Waitrose has unveiled plans to open two new supermarkets in London and Manchester as part of its ambitious long-term growth strategy and £1bn investment programme. The retailer will launch new stores in Hale Barns, South Manchester, and Cricklewood in North West London, strengthening its presence in two key markets while continuing to modernise and expand its national estate. Together, the new supermarkets will provide more than 30,000 sq ft of retail space and are expected to open this autumn. The Hale Barns location is currently trading, while the Cricklewood store forms part of a newly developed site. The latest openings represent another significant step in Waitrose’s wider strategy to bring the brand closer to more customers through carefully selected locations and modern retail formats. Tina Mitchell, retail director at Waitrose, said the new stores are an important part of the company’s plans to expand its reach while continuing to deliver the quality, service and convenience that customers expect. The investment forms part of a broader programme that extends well beyond new store openings. Waitrose has identified supply chain modernisation, network expansion and estate improvement as key priorities for future growth. As part of this commitment, the retailer plans to refurbish 28 existing stores during the year, enhancing customer experience and ensuring its portfolio remains fit for the future. The programme reflects a growing trend among major retailers to invest in both physical stores and operational infrastructure as consumer expectations continue to evolve. The openings also support local employment, with existing Asda employees at the Hale Barns store set to transition into roles within Waitrose, while additional recruitment will take place across both locations. The announcement follows Waitrose’s recent move into the travel retail market, with its products now being stocked in four RELAY stores at Heathrow Terminal 2. The initiative marks the retailer’s first entry into airport retailing and forms part of a wider effort to reach customers through new channels and locations. With further investment planned across its store network, supply chain operations and customer experience initiatives, Waitrose continues to position itself for long-term growth while reinforcing confidence in the future of bricks-and-mortar retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Marks & Spencer has continued its nationwide investment programme with the opening of 15 new stores over the past year as the retailer pushes ahead with plans to modernise its estate and strengthen long-term growth. In its preliminary results for the year ending 28 March 2026, M&S confirmed it had opened 12 new food stores alongside three new full-line locations as part of its wider store rotation and expansion strategy. The retailer said it is entering the 2026/27 financial year with a renewed focus on three core investment areas — supply chain modernisation, technology transformation and upgrading its store portfolio — with a strong pipeline of larger, high-volume stores now planned. The expansion reflects M&S’s ongoing strategy to reposition its estate around modern retail formats, stronger food-led locations and more efficient, digitally enabled operations designed to improve customer experience and long-term trading performance. Despite challenging market conditions, the business said it remains committed to investing in both quality and value while accelerating the pace of transformation across the company. M&S reported an adjusted pre-tax profit of £671.4m for the year, representing a year-on-year decline of 23.8%. Chief executive Stuart Machin said retailers continue to face a “triple whammy” of pressures, including increased taxation, greater regulation and ongoing global instability. However, he stressed that M&S remains focused on long-term investment and operational improvement rather than short-term challenges. Machin said the company’s priority is to “protect the magic of M&S while modernising the rest”, highlighting the momentum now building across the business. The retailer’s investment programme comes amid wider change across the UK retail property market, where major occupiers are increasingly prioritising modern, high-performing locations capable of supporting omnichannel retailing, operational efficiency and evolving customer expectations. M&S has continued to invest heavily in store upgrades, food hall expansion, digital infrastructure and logistics improvements as part of its long-term growth strategy. The company’s latest openings also reflect continued confidence in physical retail, particularly in high-footfall locations and convenience-led food formats, despite ongoing pressures across the wider retail sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Shaftesbury Capital has completed 151 leasing transactions across its prime Central London estate since the start of 2026, securing £13.7m in new contracted rent as demand for high-profile West End space remains strong. The real estate investment trust said the deals were agreed at rents averaging 18% ahead of previous passing levels, underlining continued confidence in key retail, leisure and hospitality destinations despite wider economic uncertainty. In a trading update released ahead of its annual general meeting, the group revealed that just 2% of estimated rental value across its portfolio is currently available to let, with a further 1.2% already under offer. Across Covent Garden, a series of new lettings and renewals have continued to strengthen the destination’s luxury and lifestyle appeal. Tiffany & Co. renewed its lease on James Street, while new arrivals include Covent Garden Market Bar by Inception Group and fragrance retailer INITIO Parfums Privés within the Market Building. Dining concept Burro has also opened in Floral Court. At Seven Dials, new occupiers include Code8 Beauty, menswear label Percival, eyewear brand MONC and outdoor-inspired retailer Islander. Carnaby Street has also seen significant activity, with seven new concepts introduced so far this year. These include fashion retailer Edikted, opening its first store outside the United States, and Sephora, which is preparing to launch its first West End location this summer. French fashion brands Kookaï and K-Way have also arrived, alongside an expanded store for Subdued. Elsewhere in Soho, Vagabond Wines is set to open a new venue on Ganton Street, while Italian restaurant Padella has launched on Kingly Street. Shaftesbury Capital’s Chinatown estate has now reached full occupancy following the opening of POP MART’s largest London store on Charing Cross Road and the expansion of Darjeeling Express into a larger Rupert Street restaurant. The group also confirmed continued investment into refurbishment and asset management initiatives, with £12.3m of estimated rental value currently under refurbishment across 149,000 sq ft of space. Since the start of the year, Shaftesbury Capital has invested £16m into capital expenditure and targeted acquisitions. Chief executive Ian Hawksworth said the business had made a strong start to 2026, highlighting robust leasing demand, high occupancy levels and the resilience of the company’s prime West End portfolio. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Shaftesbury Capital has announced the signing of streetwear brand Eme Studios, set to open at 57 Carnaby Street. The arrival will mark the brand’s UK debut and its first permanent store outside of Spain. Eme Studios was born in Spain in 2018, inspired by modern streetwear aesthetics and culture. The brand currently operates physical locations in Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, and trades online in over 100 countries. The new 1,500 sq ft Carnaby Street store will feature a refined collection of men’s, women’s, and unisex pieces, including knitwear, jackets, and other apparel. The chic and timeless interior will translate the brand’s signature aesthetic, fostering a sense of exclusivity.  The brand’s decision to enter the UK market with a first-ever bricks-and-mortar store reflects Eme Studios’ strategic expansion, targeting Soho for its reputation as a world-famous shopping and cultural hub, and successful launchpad. Eme Studios follows in the footsteps of several international brands that started their UK journey in Soho, including the likes of Adidas Originals, Axel Arigato, Autry, and Alohas. William Oliver, Director of Retail & Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, said: “Carnaby Street is a timeless, iconic destination that offers the ideal environment for digitally native brands to start physical retail journeys in the UK. Eme Studios complements our existing brand mix at the southern gateway into Carnaby Street, with its culture-driven clothingmatching consumer demand. Given the success of Edikted, TALA, Sheep Inc, and other digitally native brands, it is clear why Carnaby Street and Soho continue to be first-choice for these best-in-class retailers.” Gabriel Morón, Co-Owner of Eme Studios, commented: “Expanding into the UK has always been a goal for us, so securing a location that aligned with our vision was crucial. Carnaby Street offers a global platform and attracts the type of audience that resonates with our uniqueaesthetic. The success we have seen both online and in Spain has demonstrated the brand’s long-term potential, and establishing a presence in Soho is instrumental in solidifying our position in one of the most competitive retail markets.” Eme Studios will sit at the Southern gateway of Carnaby Street, joining other high-calibre brands, Farm Rio, TALA, and the recent addition of Edikted. The new 4,800 sq ft store for the latter also marked a UK debut, and first location outside of the US, bringing its signature street-style and runway-inspired womenswear to the heart of Soho. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

EG On The Move has strengthened its UK forecourt presence with the acquisition of MPK Garages, a well-established petrol forecourt operator with a strong regional footprint. The deal includes 27 petrol forecourt sites, most of which are freehold. The sites operate under a mix of Valero, Texaco and Gulf fuel brands, with Nisa-branded retail stores forming part of the customer offer. The acquisition marks another step in EG On The Move’s national growth strategy, taking the group close to 200 locations across the UK. It also increases the company’s presence across the Midlands, where MPK has built a respected and established network. EG On The Move said the purchase provides a strong platform for further investment across the acquired estate. Plans include improving the non-fuel retail offer, with an enhanced foodservice proposition, wider grocery range and broader merchandise selection expected to be introduced across the sites. Zuber Issa, CEO of EG On The Move, said the acquisition represented an important move in the company’s UK expansion plans, describing MPK as a highly respected operator with a strong Midlands presence. Wayne Harrand, CEO of MPK, said the business had invested heavily in its people and estate since 2018. He added that EG On The Move shared a similar approach and was well placed to enhance the customer offer across the MPK sites, while delivering long-term value and improved financial performance across the combined network. The transaction further highlights continued investment in the UK forecourt sector, as operators look to broaden convenience, foodservice and retail services beyond traditional fuel sales. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

British Land has submitted plans for a major 60,000 sq ft extension at Glasgow Fort, in a move that could significantly expand the shopping park’s retail and leisure offer. The proposals include a major enlargement of the existing M&S store, adding more than 32,000 sq ft of space. If approved, the upgraded store would become the retailer’s largest in Scotland, creating a flagship destination for shoppers at one of the country’s busiest retail parks. The wider plans also include an improved leisure offer, with new attractions such as bowling and arcades proposed as part of the development. British Land said the expansion has been shaped by feedback from two public consultation events held last year, as well as growing demand from visitors. Glasgow Fort has seen strong trading momentum, with the retail park recording its highest-ever visitor numbers in 2025. Footfall has risen by 8% over the past 12 months, supported by demand across fashion, health and beauty, food and drink, and wider lifestyle categories. M&S said the proposed extension would allow it to provide a larger and more modern store for customers in Scotland. Rachel Rankine, regional manager at M&S, said the plans would create a standout destination at Glasgow Fort, with more space to showcase the retailer’s food, fashion, home and beauty ranges. British Land said the application reflects its confidence in Glasgow Fort’s long-term growth and the continued strength of well-located retail parks. The company said the scheme would be one of the first significant retail and leisure developments to come forward in the UK in recent years, pointing to renewed confidence in the sector. Matt Reed, head of asset management at British Land, said the company is continuing to invest in and evolve Glasgow Fort to meet changing consumer habits. He said the aim is to create a vibrant environment that supports retailers while giving visitors more reasons to spend time at the destination. If approved, the expansion would further strengthen Glasgow Fort’s position as one of the UK’s leading retail park destinations, combining larger-format shopping with leisure and food and drink uses. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lidl GB has unveiled a new list of more than 100 target locations across the UK, underlining the scale of its ongoing expansion strategy and continued investment in its store estate. The discount retailer is actively seeking freehold, leasehold and long leasehold opportunities, with a broad geographic spread ranging from Garthdee in Aberdeen and Aldgate in London to Ystradgynlais in Wales and Windsor in Berkshire. To support its land acquisition strategy, Lidl has confirmed it will offer a competitive finder’s fee for sites that lead to successful store development. The announcement builds on a period of sustained growth for Lidl in the UK, driven by an ambitious new build programme and a highly disciplined approach to estate management. Earlier this year, the retailer confirmed plans to open more than 50 new stores over the next 12 months as part of a £600 million investment, reinforcing its position as one of the most active developers in the UK food retail sector. Lidl’s expansion has been characterised by a focus on well located, high efficiency stores, typically delivered through new build formats or carefully selected urban and suburban sites. Its standardised store model allows for rapid delivery, cost control and operational consistency, while also enabling flexibility across different site conditions. Increasingly, stores are being delivered with strong sustainability credentials, including energy efficient design, solar installations and electric vehicle charging provision. Alongside new development, Lidl continues to invest in its existing estate through refurbishment and extension programmes, ensuring that stores remain aligned with customer expectations and operational requirements. This active asset management strategy has supported strong trading performance and helped drive footfall across both new and established locations. The retailer’s logistics infrastructure has also expanded in parallel with its store network, ensuring that supply chain capacity keeps pace with growth. New distribution centres and upgrades to existing facilities are enabling Lidl to maintain efficiency while supporting further rollout across the UK. Richard Taylor, chief real estate officer at Lidl GB, said the company remains committed to delivering high quality, accessible stores to more communities nationwide. He highlighted that each new store not only provides affordable products but also creates local employment opportunities and supports British suppliers. Lidl’s growth trajectory has been reinforced by its strong market performance, with the retailer maintaining a prolonged period as the fastest growing bricks and mortar supermarket in the UK. The opening of its 1,000th store in East Grinstead marked a key milestone in its expansion, with further growth expected as new sites are secured and developed. For the property sector, Lidl’s latest site requirements highlight continued demand for retail led development opportunities, particularly in well connected urban and suburban locations. Its consistent delivery model, combined with long term investment in both development and asset management, positions the retailer as a key occupier driving activity across the UK real estate market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

