Fashion retailer returns to Leeds city centre
FASHION retailer Bonmarché is returning to Leeds city centre after signing a deal with Town Centre Securities.
Bonmarché will be opening its doors on 10 December, after agreeing to take a 3,000 sq ft unit in the Merrion Centre shopping centre, owned by TCS.
The retailer will create 11 jobs as part of a growth strategy from chief executive Beth Butterwick.
Bonmarché’s interims showed that revenue was up, to £97.0m in the half year to 26 September 2015 from £91.1m in the same period last year.
Pretax profits dipped to £5.40m from £6.40m due to the company’s investment in its digital channels, investing in a responsive website and search engine optimisation as they seek to target potential
Helen Green, associate director of estates for TCS said: “After a prolonged absence we’re delighted to welcome Bonmarché back to Leeds with a brand new store at the Merrion Centre. We have recombined several shops on the main mall to create a prime position for them.”
The Merrion Centre has broad appeal and diverse customer base which includes students, families, office workers and the more mature shopper. In the UK there are over 22 million people aged over 50 and this is an expanding age group.”
Mark Pickersgill, retail director for Bonmarché said: “The opening of the Bonmarché store at the Merrion Centre was chosen because of the site’s value, accessibility and customer base. We have worked closely with TCS to create a unit that fits our needs and we are delighted to see a Bonmarché store open in the centre of Leeds.”
