Latest news with #NigelTAYLOR
Fashion Network
16-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Metrocentre's Superdrug upsizes, Søstrene Grene also signs
By Nigel TAYLOR The battle of the big beauty retailers continues with Superdrug now announcing a major upsize at the Gateshead Metrocentre with the top-five regional mall becoming home to the retailer's largest store in the North East in September. Superdrug is upsizing by 30% taking its unit on Red Mall to 10,000 sq ft as major rival Boots recently refreshed its existing 40,000 sq ft unit there. The improved Superdrug space will incorporate the brand's latest fit-out, including treatment studios and cosmetic services, with enhanced signage, flooring, ceiling tiles, and energy-efficient LED lighting. Its enlarged presence 'creates a wellness anchor alongside key brands such as Zara, Flannels, River Island, and upcoming arrivals, Stradivarius and Urban Outfitters', mall operator Sovereign Centros said. And to boost the centre's appeal still further, the mall has also signed Danish multi-category retailer Søstrene Grene, set to arrive later this year. To be situated in the Lower Green Mall, Søstrene Grene has signed for a 5,000 sq ft unit opposite Next, 'delivering a new and unique shopping experience to the centre'. Known for its focus on natural materials and curated collections, it 'offers affordable home décor, furniture, craft items and gift ideas', it said. Søstrene Grene co-owner and group CEO Mikkel Grene added: 'Metrocentre is a strategically important centre to be part of further strengthening our presence in the region and making it a natural fit for our growing UK portfolio. This new space will enable us to serve an even broader customer base and expand our presence in the region, whilst complementing the lovely line-up of brands already calling Metrocentre home.' Sovereign Centros from CBRE director Ben Cox added: 'We firmly believe that creating growth opportunities for existing brands is paramount to not just a successful tenant mix, but the overall visitor experience. 'Superdrug will be benefiting from that after years of success, delivering a greater range of services and products in a better and more enhanced environment.' He added: 'The arrival of Søstrene Grene will also elevate the centre, with both retailers highlighting confidence in our destination as we provide even more reasons for people to visit and uphold our position as the go-to destination in the North East.'
Fashion Network
14-07-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Macron's Wrexham home kit launch sees orders deluge from "global fanbase"
By Nigel TAYLOR Wrexham AFC's new online store has made a record-breaking debut averaging one shirt order a minute as the Welsh club prepares to made its entry into the English Championship. The site, developed and managed by Italian sportswear producer Macron, is part of the multi-year extension of its partnership with Wrexham whose journey from the National League to the Championship has been achieved in just three seasons under actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's ownership. The website's launch coincide with events for the new 2025/26 Home Kit held in Wrexham, New York City and Melbourne. 'Within just a few hours, it was flooded with orders from the club's global fanbase,' Macron said. It added: 'The success of the new Wrexham AFC global online store highlights Macron's commitment to supporting its partner clubs not only with high-quality, customised technical sportswear, but also through the development and management of advanced digital solutions that help promote each clubs' identity and history both on and off the pitch'. International fans can now shop the club's Home Kit, Training & Travel collection and a range of accessories on the site. In the coming weeks, the new Away and Third Kits will also be available for purchase.
Fashion Network
22-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Sephora's Liverpool One store finally opens
By Nigel TAYLOR French beauty giant Sephora arrived at Liverpool One on Thursday (22 May), welcoming nearly 1,000 shoppers, many who had queued for the 09:00 opening. First announced last autumn and following a 'hugely successful' launch in the North East, Sephora's North West England debut takes up a 6,727 sq ft cornerstone unit at a key entrance to Liverpool One's South John Street. Sephora UK's MD Sarah Boyd said: 'We have had immense demand from our fans in Liverpool to open a store in their city. Liverpool has been a key location in our brand expansion plans, and we were prepared to wait for the right opportunity, which this prominent Liverpool One unit provides.' Rob Deacon, Asset Management director at Liverpool One, added: 'Sephora is a brand that represents exactly what [we look] for when adding to our line-up. It is globally celebrated, has a huge base of loyal fans, and delivers a bold, compelling concept. Consumer demand for Sephora is strong in Liverpool, and securing best-in-class retailers and experiences for the city is precisely what we aim to achieve at the destination, so the entrance of this beauty powerhouse is a natural partnership.' Liverpool will be the eighth store in Sephora UK's growing physical retail portfolio, which includes stores in Westfield London and Stratford City, Manchester's Trafford Centre, Newcastle's Eldon Square, Gateshead Metrocentre, Birmingham Bullring and Bluewater in Kent.
Fashion Network
08-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Sneaker label Autry picks London's Soho for UK debut
By Nigel TAYLOR Classic-contemporary unisex sneaker brand Autry has chosen London's Soho for its first UK store, with a 2,600 sq ft space on busy Beak Street. The property, operated by Shaftesbury Capital, reflects the brand'strademark '80s look but the vintage-style products come with a contemporary, sports-performance-oriented twist. The immersive boutique also mirrors Autry's 'celebration of American aesthetics, spirit, and sport heritage throughout its design with an Italian twist'. The latest opening for the brand comes after Italian private equity group Style Capital acquired a 50.2% stake in Autry International just over a year ago. It then announced a retail expansion plan that would see more than 20 Autry brand stores opening in luxury shopping destinations in Italy and abroad. Roberta Benaglia, founder and CEO of Style Capital, said: 'The opening of Autry's first flagship store in London marks a pivotal moment in the brand's journey. It's more than a retail milestone, it brings Autry's iconic values to life through a space that reflects our identity. London, with its cultural vibrancy and global spirit, was the natural first stage for this step. This boutique represents a new chapter in our strategy to build a strong international presence and connect with our global community, combining authenticity, quality, and a bold vision for the future.' Autry joins the high-in-demand retail neighbourhood that will see active brand TALA open on nearby Carnaby Street this month, plus Pangaia (also on Carnaby Street), and Salomon on Broadwick Street. Will Oliver, Retail director at Shaftesbury Capital, said: 'We've actively curated a leading collection of retailers in Soho, with Autry another high-quality addition to our community.'
Fashion Network
07-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Kidswear Collective unveils link-up with FARA Kids charity
By Nigel TAYLOR Fast-growing re-sale platform Kidswear Collective has partnered with FARA Kids, a Romania-focused charity. The past-season-designer specialist for babies and children will donate any items that cannot be sold to FARA Kids, to be distributed across its 14 stores throughout London. Kidswear Collective said it will provide regular shipments of stock throughout the year to ensure it's made available to FARA's customers 'to support the work they are doing to help transform the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people living in Romania'. FARA Foundation CEO Libby Gordon said: 'Our stores are a much-loved part of our wider FARA Charity Shops network, and we're thrilled to have been asked to partner with Kidswear Collective. We both share a passion for circularity and extending the lifecycle of clothes and this collaboration will provide a wonderful addition of stock into our neighbourhood stores.' Kidswear Collective founder Shoshana Kazab added: 'Ever since we launched, charity and supporting communities is at the heart of what we do. We have worked with various charities throughout the years and are particularly excited about the partnership with FARA Kids as a London-based charity shop chain. 'We see great synergy between the two brands and are looking forward to collaborating with them on other projects and fundraising activities throughout our partnership.'
