail Portfolio at Landsec, commented:“We continue to see strong demand from leading brands seeking premium environments to expand their outlet presence. Gunwharf Quays exemplifies how Landsec is investing in its outlet portfolio to create spaces that attract more guests, deliver exceptional experiences, and support the long-term success of our brand partners.” Landsec is positioning Gunwharf Quays to better cater to its affluent domestic and international visitors, with a growing focus on aspirational retail and experience-led design. Recent lettings at the scheme include Russell & Bromley and Giggling Squid, reinforcing the centre’s appeal to high-end consumers. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Central Co-op has announced that its climate targets have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – a significant step in the Society’s journey to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2040. The validation confirms that Central Co-op’s science-based approach aligns with the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement: limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The SBTi validation covers near-term, long-term, and Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) targets, reinforcing Central Co-op’s position as a values-led business taking robust, science-backed climate action. Following an extensive review, the initiative confirmed that the Society’s decarbonisation plan is credible, transparent and ambitious – putting it among a growing number of organisations committed to real, accountable progress on climate. Central Co-op’s strategy includes reducing its operational emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 44 per cent by 2030 and by 90 per cent by 2035, from a 2022 baseline. For value chain emissions (Scope 3), including those generated from the sale of fossil fuel products, the Society is targeting a 55 per cent reduction per million pounds of value added by 2030, and a 97 per cent reduction by 2040. In addition, it will reduce emissions related to land use (FLAG) by 36 per cent by 2030 and 72 per cent by 2045, and eliminate deforestation from high-risk commodities by 31 December 2025. Remaining residual emissions, expected to account for no more than 5–10 per cent, will be addressed through high-quality carbon removals and beyond-value-chain mitigation. Paul Lockwood, Head of Sustainability and Net-Zero at Central Co-op, said: “This validation is a clear recognition of the Society’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship. These science-based targets provide a credible pathway to net-zero and reinforce Central Co-op’s determination to act on climate in a way that reflects our co-operative values.” Central Co-op has already made significant progress. Since 2010, the Society has reduced its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80 per cent and has been awarded the Carbon Trust Triple Standard for achievements in carbon, water and waste reduction. It has rolled out solar panels across 123 sites, including solar carports at its Wildwood store and a mini solar farm at its Shelton Lock store – generating over 8.4 million kWh of green electricity and saving nearly £2 million in energy costs since 2022. Central Co-op is currently over 7 per cent self-sufficient in renewable energy and expects to exceed 25 per cent by 2026, supported by a new wind power purchase agreement. Beyond operational emissions, Central Co-op has worked with sustainability consultancy Simply Sustainable to create a best-in-class FLAG strategy and has voluntarily included complex Scope 3 categories such as customer travel and cooking emissions. These measures demonstrate a comprehensive approach to climate action and reflect a strong commitment to a fair transition for colleagues, suppliers and communities. From its investment in natural and woodland burial services via its funeral business, to tackling food waste and supporting local, sustainable suppliers through its shops, Central Co-op continues to take practical, long-term action rooted in its values as a co-operative. This milestone comes during a landmark year for the global co-operative movement – the UN International Year of Co-operatives – aligning closely with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on climate action, clean energy and sustainable land use. The validated targets are published on the SBTi website from the 19th of June, and Central Co-op will report annually on progress. A set of clear key performance indicators underpins the strategy and will be regularly reviewed to ensure they remain aligned with the Society’s 2040 net-zero ambition. For further details, head to the centralcoop.co.uk/. Details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Braehead Shopping Centre has officially welcomed global lifestyle brand, MINISO, with the retailer opening its first store in Glasgow, and only its second in Scotland, at the centre.  The debut reinforces Braehead’s position as Scotland’s first choice among highly sought-after brands. The 1,750 sq ft store, located on the lower level near MAC Cosmetics, delivers the full MINISO experience, offering a wide selection of trending beauty, stationery, homeware, and toys, including licensed collections from Disney, Sanrio, Pokémon, Harry Potter, and Stitch. Huw Kmiot, Associate Director of Asset Management, at Pradera Lateral, asset managers of Braehead Shopping Centre, commented: “That MINISO has chosen to make its Glasgow debut in Braehead is testament to the significant appeal the centre has among leading global brands.  MINISO’s unique proposition, with its vibrant design and affordable lifestyle products, aligns perfectly with our strategy to deliver engaging, experience-rich retail at Braehead.” Saad Usman, Chief Operating Officer at MINISO UK, added: “This is a milestone opening for us as we continue our UK expansion. Braehead is a key regional destination with a loyal customer base and high visitor numbers, and so is the ideal location for such an important debut.  The store has had an incredible response already and are excited to become part of the community here.” MINISO’s opening at Braehead follows the signing of Flying Tiger Copenhagen at the destination, which is due to open its new store concept in the coming weeks.  Located adjacent to M&S’s regional flagship, the store will stock a variety of seasonal and practical goods, with new collections launched every six weeks. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals