M&G Real Estate and intu, the joint owners of Manchester Arndale, have welcomed beauty brand Morphe as the latest addition to its beauty and cosmetics line-up.
Morphe, which has leased around 4,500 sq ft on New Cannon Street, started life in Los Angeles just eleven years ago.
Founded by brother and sister duo Linda and Chris Tawil, it was one of the first start-up beauty companies to harness the power of social media and influencers to grow the brand. Morphe is now an Instagram sensation more than 10 million followers and an impressive celebrity following.
Morphe, which sells an extensive collection of makeup, brushes, tools and accessories, has also opened stores at Nottingham’s intu Victoria Centre, Newcastle’s intu Eldon Square and in London, Birmingham and Liverpool.
Colin Flinn, regional managing director at intu comments on behalf of the joint owners: “We’re really excited about Morphe’s opening at Manchester Arndale – the store brings a new and innovative beauty experience to the city and further strengthens the centre’s fashion and beauty credentials.
“Leading internationally known brands choosing the centre as a key location for their expansion in northern England is further testament to Manchester Arndale’s prominent position as one of the UK’s leading retail hubs. The centre is the ideal location from which to grow the Morphe’s regional fanbase.”
Mark Spillman, Morphe General Manager EMEA:
“We’re confident that Manchester Arndale’s high annual footfall, a great mix of international brands, and its setting at the heart of Manchester city centre makes it the perfect location for our fifth UK store outside of London and our Manchester debut. We’re pleased to join the line-up of huge international brands at the centre, and look forward to bringing our professional-grade makeup products and expert advice to Manchester shoppers.”
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.
Morphe’s opening follows Foot Locker and Specsavers’ move into larger units in the centre – setting up their flagship stores.
In April, Uniqlo opened its flagship store for the North at Manchester Arndale. The store, occupies a completely redesigned 21,000 sq ft unit on Market Street.
AllSaints also recently committed to a new ten-year lease on a new unit in the centre, following several years of strong trading on Market Street. The contemporary fashion brand last month opened the doors of its beautifully designed new store on New Cannon Street, joining a line-up of leading fashion names like Gap, Monki, Superdry, River Island, Victoria’s Secret and Victoria’s Secret Pink.
This comes alongside the addition of Metro Bank, men’s clothing store Jack & Jones, fantasy game retailer Warhammer and home and body cosmetics brand Rituals, to Manchester Arndale’s line-up.
The centre’s food and beverage offering has also been boosted by the arrival of popular burger and shake restaurant Archie’s to the Halle Place food court.
Manchester Arndale is owned jointly by M&G Real Estate and intu. The retained agents are Time Retail Partners and Metis Real Estate Advisors.
