Sovereign Centros from CBRE has announced a significant expansion for leading streetwear retailer, Footasylum, at the Metrocentre, one of the top five super-regional malls in the UK. This development is a testament to the ongoing investment by tenants in this thriving shopping destination.
Footasylum is set to enhance its presence by 25%, occupying a 12,375 sq ft unit. This expansion will allow the retailer to offer an extended range of streetwear, sportswear, and footwear for men, women, and children. The store’s relocation and upsizing underscore its importance in the Metrocentre’s Lower Red Mall, where it neighbours other popular fashion brands such as Flannels, Zara, and River Island.
The growth of Footasylum coincides with a period of increased investment from other major brands at the Metrocentre. International eyewear retailer, Sunglass Hut, is transitioning from a kiosk to a 2,457 sq ft unit in the Lower Red Mall. Additionally, menswear brand Jack & Jones has recently moved into a new 1,733 sq ft store on the upper Red Mall, further cementing its commitment to the centre.
Ben Cox, Director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, highlighted the trend of tenant expansions: “Last year 17 of our tenants upsized or invested in existing stores, and this year we already have EE, Primark, Clarks, Victoria’s Secret and now Footasylum and Jack & Jones on that list. Recent leasing activity shines a light on how Metrocentre continues to be a location that is highly sought after, with major brands choosing to invest here. Footasylum is the latest in a long line of household name brands to commit to a new flagship store at Metrocentre, joining some exciting new entrants to Red Mall.”
A spokesperson from Footasylum expressed their enthusiasm: “We are delighted that there is a demand for us at Metrocentre and that we can grow our footprint with a new unit at one of the top shopping centres in the country. We look forward to bringing a great selection of streetwear to the destination and have no doubt we will continue to find success at the centre.”
This announcement follows closely on the heels of the news that leading outdoor clothing and equipment retailer, GO Outdoors, has opened its first store within a shopping centre environment in the region. Styled as a GO Outdoors Express, the new outlet stocks a variety of brands such as Rab, OEX, and Berghaus, as well as Peter Storm, HiGear, and North Ridge.
