Retail briefs: Hamleys pops up in Liverpool ONE; Cruyff signs for Manchester Arndale; Asian retailer attracted to Altrincham’s former Magnet store

World-famous toy shop Hamleys has opened in Liverpool for the first time, despite the difficulties facing high street retailers.

It has moved into a 2,000 sq ft pop-up store at 101 Paradise Street, in Liverpool ONE. It is Hamleys’ 186th bricks-and-mortar around the world – and its first pop-up store – and will add to the 10m families it attracts to its shops each year.

Alison Clegg, asset management director at Liverpool ONE owner Grosvenor Europe, said: “The star appeal, calibre and experience of Hamleys will add a new dimension to Paradise Street and to our wider retail offering, which has thrived since reopening in June.

“Hamleys is an exciting addition for the destination as we continue to drive Liverpool ONE’s momentum towards Christmas.”

The new Hamleys store joins a string of newly opened retailers at Liverpool ONE, including beauty brand M·A·C Cosmetics and British sportswear label Castore.

CBRE and Metis acted for Liverpool ONE in the deal, while CBRE also acted for Hamleys.

The first UK store for lifestyle brand Cruyff will open in Manchester’s Arndale Centre.

The retailer was created by Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff 40 years ago, originally providing footwear for footballers before evolving into a clothing and lifestyle brand.

It has agreed a deal for a 2,000 sq ft unit.

Colin Flinn, regional managing director at intu, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Cruyff –the brand’s choice to open its first-ever UK store at the centre is testament to Manchester’s position at the forefront of UK urban culture, sport and fashion, as well as the continued popularity of Manchester Arndale.”

Stamford House, Altrincham

Asian cabinet manufacturer OPPEIN is launching a store in Altrincham and plans to open by the end of November.

It has taken a 10-year lease for the 2,484 sq ft former Magnet retail outlet on Stamford New Road.

Daniel Lee, director at Regional Property Solutions, who acted for the landlord, Pervaiz Naviede Family Trust, said: “This letting to OPPEIN and the recently opened Your Green & Co within Stamford House were agreed pre lockdown and completed after the retail restrictions lifted and reflect the strength of Altrincham town centre.

“The doom and gloom surrounding the retail market is not universal as I am aware other suburban centres are benefitting from improved demand and take-up indicating a desire to shop local rather than city centre given the current circumstances.”