M&G Real Estate and intu, joint owners of Manchester Arndale, have announced that Foot Locker will be moving into a larger unit at the centre, developing a new experience-led flagship regional store.
The global sportswear and footwear retailer will lease around 14,000 sq ft on Halle Mall, following many years of strong trade at its previous 7,372 sq ft Market Street store. The new split-level store, which is due to open next year, will combine retail space with areas designed for events, demonstrations and customer experiences.
Colin Flinn, regional managing director at intu, commenting on behalf of the joint owners, said:
“Foot Locker’s commitment to Manchester Arndale, doubling its store footprint with a new and innovative experience-led store, is testament to the centre’s continued popularity and reputation amongst retailers.
“Foot Locker’s expansion reinforces Manchester Arndale as one of the north’s leading fashion hubs. In recent months, we have seen a number of leading brands join our line-up, creating an impressive mix of clothing and footwear options to suit all tastes.”
In April, Uniqlo opened its flagship store for the north at Manchester Arndale. The store, which is only Uniqlo’s third in the UK outside London, occupies a completely redesigned 21,000 sq ft unit on Market Street.
AllSaints also recently committed to a ten-year lease on a new unit in the centre, following several years of strong trading on Market Street. The contemporary fashion brand opened the doors of its beautifully designed new store on New Cannon Street in July, joining a compelling line-up of big fashion names including Gap, Monki, Superdry, River Island, Victoria’s Secret and Victoria’s Secret Pink.
This comes alongside the addition of Metro Bank and home and body cosmetics brand Rituals to Manchester Arndale’s line-up in recent weeks. The centre’s food and beverage offering has also been boosted by the arrival of popular burger and shake restaurant Archies to the Halle Place food court.
Manchester Arndale is one of the UK’s largest city centre shopping malls, welcoming over 40 million visitors per annum. It already boasts an impressive line-up of more than 200 shops and restaurants, including national, international and local brands.
Manchester Arndale is owned jointly by M&G Real Estate and intu. The retained agents are Time Retail Partners and Metis Real Estate Advisors.
