Manchester Arndale has announced 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.
This will be Gilly Hicks’ first Manchester store, after it recently expanded its offering to include menswear and a gender-neutral collection.
Gilly Hicks’ new store coincides with its sister company Hollister moving to the former Disney Store unit. Meanwhile, jewellery and glass wear producer Swarovski has also committed its future to Manchester Arndale after agreeing a new lease.
Clarks will occupy a 3,551sq ft unit on a 10-year lease. This will be Clarks’ only 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. 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 3,709sq 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 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.
This surge of leasing news follows the announcement that Manchester Arndale is now at 95% retail occupancy, confirming its position as one of the premier shopping destinations in the North West.
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.”
Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners are Manchester Arndale’s retained letting agents.
