MINISO is set to open its 50th UK store at Centre:mk in Milton Keynes, marking a milestone in the lifestyle brand’s rapid expansion since entering the market in 2019. The new 1,550 sq ft unit on Silbury Boulevard will stock fan-favourite collections from Hello Kitty and Friends, Sylvanian Families, Disney and Pokémon, alongside a rotating line-up of vinyl plush pendants, blind boxes, surprise bags, toys, beauty, lifestyle accessories and snacks. The Centre:mk signing underscores MINISO’s strategy of targeting high-footfall destinations while steadily building a presence on prime high streets. It follows a flurry of 2025 launches, including Birmingham’s Bullring (opened 10 October), Glasgow Central (3 September), Bromley and Livingston (both 22 August), Telford Centre (11 July), Edinburgh Princes Street (21 March) and Kingston’s Clarence Street (7 March). Earlier flagships in London’s Oxford Street, Manchester’s Trafford Centre and Edinburgh’s Princes Street have helped cement brand visibility and supported a national roll-out of around 60 locations to date. For Centre:mk—one of the region’s dominant shopping destinations—the deal adds another crowd-pulling name to a tenant mix geared towards family and youth appeal. Kevin Duay, centre director at Centre:mk, said: “MINISO’s decision to bring its popular brand to Centre:mk is a reflection of the centre’s vast catchment area, high footfall and our ability to attract global retailers, and a clear endorsement in both Milton Keynes and the strength of Centre:mk as a dominant regional centre.” MINISO’s UK playbook blends fast-fit, merchandising-led store design with frequent product drops and licensed collaborations that fuel repeat visits. Recent openings suggest the retailer is balancing enclosed malls—where event-led activations can drive dwell—with town-centre locations that tap commuter and weekend footfall. The brand is also enhancing its digital offer, with plans to introduce click-and-collect to bridge online discovery and in-store purchase. For landlords and local authorities, the 50th-store announcement signals continued demand from value-led, impulse-friendly retailers that trade effectively across seasons and respond quickly to social media trends. For consumers, Centre:mk’s upcoming opening offers an accessible dose of “kawaii” culture and small-ticket gifting—timed neatly for peak shopping periods. Fit-out is expected to emphasise simple wayfinding, high-density front-of-house display and efficient back-of-house logistics to support rapid replenishment. With the milestone now set for Milton Keynes, MINISO’s UK footprint looks set to keep growing through 2026, combining shopping-centre anchors with targeted high-street infill and an increasingly omnichannel proposition. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Asda is stepping up its convenience store expansion drive with the launch of nine new Asda Express branches this week, seven of which are opening across London. The move underlines the retailer’s ambition to strengthen its footprint in high-footfall city locations, residential areas, and key transport hubs. London shoppers will soon find new Asda Express stores at Tower Bridge, Greenwich, Limehouse Station, Harringay, Deptford, Whetstone, and within the former Arsenal FC club shop at Finsbury Park Station. Beyond the capital, Asda will also open sites in Southampton and Stoke, enhancing its reach across southern and central England. Each Asda Express offers a broad range of ambient and chilled groceries, alongside beers, wines and spirits. Customers can also benefit from additional services including Costa Coffee machines, ATMs, Amazon collection and return points, and on-demand delivery through Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo. Joseph Sutton, vice president of Asda Express, foodservice and fuel, said the new stores are an important step in bringing Asda’s value proposition to more communities. “We’re thrilled to be opening nine new Express stores this week, including seven in London – an area where we have traditionally had less of a presence in convenience,” he explained. “These openings are a key part of our strategy to bring Asda’s unbeatable value to more urban areas and residential communities across the UK. We know customers have looked forward to these stores opening for a long time, and we’re delighted to welcome them in and offer outstanding value across their favourite products.” Earlier in October, Asda opened a new Express store in Castleford, marking the start of the latest phase of its rollout. The retailer plans to open a further ten stores before the end of the year and has a strong pipeline of additional sites lined up for 2026, reinforcing its rapid growth in the convenience sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading structural and civil engineering consultancy provides innovative solutions for one of Next’s largest retail destinations. Perega has successfully completed comprehensive structural engineering works for the new flagship Next store at Lakeside Shopping Centre in south Essex. The store, which is now open to the public, showcases the consultancy’s ability to deliver innovative and complex solutions for large-scale retail developments. The new Next store is one of the largest in the company’s portfolio and required bespoke engineering to bring its unique architectural vision to life. Perega’s work included designing and installing custom balustrade and structural glazing systems, a substantial customer staircase with a handrail, and carefully engineered shopfronts. Presenting unique engineering challenges, the project included complex load-bearing requirements and the need for seamless integration with the existing building. To meet these demands, Perega worked to a tight deadline to ensure the frameworks were done ahead of the summer launch date. This included developing bespoke detailing solutions, particularly for integrating the balustrade base with existing steelwork, demonstrating the team’s ability to deliver innovative technical solutions on a tight schedule. Jake Parsell, Structural Engineer and Project Lead at Perega, said: “This was a particularly exciting project that challenged our team to develop innovative solutions for integrating new structural elements with existing building systems. The scale and complexity of the works, combined with the tight timeline, required close collaboration and creative problem-solving. We’re delighted to have contributed to what has become a truly impressive flagship retail destination.” The new store features a modern design with open skylight windows, expansive atriums, and six customer entrances. The successful delivery of the Next Lakeside project reinforces Perega’s growing reputation in the retail sector, building on its established expertise across healthcare, education, and commercial developments. The project timeline, spanning ten months, demonstrates the team’s efficiency in managing fast-track retail developments. For more information, please visit perega.co.uk. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Womenswear brand Quiz has announced plans to open up to 10 new stores across the UK over the next year, as the retailer continues to rebuild momentum following its operational restructuring earlier in 2024. The fashion chain, which currently operates more than 150 stores and concessions nationwide, is focusing on expansion in new locations — with particular attention on London and the south of England. The new stores will reflect Quiz’s latest retail concept, first introduced at its recently opened 1,800 sq ft shop in Braehead Shopping Centre, Glasgow. The updated format features refreshed fittings, digital screens and enhanced product displays designed to create a more engaging shopping experience. Sheraz Ramzan, chief executive of Quiz Clothing, said the changes mark a clear step forward for the brand. “We have evolved our retail formula at Quiz and, encouraged by a strong uplift in like-for-like retail sales over the summer, we are confident the new strategy is working,” he explained. “The plan is to now expand in the right locations through units that provide the best possible backdrop for our extended product offering. This will be underpinned by an improved capex and return model with more flexible lease terms.” The retailer’s move signals renewed confidence in its physical store network, following a challenging period for many fashion brands adapting to shifting shopping habits and economic pressures. With a refreshed store design and renewed focus on flexibility, Quiz aims to strengthen its high street presence while aligning its brand experience across both digital and in-person channels. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

UNIQLO has opened its second Scottish store on Argyle Street, Glasgow, taking a 10-year lease on a 24,000 sq ft unit within the St. Enoch Centre. The new space carries the brand’s full range for men, women and children and features a Re.Uniqlo Studio, where customers can repair, remake and upcycle garments. The Glasgow launch follows last year’s opening in Edinburgh and adds momentum to the ongoing transformation of Argyle Street, which saw Next arrive at the end of last year. Positioned at the heart of the city’s retail core, the store is pitched to capture heavy footfall from shoppers moving between Buchanan Street and the Clyde. “We are excited to open our new store on Argyle Street, one of Scotland’s most iconic and historic shopping destinations,” said Alessandro Dudech, chief operating officer at Uniqlo UK. “Perfectly positioned in the heart of Glasgow’s thriving retail scene, this location offers the ideal setting to showcase our LifeWear to a diverse and dynamic community of shoppers. It also gives us a fantastic opportunity to champion local partners … collaborating with creatives and organisations that reflect the spirit and energy of the city.” Landlord Praxis said the letting underlines the scheme’s draw for international names. “As the opening of Uniqlo demonstrates, St. Enoch Centre continues to attract highly coveted, international brands, cementing the scheme’s position as a prime destination for premium retailers,” said Ian Shorrock, head of retail at Praxis. “The addition of Uniqlo’s flagship Scottish store, and the duration of the lease, is a huge vote of confidence in the Centre and bolsters its reputation as a hotspot for first-rate retail stores in Scotland.” For retail property watchers, the 10-year commitment signals long-term confidence in central Glasgow and in well-located, right-sized units that can accommodate both core retail and brand experience. The in-store repair offer also aligns with the sector’s push towards circularity and extended product life, themes now influencing store design, operational fit-out and aftercare services. Savills acted for the landlord, now Praxis (formerly Sovereign Centros), while Sims Property Consultants represented UNIQLO. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Footasylum is returning to Silverburn, agreeing a deal with owner Henderson Park for a two-storey, 9,585 sq ft unit that will become the retailer’s fourth store in Glasgow. The move adds further momentum to the centre’s fashion-led refresh, following recent lettings to Bershka, Hollister, Pull&Bear and Stradivarius. Managed by Eurofund Group, Silverburn has seen more than 60 leasing deals concluded under its three-year joint venture ownership with Henderson Park, targeting an elevated brand mix and stronger youth and family appeal. Culverwell and Time Retail Partners acted for the landlord on the Footasylum transaction. For the retail property market, the signing underscores the continued pull of best-in-class regional centres for athleisure and trainer specialists, particularly where owners are investing in tenant mix, placemaking and experience. Silverburn’s large-format, multi-level unit allows Footasylum to showcase key brand partners and expand digital services such as click-and-collect and ship-from-store, supporting omnichannel growth across its c.60-strong estate. Alberto Esguevillas, CEO of UK retail at Eurofund Group, said: “Footasylum is a stand-out success story in the UK retail market, and we are pleased to see it return to Silverburn, where it is sure to be a welcome and popular new arrival.” Fit-out is expected to emphasise fast visual merchandising, strong back-of-house logistics and flexible display zones suited to seasonal launches and limited drops, aligning with the centre’s strategy to drive repeat visits and dwell time. The deal further consolidates Silverburn’s position as a regional fashion destination and signals ongoing demand from activewear and lifestyle brands for high-footfall, experience-focused locations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Mulberry will open a 1,466 sq ft pop-up at Landsec’s Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth later this month, adding the British heritage label to the outlet’s line-up of premium brands. The temporary store, set within The Avenues, will showcase a range of the brand’s leather goods and follows a period of active leasing and investment at the waterfront scheme. Recent arrivals include Citizen and Oliver Bonas, joining established names such as Penhaligon’s, AllSaints, Polo Ralph Lauren and Coach. The signing comes on the back of strong trading across Landsec’s outlet portfolio, with April–June sales up 11.2% year-on-year. The landlord’s ongoing investment programme at Gunwharf Quays aims to elevate the customer experience and support a more premium tenant mix. “We’re focused on elevating Gunwharf Quays as a destination for premium brands, and introducing Mulberry to The Avenues is a testament to its growing appeal,” said Pablo Sueiras, head of retail and hospitality leasing at Landsec. “With consistent high footfall and our ongoing investment programme enhancing the surroundings, we’re creating the ideal environment for brands to connect with guests. We are seeing continued rise in demand for elevated experiences, and this pop-up is perfectly placed to cater to that trend.” For retail property watchers, the move underscores how outlet destinations are using short-term formats to test demand, optimise unit sizes and maintain momentum in a competitive, experience-led market. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Winchmore Brickwork Group has secured the latest construction package at The Lazari Building on New Bond Street, the project converting the former Fenwick department store into a £1bn office-and-retail landmark designed by Foster + Partners. Faithdean is main contractor on the Mayfair scheme, with Erith Group delivering complex enabling works on a tightly constrained, heritage-sensitive site. The programme includes the jacking of entire floor slabs and façades to create higher ceiling heights and improved structural alignment, a technically demanding approach that preserves key fabric while readying the building for premium-grade commercial space. Winchmore’s scope spans alterations, extensions and sensitive retention across the basement, retail areas and ten upper office floors. The brief calls for intricate, handset traditional brickwork where new meets old, ensuring façades and internal interfaces read as one across a building that blends two centuries of architectural evolution. “We thank Faithdean for placing their trust in us to deliver such a prestigious, high-value project in the heart of London’s Mayfair Conservation Area,” the company said. “Securing such a project also enables our renowned apprenticeship scheme to thrive, with the next generation of bricklayers carrying out intricate, handset traditional brickwork — craftsmanship at its finest.” Positioned at the centre of one of Europe’s most valuable retail corridors, the scheme aims to set a benchmark for adaptive reuse: retaining significant elements, upgrading structure and services, and stitching in high-performance new build to meet modern occupier standards. For Winchmore, it is both a technical commission and an opportunity to showcase skilled brickwork on a flagship London redevelopment delivered alongside Faithdean, Foster + Partners and Erith. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Merry Hill, the top 10 super regional centre, has welcomed a trio of openings at its retail park, introducing 33,800 sq ft of new space as part of a comprehensive refurbishment of the now fully-let and trading site. B&Q has opened its latest store alongside Costa Coffee and Bensons for Beds, adding to the destination’s already diverse retail mix. B&Q’s new 23,000 sq ft store, located next to Costa Coffee and B&M, offers a wide range of home improvement essentials. With more than 12,000 products, the store features a dedicated timber cutting service, B&Q’s popular Valspar paint mixing station, and a garden centre with outdoor plants and gardening equipment. Costa has also opened its latest café across 2,800 sq ft, serving its much-loved range of hot drinks, snacks, and grab-and-go options. This adds to the existing Costa locations within Merry Hill, underlining the strong partnership the centre has developed with the brand, and the headroom for café spend, which is on track to top £5m this year at the destination. Bensons for Beds has opened its 8,000 sq ft showroom, dedicated to its ‘Sleep Wellness’ concept. The new location showcases the retailer’s wide range of beds, furniture, and bedding. The trio of openings highlights Merry Hill’s continued strong performance and reinforces its position as a destination where leading brands thrive and commit for the long term. Nick Round, Senior Asset Manager at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, on behalf of Merry Hill, commented: “Merry Hill has now completed the leasing of its retail park, bringing a comprehensive collection of brands that our community want to see in that unique retail environment. The retail park is an important part of the destination, providing even greater choice and experiences for our community, and these latest openings ensure we are aligned with their needs.” Justin Willis, B&Q Divisional Director for Central said: “We are really happy to have opened our new store at Merry Hill, bringing our extensive range of B&Q and TradePoint home improvement products and services to our new customers and giving them more choice and convenience.” The series of new openings at the retail park builds on news from earlier this year, when Merry Hill announced nearly 79,000 sq ft of new signings and reinvestments at its lower retail park. This included Costa and bedroom retailer Bensons for Beds, along with lease renewals from B&M Bargains and Matalan. Together, these deals highlight how the newly refurbished site has become fully let and trading within just a year. JLL, Time Retail Partners, and Font Real Estate represent Merry Hill.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals