10 new brands set up shop in re-opening city retail centre

The Merrion Centre, in Leeds Arena Quarter, is set to welcome back non-essential shoppers under the second stage of the Government’s four-step roadmap for lifting the lockdown on 12 April.

More than 30 non-essential retail stores, including 10 new brands, will reopen with the centre’s owners, Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), investing heavily in implementing Covid-secure measures to ensure shopper confidence.

New businesses based in the centre range from barbers to hair and beauty; restaurants to technology and pre-loved charity shops to official sportswear.

OBA Korean and Japanese Kitchen & Bar and Mi’s Noodle Bar plan to offer both delivery and takeaway services.

New beauty salon, Teisha’s Hair & Beauty and Barber AA are joining the list of specialist grooming operators at the Merrion Centre and will be taking advance bookings.

And the recently launched Leeds Rhinos store will be reopening with the addition of a new ‘store in store’ concept exclusively retailing the latest England rugby kit.

The Merrion Centre has remained open for essential shopping throughout all three lockdowns, with stores including Morrisons, Iceland, Superdrug and Holland & Barrett continuing to trade.

Charles Newman, associate director at TCS, said: “It will be fantastic to see consumers returning to physical shopping at the Centre from as early as 12 April 12 as we follow the Government’s route map to reopening non-essential shops and exit lockdown.

“We look forward to welcoming customers back and introducing them to our new brands and are optimistic that people will be excited to return and feel safe to shop, eat, drink and socialise with us.”

Close