Latest lettings take Manchester Arndale to 95% occupancy
The Manchester Arndale retail centre announced today that it is now 95% full, following the latest deals with retailers, which it says confirms its position as one of the premier shopping destinations in the North West.
The retail site announced today that Gilly Hicks and Clarks will be moving into part of the former Topshop space, taking two newly created units.
This coincides with the announcement that iFix and Pizza Hut will also be joining the line up while Hollister has recommitted its future to the centre, relocating to the former Disney Store unit.
The new Gilly Hicks store will be home to a range of activewear, loungewear and intimates. This will be the first Gilly Hicks Manchester store, after it recently expanded its offering to include menswear and a gender-neutral collection.
The new Gilly Hicks store coincides with its sister company, Hollister, moving to the former Disney Store unit. From the Abercrombie & Fitch Co family of brands, Hollister will continue to offer its apparel, fragrances, and accessories to Manchester shoppers from this new location.
Meanwhile, popular jewellery and glass wear producer Swarovski has also committed its future to Manchester Arndale after agreeing a new lease.
Clarks, the popular British footwear brand, will occupy a 3,551 sq ft unit on a 10-year lease and will be bringing its high quality range of iconic footwear spanning formal shoes, boots, sneakers and sandals to the centre. This will be the only Clarks store in Manchester city centre and will be located in a prime position on New Cannon Street.
Gilly Hicks and Clarks will be joined by other new arrivals iFix and Pizza Hut who will also be adding to Manchester Arndale’s range of retailers and F&B outlets. iFix will provide in-store phone and electronic repair services, while Pizza Hut will be opening a new express takeaway outlet within Manchester Arndale’s Food Court.
These arrivals follow a flurry of other new lettings that include Pure Fashion, which recently committed to a 3,709 sq ft store on a five-year lease, Debenhams.com, Tommy Hilfiger, Pandora, Canada Goose, Kick Game, Carvela and Kurt Geiger with other retailers demonstrating their confidence in the scheme by renewing their leases.
These include popular restaurant chain Nando’s which signed a new five-year lease, womenswear brand House of CB which extended its lease for a further three years and fashion footwear specialist, Office, which agreed a new five-year lease re-gear.
Colin Flinn, spokesperson for Manchester Arndale, said: “We are delighted that Clarks, Gilly Hicks, iFix and Pizza Hut have decided to join the line up at Manchester Arndale. Rather than try and re-let the whole of the former Topshop space, we made the decision to split the space, and create three new high quality units in a prime location.
“This decision has proved correct as we have now secured two well known tenants, with the last unit currently under offer, which shows that retailer demand for quality, well placed units remains high. We are equally pleased that Hollister and Swarovski have recommitted to Manchester Arndale, demonstrating confidence in the centre as we continue to attract and retain popular international brands and retailers.”
Nicolas Burquier, managing director, Pizza Hut Europe & Canada, said: “We’re excited to open a new Pizza Hut Express at the Food Court inside Manchester Arndale. As we continue growing Pizza Hut in the UK, we’re always looking for accessible ways to reach our customers and deliver our much loved signature flavours in a way that works for them – and our Express arm allows us to do just that.”
Manchester Arndale welcomes more than 42 million visitors in an average year. It boasts an impressive line-up of more than 200 shops and restaurants, including international, national, and local brands.
Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners are Manchester Arndale’s retained letting agents.
