Westminster
This coverage examines the retail environment and commercial developments in Westminster, highlighting store openings, closures, local economic influences, planning decisions, and regeneration projects that impact the area. Reporting is tailored for retail professionals overseeing operations, property, and strategy in one of London’s most prominent retail and business districts.
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Oct- 2023 -24 OctoberSupermarkets
Lidl becomes third largest supermarket in London
Lidl GB has overtaken Asda to become the third largest supermarket in London with a market share high of 9.1%, double the market share of any other discount supermarket in the capital. It reported the fastest growth out of all supermarkets in the city, while Kantar named it the fastest-growing…
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5 OctoberNews
Today’s news in brief-05/10/23
Asda, post its separation from Walmart, has entered a multi-year partnership with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to revamp its IT operations. TCS will implement cloud-based ERP platforms to streamline various processes including supply chain forecasting, buying, and merchandising. This move aims to enhance customer experience, innovation capabilities, and maintain market…
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5 OctoberNews
Oxford Street American candy store numbers drop amid council crackdown
The number of American candy stores on Oxford Street has dropped from 29 to 21 following a crackdown by Westminster City Council, according to a new Westminster’s overview and scrutiny committee report. Earlier this year, Westminster City Council further campaigned against US-style candy and souvenir stores by appealing directly to…
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3 OctoberEconomy
Sustainable retail could boost local economies by £100m, Landsec finds
Brands in a sustainable retail destination could see revenues increase by up to 13% over the next 10 years, leading to a potential boost of up to £100m for local economies, Landsec research has found. According to the research, this would come from overall footfall for such destinations could see…
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Sep- 2023 -13 SeptemberShopping Centres
Westminster Council greenlights £90m Oxford Street revamp
Westminster City Council has formally approved the £90m Oxford Street overhaul, granting £7.7m for the first phase of design work, with construction expected to start in the Autumn of 2024. The news comes after WCC and the New West End Company (NWEC) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreement to…
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Aug- 2023 -31 AugustDepartment Stores
M&S launches legal challenge against Marble Arch decision
M&S has launched a legal challenge to Michael Gove’s decision to block it from demolishing its flagship store in Marble Arch today (Thursday 31 August). The legal challenge from the high street chain comes after the Housing Secretary ruled last month that the retailer’s demolition plans of the unlisted 1929…
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14 AugustHigh Street
Tourist tax hits London spending despite rise in visitors
Despite tourist numbers continuing to recover in 2023, the spending gap has widened compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to new research from the New West End Company. The company said the data shows a situation that is “worsening quarter-on-quarter”, as awareness spreads on Britain’s tourist tax. It found that flight…
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11 AugustHigh Street
Oxford Street crime wave driven by decline, says M&S chief
Sacha Berendji, operations director at M&S, has told the Telegraph that the recent surge in crime rates on London’s Oxford Street has been caused by its decline. In a letter written to the publication, Berendji stated that Oxford Street was once “the jewel in London’s shopping crown” but now consisted…
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Jul- 2023 -19 JulyHigh Street
Small businesses to be offered rent-free stores on Oxford Street
Westminster City Council has partnered with New West End Company to launch a new programme called Meanwhile On: Oxford Street, which is encouraging applications from up-and-coming businesses that are looking to launch their first physical space. Meanwhile On: Oxford Street will offer “substantial” support by providing a six month tenancy…
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May- 2023 -25 MayNews
Westminster calls for landlords to end Oxford Street candy shop leases
Westminster City Council is taking its campaign against US-style candy and souvenir stores further by appealing directly to freeholders and long leaseholders to oust any tawdry tenants from their buildings. Leader of Westminster City Council, Cllr Adam Hug, has written to 19 major property groups, whose properties house 26 US…
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