intu Watford has attracted three new names to the centre including Boux Avenue, the lingerie, swimwear and nightwear chain founded by longtime Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.
Paphitis was at the centre recently to open a 3,638 sq ft store after signing a ten year lease for the unit. The new store sits next to fashion giant Primark, which is currently undergoing a refit, as well as being located close to H&M and Lego.
Meanwhile HMV has just opened and Paperchase is opening shortly. Paperchase has signed a ten year lease on a 1,679 sq ft store next to Goldsmiths and close to Apple, which opened in the centre last year. The new store is due to open this autumn.
The opening of HMV marks its return to the centre with a new 3,172 sq ft store opposite Game and Holland & Barratt, and close to M&S and Primark.
The new signings follow a number of recent high profile lettings within intu Watford which have included the upsizing of Next and Ernest Jones; the launch of premium skincare brand L’Occitane and the debut of little Waitrose at John Lewis. They also come ahead of major redevelopment plans for the centre.
Jonathan Ainsley, asset management director of intu, said: “As our £100 million development plans for intu Watford draw closer, retailers are keen to be a part of a centre which delivers a loyal and affluent local shopper base. We are delighted that Boux Avenue, which has long seen the importance of being within the intu portfolio, is now adding intu Watford to its line-up too and we’re looking forward to HMV and Paperchase opening at the centre.”
Theo Paphitis, owner and founder of Boux Avenue, said: “The calibre of the intu shopping centres was proven when we launched Boux Avenue in 2011. Intu Watford is yet another important location and allows us to bring Boux Avenue’s unique and customer focused store design to the area.”
Timothy Melgund, CEO of Paperchase, said: “Watford is an important market for Paperchase. The investment intu has made on both the fabric and tenant mix at intu Watford has made this location perfect for our design aware customer base.”
Steve West, HR Director of HMV, said: “This is a key location for HMV and we are delighted to return to the centre and look forward, once again, to providing our loyal customers with the very best music, film and games retail experience.”
intu Watford is advised by Lunson Mitchenall and CWM. Briant Champion Long advised Boux Avenue, Paperchase was advised by CBRE and HMV was self-represented.