British travel brand Antler will open the doors to its UK flagship store at 100 Regent Street, London, on 21 April 2026. Marking the brand’s first standalone UK store under its new ownership, the opening represents a significant milestone in Antler’s journey and global retail expansion strategy. Spanning two floors and over 2,400 sq ft, the Regent Street flagship opens as the home of Antler. The store affirms Antler’s brand positioning as The British Travel Lifestyle Brand through a considered physical environment with sensory details introduced through lighting, materials and Antler’s signature scent. 100 Regent Street is designed as a destination that reflects Antler’s ethos that more travelled people make for a better world, brought to life through Antler’s collections of modern, functional travel goods for those who travel often. Located within London’s prestigious shopping district, Antler will join other iconic British brands, including Burberry and Mulberry, in its premium retail positioning. Designed in collaboration with award-winning design agency Checkland Kindleysides, the flagship brings together product and travel expertise within a contemporary, design-led retail environment defined by natural materials and a seamless artisan micro-cement finish that flows from floor to ceiling. The ground floor forms the primary retail space, centred around a bespoke 6-metre layered table designed as a focal point of the floor. The table features a soft, tactile surface designed to encourage hands-on interaction, allowing customers to open cases and explore the form and function of Antler’s collections. The ground floor is also home to a floral art installation by renowned British floral artist Hamish Powell. Woven around the central table and, along the right-hand wall, the installation introduces texture and seasonality into the space, drawing on natural materials and inspired by great British landscapes. At the rear of the ground floor, the space opens into a quieter haven designed for pause and reflection. Immersive brand visuals introduce Antler’s lifestyle world, offering a moment of rest and refreshments within the pace of Regent Street. The lower ground floor opens into a second retail space alongside the more intimate retreat, designed for discovery. The atmosphere shifts into a lounge environment inspired by the warmth of British hospitality with refreshments served, inviting customers to relax and explore the collection. The space converts from retail floor to an adaptable showroom and events space designed to host talks and cultural moments, bringing together London’s travel community. Furniture throughout the flagship has been designed and made by Toogood, the London based studio led by British designer Faye Toogood, introducing a sculptural yet functional design language throughout the store. In keeping with Antler’s wider engagement with British creatives, staff uniforms have been curated in collaboration with London clothing brand Studio Wylder, each piece finished with a bespoke Antler patch featuring the new monogram. The opening also marks the introduction of the Antler Monogram, a new brand code developed from the interlocking geometry of Antler’s icon and brand mark. Launching in a palette of signature green, archival coral and warm white, the monogram is a symbol of Antler’s design heritage and will launch with a flagship exclusive cashmere scarf and throw, packing cubes and a candle in Antler’s signature store scent, ‘Shared Worlds’. Introduced to mark the milestone opening of the Regent Street flagship, the monogram is designed to remain a long-term brand code, reflecting Antler’s evolution from heritage luggage maker to modern British travel lifestyle brand. Kirsty Glenne, CEO at Antler, said: “The opening of our Regent Street flagship is a defining moment for Antler and a powerful statement of our ambition. This store brings our brand to life as a destination that expresses our values, our heritage and our confidence in the future of physical retail, while creating a new, meaningful way for customers to engage with Antler. Regent Street provides the perfect stage for the next chapter of Antler’s growth.” The Regent Street opening follows four consecutive years of double-digit profitable growth with global sales reaching £52M, +17% YoY. Strategic investment into new product categories including bags and accessories has broadened Antler’s reach beyond core luggage to grow its consumer base, placing the brand firmly on track to reach £100 Million in global sales by 2029. This sustained global growth has also enabled Antler to accelerate its strategic expansion into a House of Brands, through acquiring Paravel and undertaking the expansion of Nere’s international business. Laura Thursfield, Retail Leasing Director, at The Crown Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome Antler, an iconic British brand, to Regent Street. The arrival reflects our strategy to curate a street of best-in-class brands, led by flagship stores that reinforce Regent Street’s global profile. Antler’s opening marks the start of a summer of new arrivals and supports our ambition to create a forward-thinking destination that continues to evolve in line with emerging consumer trends.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals