Beauty giant Sephora has opened its first UK store of 2025 at Liverpool ONE, marking the brand’s eighth location across the country. The 6,727 sq ft store brings Sephora’s signature range of beauty and self-care products to the heart of the popular retail destination, joining a strong line-up of existing UK locations including Westfield London, Trafford Centre in Manchester, and Birmingham Bullring. Liverpool ONE’s new addition is the first in a string of upcoming launches for Sephora, with further stores planned for Meadowhall in Sheffield, Manchester Arndale, and St David’s in Cardiff later this year. Rob Deacon, director of asset management at Liverpool ONE – Landsec, commented: “The hugely anticipated Sephora UK store is the latest in a series of milestone launches here at Liverpool ONE as we reach the halfway point of the busiest year of openings since the destination launched in 2008. “This flagship 6,727 sq ft space is the epitome of what Liverpool ONE is known for — a UK hotspot for best-in-class brands and standout experiences. We’re delighted to welcome Sephora, a global beauty powerhouse, adding even more reasons for shoppers to visit.” The launch coincides with a wider retail uplift at Liverpool ONE, including the opening of TFG London’s multi-brand flagship on South John Street, featuring products from Hobbs, Phase Eight, Whistles, and Inside Story. Sephora’s continued UK expansion underscores growing demand for experiential retail and premium beauty offerings, with Liverpool ONE proving to be a strategic and high-profile step in the brand’s rollout. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Tk Maxx has unveiled a detailed wishlist of prime retail spots as it prepares for a significant expansion across London. The fashion and homeware retailer, which currently operates around 350 stores across the UK, is on the hunt for new premises ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 square feet. It is open to trading across two floors and is seeking 10-year lease agreements for its new London outlets. Within Central London, the retailer is targeting key high-footfall locations including the West End, Canary Wharf, King’s Cross, and Regent Street. Additional sought-after areas include Marylebone, Spitalfields, Borough, and Vauxhall, among others. Tk Maxx has also outlined a broad range of potential sites across Greater London. These include areas such as Croydon, Chiswick, Crouch End, Finsbury Park, and Crystal Palace, as well as suburban hubs like Upminster, Walton-on-Thames, and Banstead. Property firms Brasier Freeth and KLM Real Estate have been instructed to identify and secure suitable units across the capital. The expansion marks a bold move by the retailer to strengthen its London presence and tap into the capital’s diverse consumer base, as demand for value-led fashion and homeware continues to grow. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Up to 200 Poundland branches may be forced to close under the terms of a potential rescue deal, placing hundreds of jobs and high street presences at risk. The discount retail chain, which has been on the market since March, is attracting final bids this week. According to The Sunday Times, investment firm Gordon Brothers has emerged as the leading contender. Other interested parties include Hilco Capital, Endless, and Modella Capital — the private equity group behind The Original Factory Shop and the recent buyer of WHSmith’s high street business. With 825 stores nationwide, Poundland has struggled in the face of surging operating costs and growing pressure from major supermarket chains offering budget-friendly alternatives. The retailer’s parent company, Pepco Group, confirmed earlier this year that it is shifting focus away from fast-moving consumer goods in favour of higher-margin clothing and general merchandise. This strategic pivot includes “actively exploring separation options for Poundland, including a potential sale”. A spokesperson for the group added: “Poundland is executing a turnaround programme to get the business back on track, focusing on its core heritage strengths and a simpler pricing proposition and customer offer.” While a deal could inject much-needed direction for the embattled chain, the fate of hundreds of locations across the UK now hangs in the balance. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

The Range has successfully completed the first phase of its ambitious store conversion programme, transforming 55 former Homebase locations into fully operational superstores. The move follows The Range’s acquisition of the Homebase brand and up to 70 of its stores in November, following the DIY retailer’s fall into administration. Now rebranded under The Range fascia, the sites have been revitalised to offer a broader and more convenient customer experience. Several of the newly launched stores now include dedicated garden centres and kitchen showrooms, with bathroom displays expected to be added to selected locations in the coming months. CDS Superstores, the parent company of The Range, confirmed that details of the second rollout phase will be revealed shortly as part of the group’s wider growth strategy. The retailer also continues to strengthen its