Four more brands to begin trading in shopping centre

Following a recent announcement that the Merrion Centre will welcome the city centre’s only official Leeds Rhinos store from 3 December, several additional brands will be taking on units within the centre.

They will occupy more than 7,000 sq ft combined and create another 15 jobs.

The companies have been working during lockdown to ensure their new units are ready for when non-essential retail can re-open.

Specialising in Afro Caribbean hair and beauty, Teisha’s salon, owned by professional stylist Nateisha Dewdney, will open its doors at 82 Merrion Centre pre-Christmas, occupying a 1,000 sq ft unit in a prominent position fronting the busy Arena Way mall.

Jamaican-born Dewdney, who trained at Thomas Danby College, has more than 20 years senior hairdressing experience specialising in Afro Caribbean hair, including weaves, custom made wigs, cornrows, dreadlocks, box braids, relaxers, crochet braids and more.

In addition, joining the list of food and beverage operators within the heart of Leeds Arena Quarter is Salade, taking a 2,343 sq ft unit on Woodhouse Lane.

The business, owned by Cbox Ltd, which has many years of operating franchises across Yorkshire, will offer salads suitable for all palates and will include extensive vegan and vegetarian menus. It will open on 7 December.

Also among the newcomers is Durham Bed and Furniture Centre, which operates more than 20 branches across the UK. It has secured 3,679 sq ft of space at its first Leeds City Centre venue as part of its strategic growth plans.

The company sells a range of UK-made affordable divan beds, bed frames, mattresses, headboards and pillows, as well as bedroom and dining room furniture.

Charles Newman, associate director, estates at Town Centre Securities, owners of the Merrion Centre said: “We look forward to welcoming our exciting new brands to the Merrion Centre which will open in line with our other non-essential stores post lockdown from 3 December.

“These new additions to our existing extensive mix of home and lifestyle, health and beauty and food and beverage occupiers will provide even more choice and bring further unique, specialist services to our diverse customer base.”

Dewdney said: “We are so excited to be opening our flagship salon at the Merrion Centre which is such a prominent location, central to our existing clientele and a great base to attract new clients.

“We cannot wait to bring our specialist services to the heart of Leeds city centre and will be offering a series of special offers to welcome customers to the salon.”