City shopping arcade The Flying Horse Walk is welcoming two new fashion retailers for 2012.
European urban clothing line, Rejoice Flowers Manufactory is moving into Unit 8, which looks on to St Peter’s Gate, formerly art shop Sarah Davenport Originals and opposite Berkertex bridal boutique.
Meanwhile, mens’ fashion outfitters, High & Mighty, has taken premises in the centre of the arcade, a site which used to be occupied by clothing line Dash. A national chain for the taller and larger customer, this is the retailer’s new flagship branch in Nottingham.
Simon Blair of London & County said: ‘It’s all very positive for Flying Horse Walk and the city. We now have two exciting new tenants that really add something to our arcade and to local retail. Flying Horse Walk has a distinct personality that’s a very attractive prospect to newcomers.’
Simon explains that Flying Horse also bucks the trend whereby bigger rents push out independent or smaller retailers, leading to ‘identikit high street.’ ‘Because we acquired Flying Horse at today’s values, we’ve been able to be realistic with rents. It’s a great location and our art, fashion and independent offer is very different from everything else in Nottingham city centre. We’re not competing with the Broadmarsh Centre and Victoria Centre, we’re unique and have a special character.’
John Murphy, retail operations director of High & Mighty says: “We have been looking at Nottingham as a destination for some time now. In 2004/2005 we had a temporary store in Broadmarsh, and have wanted to come back ever since. Broadmarsh did not quite fit with the customers we wanted to target, but when we found The Flying Horse Walk, it was ideal as it is a destination spot and we are a destination business. There is also a high quality of tenants, who are very unique and have the same ABC target as High & Mighty. We are very happy with our choice and are looking forward to welcoming Nottingham shoppers through our doors.”
Lucie Pekarkova of Rejoice Flowers Manufactory says: “With a strong following back in the Czech Republic, retailer Rejoice has become one of Europe´s favourite choices for outdoor clothing. Now, we are pleased to make these products available for the UK market and think that Nottingham´s Flying Horse Walk will offer the perfect exposure for the brand.”
Other occupiers in the arcade include The Cheese Shop, Atomic, Whitewall Gallery, Canopy, Inspired, Sugacane and Trendy Feel
The Flying Horse Walk is being marketed by property consultants FHP. Ben Tebbutt of FHP says: “Flying Horse Walk is certainly bucking the trend in terms of lettings. We have had a large amount of interest in the remaining units too, which are available on affordable rents and flexible deals.
“I think the reason behind the attraction is the arcades unique offering. It is seen as a destination shopping centre, and you can see quite clearly from its current tenants, that it is attracting unique retailers, which are also destination shops.“