collaboration with grocery partner Iceland, with the partnership now extended to over 150 co-located stores across the UK. Alex Simpkin, CEO of CDS Superstores, commented: “We’re extremely proud of the transformation achieved across these former Homebase sites. These stores not only safeguard jobs but offer customers an enhanced retail environment tailored to their home and garden needs. “Our growing partnership with Iceland, alongside the introduction of Wilko own-brand products, reinforces our focus on convenience, quality and value. We remain committed to supporting local communities and delivering a standout shopping experience.” As high street retail continues to evolve, The Range’s strategic expansion underlines its ambition to become a dominant force in the UK’s home, garden and value retail sectors. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Danish lifestyle brand Søstrene Grene has unveiled ambitious plans to double its UK presence, with a goal of reaching 100 stores nationwide by 2027. The popular homewares retailer is continuing its rapid expansion with new locations confirmed for Canary Wharf in London, Harrogate in North Yorkshire, and Stirling in Scotland, all set to open this summer. These additions follow the recent launch of its Oxford Circus flagship in March – the brand’s fifth store in the capital. This UK growth is part of Søstrene Grene’s wider international strategy, which includes the opening of 60 new stores globally in 2025. Chief Executive Officer and co-owner Mikkel Grene said: “Customers in the UK have responded incredibly positively to the Søstrene Grene concept. We continue to see strong footfall, high levels of engagement, and real appetite for new locations – even in areas where other retailers are pulling back.” Grene noted that the company’s confidence to expand lies in its ability to enhance and support local high streets. Founded in 1973, Søstrene Grene now operates more than 330 stores across 17 European countries. The brand is known for its distinctive Scandinavian design, offering a curated range of homewares, furniture, kitchen accessories, and creative hobby items. “We’re making long-term investments because we believe in the ongoing relevance of physical retail,” Grene added. “Especially when it creates a meaningful customer experience and an emotional connection. We see an opportunity to bring something different to the UK high street at a time when fresh thinking is needed.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lifestyle and fashion brand Anthropologie is preparing to open its first-ever store in the North West, having secured a prominent spot at Liverpool ONE. Set to occupy a 7,000 sq ft flagship unit on Peter’s Lane, the store will offer the brand’s signature mix of womenswear, footwear, accessories and homeware—all under one roof. The move marks a significant milestone in Anthropologie’s UK expansion and brings yet another sought-after name to Liverpool’s retail heart. Rob Deacon, Asset Management Director at Liverpool ONE – Landsec, commented:“2025 is already shaping up to be a landmark year for Liverpool ONE. The arrival of Anthropologie further elevates our line-up of premium and international brands, reinforcing our position as one of the UK’s most dynamic retail destinations. This is yet another compelling reason to visit.” Anthropologie’s signing comes hot on the heels of several major additions to the centre. Japanese retailer UNIQLO recently opened its doors at Liverpool ONE, marking its first foray into the city, while global beauty powerhouse Sephora and fashion group TFG London are both due to open later this month. With momentum building, Liverpool ONE continues to attract world-class brands seeking to tap into the region’s vibrant and style-savvy consumer base. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Fashion favourite Mango has officially opened its latest concept store at Overgate shopping centre in Dundee, bringing its fresh ‘New Med’ aesthetic to Scotland for the very first time. Situated on the ground floor and spanning more than 3,700 sq ft, the new store focuses exclusively on womenswear and showcases Mango’s latest design approach—characterised by Mediterranean-inspired styling, natural materials and a relaxed, contemporary feel. More than just a retail space, the store incorporates a range of customer-focused features, including a click-and-collect service and a dedicated ‘Committed Box’ where visitors can drop off clothing and footwear for repair or recycling, underlining the brand’s growing commitment to sustainability. Malcolm Angus, Centre Manager at Overgate, commented:“We’re thrilled to welcome Mango to Overgate. The buzz around the opening has been phenomenal and it’s a fantastic addition to our evolving retail line-up. The brand’s arrival marks another exciting step in the transformation of the centre.” Mango’s debut in Dundee comes ahead of another major milestone for Overgate, with Frasers Group set to unveil a 100,000 sq ft FRASERS flagship store at the centre this June, following its acquisition of the scheme in 2023. Property consultancy Orinsen acted on behalf of Overgate in securing the deal. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals