Manchester
This coverage highlights retail activity, trends, and developments in Manchester, a key UK retail hub. Reporting includes store openings and closures, property developments, local economic impacts, retail performance data, and insights into regional strategies by national and independent brands. Tailored for executives and managers, it supports strategic planning for those engaged in retail operations and expansion in the North West.
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Sep- 2025 -3 SeptemberLuxury Goods
Watches of Switzerland on track to meet guidance despite tariff woes
Watches of Switzerland (WOS) has revealed it is on track to deliver a “good” H1 FY26 in line with its expectations despite the impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs. The company stated that it saw consistently strong trading throughout the period, particularly in the US despite the announcement of increased tariffs…
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1 SeptemberDepartment Stores
Primark opens first standalone UK Home store at Trafford Palazzo
Primark has opened its first standalone Home store in Great Britain at Trafford Palazzo in Manchester. The new store spans two floors and covers nearly 12,000 sq ft. It offers bedding, throws, storage and decorative items, alongside a mezzanine with travel products such as luggage, packing cubes and accessories. The…
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Aug- 2025 -28 AugustPeople Moves
BRC appoints Jo Whitfield as chairman-elect
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has appointed Jo Whitfield CBE as its next chair, succeeding Andy Higginson when his term ends on 2 October 2025. Whitfield has 25 years’ experience in retail, including senior roles at Matalan, the Co-operative Group and Asda. She is currently a non-executive and audit chair…
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28 AugustSupermarkets
Poundland to return to simple grocery pricing across the UK
Poundland has confirmed it will roll out new grocery pricing to all its UK stores, with simple £1, £2 and £3 price points. The move follows a five-month trial in 17 West Midlands stores, and will mark the end of “additional price complexity”. When complete, around 60% of grocery items…
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18 AugustSport & Leisure
Pro:Direct to open global flagship football store in Manchester
Sports retailer Pro:Direct Soccer is set to open its first global flagship store in early 2026, with Manchester chosen as the location for the new football-focused concept. The store, called PD:FC, will open in Manchester Arndale and is described by the company as “the first of its kind”. It aims…
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15 AugustClothing & Shoes
Shein’s UK arm sees profits surge as revenues hit £2bn
Shein’s UK arm saw revenues jump 32% to £2.05bn for the full year ended 31 December 2024, according to its latest accounts filed with Companies House. Ahead of a potential float on the Hong Kong stock exchange, Shein also saw its UK profit-before-tax hit £38.25m in 2024, up from £24.43m…
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8 AugustEconomy
Footfall declines in July for second consecutive year
UK footfall fell by 0.4% year on year in July, according to data from the British Retail Consortium–Sensormatic IQ, marking a second consecutive year of decline for the month. The figure was a slight improvement on June’s 1.8% fall. High street footfall declined by 1.7%, compared with a 3.0% drop…
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4 AugustHealth & Beauty
P.Louise to debut permanent store at Trafford Palazzo
Viral beauty label P.Louise has announced plans to open its first permanent retail site at Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo this autumn. The two-floor, 19,000 sq ft store – called P.Louise City – has been designed as an immersive retail space. It will feature themed interiors, bookable experiences and areas for customers…
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Jul- 2025 -30 JulyClothing & Shoes
Boux Avenue to open store at Manchester Arndale
Lingerie and nightwear retailer Boux Avenue has signed a 10-year lease to open a store at Manchester Arndale, marking the brand’s first location in the North West. The London-based company will occupy a 2,765 sq ft unit on New Cannon Street, close to the forthcoming Sephora store. The store will…
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29 JulyHealth & Beauty
Rituals opens new store at Manchester Airport
Luxury beauty and wellbeing brand Rituals has opened a new store at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2, with a second location due to follow on 28 July. The launch forms part of the brand’s continued investment in Greater Manchester and its UK expansion strategy, aimed at reaching more consumers in high-footfall…
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