Retail Property Pulse: Site Openings, Requirements & Insights

 

💡 Market News & Insights

  • Aldi Store Expansion – Aldi is set to open 16 new UK stores in the run-up to Christmas, as part of its £650 million investment programme for 2025. All stores are scheduled to open by 12 December, marking a major milestone in the retailer’s rapid expansion strategy. This forms part of a wider £1.6 billion, two-year plan to open 40 new stores annually.
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  • Primark Relocation at Derbion – Primark has announced plans to relocate to a larger unit within Derby’s Derbion shopping centre, with the new store expected to open in the first half of 2027. The move is part of a joint investment, which has enabled the reconfiguration of existing space and the relocation of former occupiers including Superdrug, H Samuel, The Perfume Shop, and Iceland.
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  • Colliers Reports Surge in F&B Demand – Their latest research reveals that food and beverage operators have led demand for London retail space for seven consecutive quarters. In Q3 2025, F&B brands represented 137 of 330 total space requirements, ahead of fashion and leisure. Overall retail demand rose to 937 requirements year-to-date, up from 666 last year.
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  • Yum! Brands Acquires Pizza Hut UK Dine-In Operations – Yum! Brands Europe has acquired Pizza Hut’s UK dine-in business for approximately £3.7 million, according to an administrator report from FTI. The sale followed the administration of DC London Pie, the company set up in 2024 by US-based Directional Capital to operate Pizza Hut UK after the collapse of former franchisee Heart with Smart Group Ltd.

📣 Site Openings

    • Anthropologie – A landmark opening at Liverpool ONE, as the lifestyle and fashion retailer launches its first-ever Northwest store. The long-term target tenant marks an important milestone in the evolution of the Peter’s Lane district, occupying part of the reconfigured space previously held by Flannels and Beauty Bazaar Harvey Nichols.
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    • Kenji & Starbucks – Two new arrivals are adding fresh energy to Telford Centre, as East Asian-inspired lifestyle brand Kenji opens a 6,200 sq ft store on a five-year lease, joined by Starbucks. Marking Kenji’s first Shropshire location, the launch forms part of the retailer’s ongoing UK expansion, bringing its playful mix of homeware, stationery, toys, and snacks to a new audience.
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    • Bakers + Baristas & YouMeSushi – Two new food and beverage arrivals have joined Dockside at Chatham Maritime, with both operators agreeing 10-year leases at the Kent waterside destination. Bakers + Baristas has opened a 1,750 sq ft café, adding to its network of more than 60 UK and Ireland locations. Meanwhile, YouMeSushi has taken a 721 sq ft unit as part of its ongoing UK expansion.
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    • Urban Outfitters – The fashion and lifestyle retailer has opened its second Manchester store at the Trafford Centre, marking another step in its European expansion. The new 6,700 sq ft space on Upper Peel Avenue opened on 2 October 2025, offering a curated mix of Urban Outfitters’ in-house collections, global brands, vintage fashion, and homeware. The store joins the brand’s existing Manchester location on Market Street, further strengthening its presence in the North West.
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    • Nike Women – The global sportswear brand has officially opened its first-of-its-kind concept store on King’s Road, London. The new space is dedicated exclusively to women, showcasing Nike’s latest performance and lifestyle collections alongside interactive experiences designed to inspire community and movement. The launch marks a significant milestone in Nike’s retail strategy, bringing a more personalised and inclusive shopping experience to one of London’s most iconic retail streets.

     

🔑 Requirements

  • Toolstation – The trade supplies retailer has appointed GCW to support its expansion plans across London. Actively seeking high street units in prominent, visible roadside locations to grow its network within the capital. Size: 3,500 – 5,000 sq. ft.
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  • La Bottega Milanese – An award-winning independent café brand founded in Leeds, blending authentic Italian espresso culture with Yorkshire craftsmanship. Known for exceptional coffee, artisan food, and genuine hospitality. Size: 1,000 – 1,500 sq. ft.
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  • CLUBTAN – A rapidly expanding tanning and beauty brand founded by Peter Laursen. With over 150 stores established through a strong European and UK franchise network, CLUBTAN continues to grow its footprint. Size: 80 – 200 sq. m, preferably on one level.
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  • Auntie Anne’s – An internationally recognised brand and leader in the grab-and-go retail market, renowned for its freshly baked, hand-rolled pretzels offered in a variety of flavours and styles. Size: Kiosk 130 – 250 sq. ft. Retail Unit 250 – 1,000 sq. ft.
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  • The Gym Group – The national fitness operator has released its latest requirements list as it accelerates expansion across the UK. With 250 existing sites, The Gym Group is targeting highly visible locations for new openings. The brand plans to open 50 new gyms over the next three years, including 14–16 sites in 2025. Size: 5,000 – 20,000 sq. ft.
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  • Cornish Bakery – The artisan bakery brand has released its latest requirements list as it continues to expand across Wales and the South of England. Actively seeking sites in affluent seaside towns, market towns, cities, outlet centres, and tourist destinations. Size: High Street 1,400 – 2,500 sq. ft. Outlet Centres 1,800 – 3,000 sq. ft. Tourist Locations 300 – 2,000 sq. ft.
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  • House of Tweed – The British accessories and lifestyle retailer has released its latest property requirements as it plans to open 20 new stores across the UK. House of Tweed is seeking Class E units in prime retail locations, with a preference for fitted spaces. Size: 500 – 4,000 sq. ft.
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🗞️ Latest News From GRO Retail – UK retail property’s largest dealmaking event (30 Sept & 1 Oct 2025, London)

  • GRO Retail events will return in 2026 to unite retailers, landlords & agents!
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  • SAVE THE DATES: GRO Retail - Spring Event: 28 April (visit the website HERE) | GRO Retail - Autumn Event: 29 September | Venue: Old Billingsgate Market, London.
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  • Latest sponsors to confirm for Spring 2026: Burger King UK & Green Street
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  • 2026 Sponsorship, Speaker, Partner & Attendee Opportunities – Secure your brand’s spot at our next events. Contact us to find out more: marketing@groevents.com
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  • Watch the best moments from the Autumn 2025 event HERE and read the post-event report HERE
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📲 CALL FOR FEEDBACK: Have we missed anything? Please let us know at: marketing@groevents.com

📌 References:

 


 

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