Many operators in Nottingham are upsizing to meet their growing demand, following impressive shopping activity in the city; FHP have agreed a double deal at the Intu Victoria Centre, securing Australian stationary brand, Smiggle, to fill Pandora’s former unit, after relocating the jewellery retailer to their new store which opened last weekend and is double in size.
Following the soaring success of their trademark charm bracelets, Pandora have taken up the former River Island Accessories’ 2,000ft² unit after they similarly upsized into the vast 20,000ft² River Island flagship store, which opened late last year.
The availability of Pandora’s former unit offered a prime opportunity for FHP to secure Smiggle, which specialises in colourful stationary, to open in Nottingham following their arrival at Intu Derby. First opened in Melbourne in 2003, they have since taken off globally, now with outlets in New Zealand, Singapore and the UK. The move could reflect a growing trend for Australian retailers to operate in the Midlands, alongside fellow stationary retailer, Bobble Art, which recently opened at Intu Derby, and plus-size women’s clothing retailer Taking Shape, who have traded within Intu Victoria since 2013.
Toys ‘R’ Us are to open at Intu Victoria before Christmas, fulfilling their requirement for expansion into the city centre to benefit from a greater footfall, in addition to their existing representation at the Riverside Retail Park.
Alan Pearson, Director at FHP, negotiated lettings on behalf of Intu:
“The Intu Victoria shopping centre provides operators with the right mix of retail and leisure which is generating strong footfall, following its £40m renovation. As well as benefiting consumers, the flood of new operators has opened up an expected 250 jobs, meaning it’s a positive move for the whole city.”
FHP act as joint agents with JLL on behalf of Intu Victoria, Smiggle were represented by MMX and Pandora by Stephen Kane and Company.
