Greggs is setting its sights on 140 to 150 new store openings in 2025, following a record-breaking year in which the bakery chain surpassed £2 billion in sales for the first time. In 2024, Greggs expanded its presence with 226 new store openings, while closing 28 locations and relocating 53. The company also refurbished 165 existing shops, bringing its total estate to 2,618 stores by the end of the year. Looking ahead, Greggs sees significant potential to exceed 3,000 UK stores in the long term. The company’s total sales for 2024 rose 11.3% year-on-year to £2.01bn, with underlying operating profit increasing 13.7% to £195.3m. Roisin Currie, chief executive of Greggs, reflected on the company’s success: “2024 was another record-breaking year for Greggs; we exceeded £2 billion in sales for the first time and opened our 2,600th shop. Our people have worked tirelessly to deliver on our strategic ambition to further establish Greggs as a multi-channel food-to-go retailer, and I want to acknowledge their efforts. It is thanks to their hard work, week after week, that we continue to grow, while maintaining the great prices, high-quality products, and friendly service that keep our customers coming back.” Currie also reaffirmed Greggs’ long-term growth strategy: “In 2021, we set our sights on doubling sales by 2026 and building a significantly larger business. Three years into this five-year plan, we are on track and confident in the growth opportunities ahead. The brand is stronger than ever, with vast potential to expand our store network and continue developing in newer markets and channels.” With strong momentum and ambitious expansion plans, Greggs is poised for another year of impressive growth in 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

WHSmith could vanish from UK high streets as the retailer considers selling its 500-store high street division, with reports suggesting any deal may not include the rights to its historic brand name. The company, which has been a fixture of British high streets since 1792, is shifting its focus towards its more profitable travel retail business. In January, WHSmith confirmed it was exploring strategic options for its high street division, including a potential sale. However, it is now understood that any deal may exclude the WHSmith branding, raising questions about the future identity of the stores. Among those reportedly interested in acquiring the high street business are HMV owner Doug Putman, Bensons for Beds owner Alteri, and Modella Capital, which owns Hobbycraft. Despite recording an operating profit of £32 million last year, WHSmith’s high street stores remain largely focused on greeting cards, books, and stationery, while its travel division – which offers a broader range of food, drinks, and technology – now accounts for 85% of the company’s overall profits. If the sale goes ahead without brand retention, it could spell the end of WHSmith as a recognisable presence on UK high streets. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Wickes has secured four former Homebase locations as part of its ongoing expansion, following the DIY retailer’s collapse into administration last year. The newly acquired stores in Dunfermline, Bury St Edmunds, and Leeds Moor Allerton will reopen under the Wickes brand later this year. They join a Northampton site, acquired in July 2024, which is currently undergoing refurbishment. The acquisitions align with Wickes’ strategic growth plans, allowing the company to expand into new catchment areas while continuing its store opening programme. Wickes chief executive David Wood said, “We are delighted to be acquiring these former Homebase stores and welcoming all colleagues currently working there into the Wickes family. This move further strengthens our ambitious store expansion strategy, helping even more customers bring their home improvement projects to life.” Wickes is among several home improvement retailers capitalising on Homebase’s restructuring. B&Q has taken over eight former Homebase locations across the UK and Ireland, while new Homebase owner CDS Superstores—operator of The Range and Wilko—has committed to rebranding up to 70 stores. With these latest acquisitions, Wickes continues to reinforce its presence in the home improvement sector, bringing its product range and expertise to more communities nationwide. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Cornish Bakery has started 2025 on a high, opening its first site of the year in Cirencester while preparing for six more locations set to launch soon. With this latest addition in the heart of the Cotswolds, the growing bakery chain now operates 66 sites across the UK. Plans are already in motion for further expansion, with six more properties currently in the legal process—locations to be revealed in due course. In addition to new openings, Cornish Bakery is rolling out a major refurbishment programme in five key tourist hotspots. Over the next three months, bakeries in Totnes, Swanage, Bude, Fowey, and Sidmouth will undergo upgrades, including expanded seating areas, just in time for the Easter rush. The expansion follows a record-breaking 2024, during which the company saw a 9.7% like-for-like sales increase at existing sites, a 26% rise in total sales, and six successful new openings. The year concluded with a highly successful launch in Milton Keynes in December—the company’s strongest opening to date. Cornish Bakery Managing Director Mat Finch said, “The second half of 2024 was a period of incredible growth, with new bakeries opening in Nottingham, Taunton, Winchester, Chelmsford, Milton Keynes, and Cirencester. Now, we’re pressing ahead with five major refurbishments while lining up six more locations. The response from customers has been fantastic, and with sales and team engagement at an all-time high, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for us.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Build and fit out contractor Cold Developments has completed the refurbishment of a Holden Kia dealership in Norwich. The dealership on Barker Street, north of the city, is now open to the public following a transformation to reflect Kia’s global rebrand. Its new brand identity was introduced in 2021, featuring a new logo that reflects its position as a leader in electrification. As part of its rebranding, Kia designed the ‘Kia Store’ to revolutionise the look and feel of its dealerships. Two distinct zones separate the new showroom, comprising a ‘customer zone’ featuring wood accents and comfortable seating areas, and a ‘display zone’, showcasing the latest Kia models. The Kia ‘Showcase’ is an interactive system which allows customers to take an in-depth virtual tour of any Kia model. Nottingham-based Cold Developments undertook the strip out and fit out of the dealership over a 10-week period. Works included the respray of external cladding and shop front, a new HVAC system and suspended ceiling, decoration throughout, new lighting and doors, new partitions and glazed curtain walling to form the sales office, new hygienic internal cladding, new customer toilets, and the installation of wall panelling, display screens and furniture. Luke Burrows, MD at Cold Developments, said: “We are specialists in commercial fit out and create spaces that truly impact the customer experience. With our skilled team we deliver our services for well recognised brands throughout the UK and enjoy seeing our finished projects being used by our clients and their customers. “Thank you to the Holden Kia team for working with us in Norwich. The dealership has been transformed to a welcoming, comfortable and innovative space which perfectly reflects Kia’s brand and its fleet.” Darren Anderson, GM at Holden Kia Norwich, said: “This transformation marks a new era for Holden Kia Norwich.  Our customers can now view our models in a state-of-the-art environment that is welcoming, comfortable and has the latest technology. Great to see the work of Cold Developments now in use by our customers.” Cold Developments is active on refurbishments, fit outs, enabling works and extensions across the UK and have worked with leading brands within automotive, service stations, town and shopping centre retail, convenience retail, food and beverage and leisure. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lidl’s ambitious expansion across the UK continues, with two major new supermarket developments underway in York and Somerset. The retailer is investing millions in its property portfolio, strengthening its presence in key locations to meet growing consumer demand. York Welcomes Third Lidl Store Construction is now in progress on a brand-new Lidl supermarket at Monks Cross in York, set to become the city’s third branch. Built on the former TK Maxx site next to Sainsbury’s, the store will feature a 1,516m² sales area, a bakery, the popular Middle of Lidl aisles, and modern customer facilities, including baby-changing amenities. Sustainability is a key focus for the project, with solar panels providing renewable energy and seven electric vehicle charging points installed in the car park. New trees will also be planted as part of the landscaping effort. Lidl GB’s regional head of property, Liam Schofield, said:“It’s fantastic to see construction underway at our newest York store. As well as creating dozens of jobs, this store will give residents even greater access to our high-quality, affordable products in an area where we’ve seen increasing demand.” With completion expected before the end of 2025, the store will bring 40 new jobs to the local community. New Lidl for Bridgwater’s Growing Community Meanwhile, in Somerset, Lidl is set to open another supermarket on the southern outskirts of Bridgwater. Located within the rapidly developing Bridgwater Gateway area near the M5, the store will provide a convenient shopping destination for hundreds of new homes and businesses planned for the site. Somerset Council has approved the plans, with construction expected to begin later this year. The development will include 105 parking spaces, cycle access, and a new pedestrian crossing over Wilstock Way. Lidl has committed £31,200 towards this crucial infrastructure, ensuring safer access for residents of the nearby Wilstock and Stockmoor housing estates. Dan Templeton, director of Planning Potential, speaking on behalf of Lidl, said:“This improved crossing point will help customers visiting the store from the Wilstock and Stockmoor area, making it easier for them to access local amenities.” This latest project follows Lidl’s recent investment in the expansion of the Strawberry Line active travel route alongside its new, larger store in Wells. Lidl’s Property Growth Strategy With these two new locations, Lidl is demonstrating its commitment to strategic growth across the UK. By investing in modern, accessible, and eco-friendly stores, the supermarket chain is not only creating new jobs but also enhancing local infrastructure and retail options for communities. As construction progresses in both York and Somerset, Lidl continues to cement its position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket brands. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Aldi is set to invest £67 million into upgrading its existing stores in 2025, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for customers across the UK. The supermarket chain, which has already poured nearly £700 million into store improvements since 2017, plans to create more space for fresh, chilled, and food-to-go ranges. The revamp will also introduce simpler layouts, improved fixtures, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Shoppers can expect further in-store enhancements, including upgraded bakery sections, revamped health and beauty aisles, and improved CO2 refrigeration systems. Jonathan Neale, managing director of national real estate at Aldi UK, said: “Aldi’s £67 million investment is a major step forward in our commitment to delivering an even better shopping experience for our customers across Britain. “Building on the success of our previous upgrades, we’re enhancing store layouts as part of our dedication to providing customers with more sustainable stores, convenience, and an improved shopping experience nationwide.” This announcement follows Aldi’s recent pledge to invest £650 million in opening new stores across the UK in 2025. Locations set to benefit from new stores include Fulham Broadway in London, Billericay in Essex, and Cheadle in Stoke-on-Trent. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Fashion powerhouse Urban Revivo is set to unveil its second UK flagship store at Westfield Stratford City, London. The brand will take up a spacious 30,000 sq ft, double-height unit on the first floor, joining a stellar line-up of fashion giants including Zara, UNIQLO, Mango, and H&M. Founded in 2006, Urban Revivo has rapidly expanded its global footprint, now boasting over 400 stores worldwide. This latest move follows the retailer’s recent lease of 8-12 Neal Street in Covent Garden, reinforcing its commitment to UK expansion. Sam Foyle, co-head of global retail at Savills, commented: “This is a pivotal moment for Urban Revivo as we drive forward the brand’s ambitious European growth strategy for 2025. Having already achieved outstanding success in the APAC region, we’re thrilled to see Urban Revivo shaping the future of fashion in the UK.” Constantin Wiesmann, Leasing Director UK at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW), added: “Westfield Stratford City remains a premier destination for global brands looking to cement their flagship presence in the UK. The arrival of Urban Revivo aligns with our ongoing mission to attract emerging and sought-after brands, offering both retailers and shoppers an elevated experience.” Savills advised Urban Revivo on the deal, while URW was represented by Cushman & Wakefield. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lidl is ramping up its UK expansion with nine new store openings within a month, marking a strong start to 2025. Most of the new locations will open their doors in February as the retailer continues to grow its presence nationwide. New stores are set to launch in Canning Town, Preston, Walsall, and Wombourne, while larger, upgraded stores will reopen in Blantyre, Cwmbran, Oldbrook, Wells, and West Ealing. These follow Lidl’s first store opening of the year in Northampton and a successful run of 10 new stores in the lead-up to Christmas. Richard Taylor, Chief Development Officer at Lidl GB, said: “As we step into the new year, we’re keeping up the momentum with nine brand-new, state-of-the-art stores, bringing an enhanced shopping experience to new communities and those we’ve proudly served for an average of 26 years. After a record-breaking Christmas, where millions of households turned to Lidl, these openings highlight the ever-growing demand for our unbeatable value and quality. And this is just the beginning – we have even more store openings planned for 2025 and look forward to welcoming both loyal and new customers in the months ahead.” Lidl’s expansion comes on the back of its most successful Christmas yet, with nearly two million more shoppers choosing the discounter compared to previous years. Festive season sales surged by 7% year-on-year, surpassing £1 billion for the first time. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals