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

Sainsbury’s has kicked off its 2025 store expansion drive with the opening of a brand-new supermarket in Felixstowe — the first of 14 planned site conversions following a major property acquisition in late 2024. Located on a 19,000 sq ft site, the Felixstowe store marks the retailer’s first presence in the Suffolk town, bringing Sainsbury’s full grocery offer to local residents for the first time. The store is part of a strategic expansion effort that will see over 400,000 sq ft of new retail space added to Sainsbury’s portfolio over the next two years. The newly opened supermarket is one of 14 locations secured last autumn, largely comprising former Homebase units and two sites previously operated by the East of England Co-op. Alongside larger supermarkets, the retailer has also announced plans to open 25 additional convenience stores over the same period. Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Chief Property and Procurement Officer, said: “We’re thrilled to open our first ever store in Felixstowe, bringing our quality food and excellent service closer to more customers. It’s also a proud moment for the business as this store marks the first of many new supermarkets we’ll be unveiling over the next two years.” He added: “Our expansion reflects the confidence we have in our brand and our commitment to investing in communities across the country. The Felixstowe site has been transformed in just a few months, and we’re looking forward to continuing this momentum as we bring more Sainsbury’s stores to life.” The wider expansion is part of a bold growth strategy to strengthen the supermarket’s reach in both new and existing markets, offering customers greater convenience and access to its full range of products. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Frasers Group has strengthened its retail presence in the capital with the opening of two new stores at Westfield Stratford City in East London, unveiling new locations for both Sports Direct and FLANNELS. As part of its ongoing London expansion strategy, Sports Direct has launched a two-storey, 20,000 sq ft flagship store. The new space offers a wide range of apparel, footwear, and sports equipment for men, women, and children, featuring top brands including Nike, Adidas, PUMA, Under Armour, New Balance, and ASICS. The store also includes a dedicated section for GAME, the gaming and technology arm of the Frasers portfolio. Lauren Barrie, Group Head of Retail at Frasers Group, said the move underlines the importance of London as a key growth market: “The launch of our Westfield Stratford store follows major openings on Oxford Street and at White City, reinforcing our ambition to create cutting-edge retail destinations in the capital.” Alongside Sports Direct, FLANNELS has opened a 5,000 sq ft boutique at the centre, offering a curated selection of luxury and contemporary fashion across menswear, womenswear, footwear, and accessories. Barrie added: “FLANNELS Stratford marks another step in our ongoing commitment to reimagining the luxury shopping experience. Even in the face of broader retail headwinds, we remain focused on delivering high-quality, immersive environments that meet the evolving expectations of today’s consumer.” The dual openings are part of Frasers Group’s wider strategy to modernise and elevate its retail offering across key urban locations, blending accessible sportswear with premium fashion in high-footfall shopping destinations. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A wave of store reinvestments is sweeping through The Liberty Romford as four major high street brands commit to upgrading their spaces, signalling growing confidence in one of East London’s most prominent shopping destinations. Jewellery favourite Pandora is spearheading the rejuvenation, currently undertaking a significant refit of its 1,582 sq ft store in Liberty Square. The revamp introduces the retailer’s latest concept layout, which includes a newly designed central island feature, a more spacious shop floor, and the addition of on-site engraving services, allowing customers to personalise their purchases. But Pandora is far from alone in recognising the value of a refreshed presence at The Liberty. Also set to benefit from a major uplift is The Perfume Shop, which is planning a full upgrade of its 1,157 sq ft store located on the centre’s East Mall, with works expected to complete in May. The new fit-out aims to enhance the shopping experience through improved layout and customer flow, as well as updated displays to showcase their growing portfolio of fragrance brands. Meanwhile, health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett is responding to increasing footfall and customer demand by refitting its expansive 2,629 sq ft store, also on the East Mall. The refurbishment, scheduled for this spring, reflects a broader shift within the brand towards creating more engaging, experience-led environments for consumers. Digital and mobile giant EE has already completed its transformation at the centre, introducing its latest store concept to its 2,559 sq ft space. The new format incorporates immersive technology experiences and digital consultation zones, aimed at helping customers better engage with the brand’s evolving suite of services. This flurry of activity comes as part of a wider strategy by Redical, the owner of The Liberty Romford, to future-proof the shopping centre and ensure it evolves in line with consumer expectations and changing retail dynamics. The strategy focuses on enhancing the tenant mix, creating dynamic spaces for experiential retail, and reinforcing the centre’s role as a vital social and commercial hub for the local community. Daniel Tucker, Leasing Manager at The Liberty Romford, commented on the renewed interest from national retailers: “Brands are finally recognising, and taking advantage of, the full potential that The Liberty Romford has to offer as the number one London satellite shopping centre for retail spend opportunity. This latest wave of commitments from leading brands is a clear signal of the confidence they hold in the centre and its location, and we’ll continue to work together with partners to strengthen and elevate the tenant mix while delivering positive change for the wider area.” The reinvestment trend follows hot on the heels of new leasing activity at the centre, including the recent arrival of jewellery and accessories brand Lovisa. These developments reflect growing optimism around the centre’s positioning, particularly as it serves an expansive catchment area stretching across East London and Essex. In parallel to the store refurbishments, long-term planning for the next chapter of The Liberty Romford is already underway. Developer HUB has been appointed to lead the upcoming transformation of the site, which is likely to include a mix of residential accommodation alongside enhanced commercial and community infrastructure. Though still in its early stages, this next phase could help reshape the town centre, boosting local employment, housing availability, and economic resilience. For many within the property and retail sectors, The Liberty Romford represents a compelling case study in how regional shopping centres can adapt and thrive in the post-pandemic landscape. While many UK high streets continue to grapple with vacant units and subdued footfall, The Liberty is charting a different path by actively reinvesting in its spaces and collaborating with occupiers to deliver experiences that go beyond conventional retail. This proactive approach reflects wider shifts in consumer behaviour, where the in-store experience, customer service, and community feel are becoming as important as the products on offer. Retailers are increasingly recognising the importance of creating environments where customers want to spend time — not just transact — and Romford’s main shopping hub is stepping up to meet that demand. The renewed momentum also comes at a time when East London is experiencing substantial regeneration. Improved public transport links, investment in housing, and a growing population are all contributing to Romford’s rising profile as a destination in its own right. For retailers, this means an opportunity to tap into a younger, more diverse consumer base looking for convenience, variety, and quality. With more refurbishments and signings expected over the coming year, the sense of momentum at The Liberty Romford shows no sign of slowing. As more brands commit to enhancing their presence in the centre, local shoppers stand to benefit from upgraded experiences, expanded services, and greater choice. Cushman & Wakefield and Green & Partners advised on leasing for The Liberty Romford, while representation for Pandora was provided by Stephen Kane & Co. What’s clear is that in a shifting retail landscape, places like The Liberty Romford are proving that well-managed, community-focused centres can not only survive but flourish — attracting new investment, modernising facilities, and retaining their central place in the lives of local residents. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Lidl has announced ambitious plans to further cement its presence in the UK by opening more than 40 new stores across the country during the current financial year, supported by a substantial £500 million investment into its store network. The budget supermarket chain, which already operates more than 980 stores nationwide, is aiming to push past the 1,000-store milestone as it marks its fourth decade in the British market. This latest move highlights Lidl’s commitment to broadening its reach and increasing access to its growing customer base. A key focus of the expansion strategy is London, where Lidl is preparing to make inroads into some of the capital’s most affluent neighbourhoods. Areas being targeted include Knightsbridge, Chelsea, South Kensington, Marylebone, Soho, Covent Garden, Belsize Park, and Mayfair. The decision to enter these premium markets reflects a shift in the company’s strategy, aiming to challenge conventional assumptions about discount retail and appeal to a broader demographic. Richard Taylor, Chief Real Estate Officer at Lidl GB, described the expansion as a pivotal step in the company’s ongoing growth: “This level of investment is a clear sign of our ambition. As we enter our fourth decade in Great Britain and hurtle towards 1,000 stores, there are still so many parts of the country crying out for convenient access to a Lidl store.” Taylor also welcomed the government’s proposed Planning and Infrastructure Bill, suggesting that reforms could help streamline the development process and remove obstacles that often delay new store openings. “The measures recognise the urgent need to remove barriers to development and support the kind of growth we at Lidl are working towards,” he added. The company recently published its updated site requirements brochure, which outlines the scale and scope of its expansion goals. Lidl is actively seeking freehold, leasehold or long leasehold sites in prominent locations with strong footfall or easy accessibility, ideally with the potential for car parking. Each new store opening is expected to bring with it not only local employment opportunities but also increased demand for British suppliers. Lidl has been vocal about its commitment to supporting domestic producers and investing in the communities it operates in. By expanding into new areas, the retailer plans to continue driving regional economic growth while offering customers value-led alternatives to traditional high street and supermarket offerings. Already one of the UK’s fastest-growing supermarket brands, Lidl’s strategic investment this year signals a confident outlook and a desire to solidify its position as a major player in the British retail landscape. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and efficiency, the discount grocer is poised to reshape the retail environment well beyond its current footprint. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Costa Coffee has renewed and expanded its long-standing partnership with Savills as it gears up for a new phase of nationwide growth across the UK. Marking 20 years of collaboration, Savills has been reappointed to advise on the coffee chain’s property strategy, with an extended remit now covering the entire country outside the M25. Previously, the real estate advisor focused on expanding Costa’s footprint across the South West, Wales, and Scotland. Under the renewed partnership, Savills will identify opportunities for a variety of formats including drive-thru, drive-to, and travel hub locations. The search will prioritise prominent roadside and retail park sites with ample parking to support customer convenience. As part of its wider strategy, Costa Coffee is not only targeting new locations but is also actively rightsizing and upsizing existing outlets to better align with consumer demand and operational efficiency. Matt Brown, director at Savills, commented: “Our extended role reflects Costa Coffee’s ambitious plans and our shared commitment to securing high-quality sites that meet their evolving business needs. We’re proud to continue supporting their expansion across high streets, retail parks, and transport locations nationwide.” Tom Falk, head of property at Costa Coffee, added: “We’re entering a new phase of growth, and it’s vital we work with experienced partners who understand both the market and our brand. Savills has played a key role in our property success over the past two decades, and we’re looking forward to building on that foundation with this expanded agreement.” The move underlines Costa Coffee’s ongoing investment in its UK estate and its focus on adapting to changing consumer behaviours with flexible and accessible store formats. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Japanese clothing giant UNIQLO has officially opened its first store in Liverpool, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s UK expansion. Located at Liverpool ONE, the 25,000 sq ft flagship spans two floors on Paradise Street and showcases the full range of menswear, womenswear, and childrenswear. The store introduces several customer-focused features including self-service checkouts, dedicated collection points, and in-store services for clothing repairs, alterations, and recycling—reinforcing UNIQLO’s commitment to sustainability and garment longevity. This opening marks the brand’s 21st location in the UK, with further stores planned for Glasgow and Birmingham later this year as part of an ongoing growth strategy. Rob Deacon, asset management director at Liverpool ONE, commented: “UNIQLO’s arrival is a standout moment for Liverpool ONE. Their striking new store adds even more depth to our already strong fashion offering, reinforcing our reputation as a prime destination for global brands seeking prominent, high-footfall locations.” The deal reflects Liverpool ONE’s continued appeal to international retailers looking to establish flagship presences in key UK cities. Property agents Metis and CBRE advised on the transaction. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals