Located within St David’s, one of the Welsh capital’s leading shopping destinations, the new store will span approximately 940 sq metres of sales floor across two floors. The opening will bring the UNIQLO store experience to Wales for the first time, offering customers in Cardiff and beyond access to the brand’s signature LifeWear collections.

Recognised for LifeWear, UNIQLO’s philosophy of creating high-quality, functional and thoughtfully designed clothing to make everyday life better, the new Cardiff store will offer a comprehensive range of products for men, women, kids and babies, bringing the brands focus on quality, comfort and functionality to customers across Wales.

Alessandro Dudech, COO of UNIQLO UK said: “We are incredibly excited to take another important step in UNIQLO’s UK expansion with the opening of our first store in Wales, in Cardiff, in Autumn 2027. Cardiff is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage, and with an existing base of Welsh customers already shopping with us online, we are delighted to bring the UNIQLO experience closer to them and introduce LifeWear to even more customers across Wales.”

Clare Dutton, Portfolio Director at Landsec, said: “UNIQLO choosing St David’s for its first store in Wales is a significant signing. The brand’s high-quality fashion and unique in-store experience has broad generational appeal and will bring something new to Cardiff’s retail offer. Having built a strong relationship with UNIQLO across our wider portfolio, we’re pleased to be welcoming the brand to St David’s as it continues its UK expansion.

Uniqlo’s arrival builds on the investment we’re making in St David’s and our focus on bringing new brands and experiences to the centre. With footfall continuing to grow, we’re seeing strong momentum as we look to attract more leading brands to the destination.”

UNIQLO currently operates 26 stores across the UK, with Cardiff joining Bath, Brighton, Leeds and Canary Wharf as part of the brands continued expansion in 2027.

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LEFTIES has opened across 36,000 sq ft at Lakeside, bringing together an extensive range including Woman, Man, Teen, Girl, Boy, Baby and Newborn lines, with clothing, footwear and accessories collections. These are complemented by the brand’s HOME Collection, a line that extends LEFTIES’ identity into the home with textiles, décor, fragrances and other home items. The store combines trend-led style with accessible price points, making contemporary fashion and homeware available to a broad customer base. The opening further strengthens Lakeside’s diverse retail mix, catering to a wide cross-section of its over 17 million annual visitors.

LEFTIES at Lakeside incorporates the brand’s new technological solutions designed to improve the customer experience and optimise store operations. These include assisted checkouts, smart fitting rooms equipped with a hatch for unpurchased garments, a robotic hanger sorter and an automatic garment sorter.

Robert Jewell, Managing Director of Asset Management at Pradera, commented: “The opening of LEFTIES is a significant moment for Lakeside, and marks the next chapter in its evolution as a super-regional. The calibre of brands that the destination continues to attract is testament to the strategic leasing momentum that we have generated over the past few years, and this shows no sign of slowing down, with many more exciting signings on the horizon. With LEFTIES on board, Lakeside is well and truly on the map as the key lifestyle destination within the region, and a key player amongst the top super-regionals in the country.”

Smith Young and LM are Lakeside’s retail leasing agents, and Metis and LM lead the leisure leasing. Pradera asset manages Lakeside on behalf of SGS UK Retail. Inditex represented themselves for Lefties.

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Located on Paradise Street, the opening will introduce a purpose designed standalone kiosk, the first of its kind for Blank Street in the UK. Inspired by the brand’s original Wythe Diner location in Brooklyn, it will serve the brand’s signature coffee and matcha drinks, alongside its limited-edition autumn menu.

The signing follows a two-year search by Blank Street for a Liverpool location, and adds to its growing UK presence across London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Liverpool ONE welcomed 33 million visitors last year, providing the brand with access to an established and diverse customer base as it continues its UK expansion.

Mark Warne, Director of Hospitality and Leisure at Landsec, said: “Blank Street has built a strong following through its distinctive drinks offer and the experience it creates in its stores. Its arrival at Liverpool ONE brings an exciting new concept to Paradise Street, with a thoughtfully designed space that gives visitors another place to meet, socialise and enjoy great coffee and matcha.

We’re seeing growing demand from hospitality brands looking to reach new audiences in prime retail destinations, and from visitors seeking more than just shopping. Blank Street’s arrival reflects that shift and adds to the variety of food and beverage experiences available at Liverpool ONE.”

Ignacio Llado, Co-Founder at Blank Street, said: “Liverpool has been a project two years in the making. You only open your first store in a city once, so it had to be the ultimate Blank Street experience. The location and the design had to be perfect, and I’m convinced we got there. I can’t wait to finally bring it to life.”

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Due to open in Spring 2027, the new Swansea store located at Parc Tawe North Retail Park will provide shoppers with over 1000m2 of interior shopping heaven with JYSK’s extension product portfolio on full display.

Opening in Wales represents a significant step forward for JYSK, with the retailer entering a new UK nation for the first time since launching in England in 2008. The expansion reflects JYSK’s continued investment in bringing its affordable Scandinavian home furnishing concept to more customers across the country, with more Welsh stores on the horizon throughout 2027.

Ciaron Hearns, Brand & Marketing Manager, UK & Ireland at JYSK, says: “We’re incredibly excited to be opening our first store in Wales and finally sharing the news after working towards this opening for some time. We’re not only opening a new store but also entering a new country with excellent growth potential. This is an important milestone for JYSK as we look to continue our UK expansion over the coming years. We can’t wait to welcome new customers through the doors and become part of the local community.”

The Swansea store will feature JYSK’s latest retail concept, designed to create a bright and inspiring shopping environment that makes it easy for customers to explore and shop. The layout will showcase key home categories including furniture, mattresses, home decor, storage solutions and outdoor living, all presented with a focus on quality and affordable value.

The opening will create over 10 new jobs in Swansea, supporting local employment as part of JYSK’s continued investment in its UK store network. The store will launch with JYSK’s usual opening-day flair, including exclusive offers, a DJ on site and additional initiatives to help bring the community together in celebration.

Images of JYSK Hull UK. Opened October 2026. Photo credits: Mark Flynn Photography.

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Lindt & Sprüngli, the globally renowned Swiss chocolate manufacturer, is launching its latest luxurious Chocolate Shop in the heart of Glasgow’s bustling shopping destination, Buchanan Street.

The store marks Lindt’s 31^st UK Chocolate Shop, and the expansion of the Swiss chocolatier’s Scottish footprint, in addition to its stores in Livingston and Caledonia.

The new boutique Lindt store will captivate chocolate lovers with its irresistibly unique experiences. Visitors to the 2,152 sqft store will be enchanted by indulgent offerings and exclusive features, including:

• Lindt’s iconic Pick & Mix selection: over 30 different chocolate varieties, from new limited-edition seasonal favourites like Cinnamon Roll to exclusive flavours like Popcorn, Cherry Blossom, Marc Champenois, Stracciatella, Giandujotto and more you can only find in store!
• Lindt’s Chocolate Bar experience: freshly made in store with the finest Lindt chocolate to create indulgent Lindt CREMA GELATA ice cream, premium crafted hot chocolate specialities, and refreshing shakes.
• Exclusive gifts and personalisation: discover a curated range of gifts perfect to treat a loved one. For that extra special touch, custom gift tags and bespoke ribbons are available from Lindt’s expert gifting team.
• MyLindt Rewards: become a member for free to enjoy rewards and special offers in store and online, including a welcome perk of 10% off your first purchase.

With the festive season fast approaching, explore the brand’s Christmas range in store. Whether you’re looking for the perfect LINDOR Gift Box to bring to your festive gathering, an iconic Lindt TEDDY in your stocking (now available in an exclusive TEDDY Ski edition in store), or a taste of the limited-edition LINDOR Shortbread after its sell-out launch last year, there’s something for every chocolate lover on your list.

Plus, countdown to Christmas with this year’s advent calendars, including the customisable Pick & Mix calendar to fill with exciting discoveries like the brand-new LINDOR Cinnamon Roll, exclusively available in Lindt stores and at Lindt.co.uk.

To celebrate the brand-new opening, a host of LINDOR delights will be handed out to visitors as well as goodie bags for the first 250 customers who make a minimum purchase of £15, filled with delicious Lindt treats to enjoy. For a lucky few, Lindt is ridding all Friday 13^th superstitions with golden envelopes inside 13 random goodie bags for an extra special surprise!

Faythe King, Retail, D2C and eCommerce Director commented: “We’re thrilled to be opening our newest Lindt Chocolate Shop in Glasgow – our third in Scotland – to bring the exquisite taste of Lindt to the bustling streets of Buchanan Street, a key location for us. Visitors can enjoy a premium chocolate paradise with a feast for all the senses and unique offerings, from discovering more than 30 different Pick & Mix flavours and our fresh Chocolate Bar, to personalised gifts for that extra special touch, only available in store. Head into store to explore the perfect gifts and irresistible limited-edition products this festive season!”

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Love Laura, the fast-growing Irish womenswear label created by Banbridge entrepreneur Laura Kearney, has opened its first ever standalone store at The Boulevard, Northern Ireland’s premier designer outlet, creating 12 new jobs.

Opening in a 1,800 sq ft unit, the store gives the brand a dedicated home of its own outside of The Walk in Wardrobe for the very first time. Shoppers can now browse the full Love Laura collection under one roof, with every piece in store from the brand’s own range, created by women for women.

Launched in 2024 by the founder of The Walk in Wardrobe, Love Laura has expanded to more than 250 products in under two years and has enjoyed multiple sell out collections. Each piece is designed with real bodies in mind, with a focus on flattering fits, quality fabrics and timeless style in sizes 6 to 18, including petite fits.

Customers will find everything from tailored blazers, statement coats and denim to knitwear, dresses, jumpsuits, nightwear and everyday basics, alongside the brand’s footwear and handbag collections.

Beginning her retail journey in Banbridge in 2014, Laura first took over a small boutique in the town and launched The Walk in Wardrobe. What started as a 500sq ft shop has since grown into a 14,000sq ft warehouse and a 3,000sq ft flagship store, with more than 350,000 orders fulfilled for customers in over 50 countries and a combined social community of more than 387,000 followers.

Laura Kearney, Founder of The Walk in Wardrobe and Love Laura, said: “Opening the very first Love Laura store is something I’ve dreamt about since the day we launched the brand. Love Laura was built around real women and what they tell us they want from their wardrobes, so to finally welcome them into a space that is entirely ours is incredibly special.

Banbridge is where my story started more than a decade ago, so it means the world to open our first Love Laura store here. The Boulevard’s strong footfall and dedicated customers from across the island, coupled with its exceptional calibre of brands made it the obvious choice for us. We have built a brilliant team of 12 for the new store, and we cannot wait to meet both our loyal customers and plenty of new faces.”

Chris Nelmes, Retail Director at The Boulevard, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Love Laura to The Boulevard. To be chosen as the home of the brand’s first ever standalone store is a real achievement, and it is all the more special that it comes from a Banbridge business with a female founder who has built something truly remarkable from her own hometown.

The Boulevard has become a proven launchpad for first and only stores, and Love Laura shows that ambitious homegrown brands see that same opportunity as the international names already here. It brings a distinctive local label to our fashion offer as we head into our busiest season, giving shoppers another great reason to visit. We wish Laura and the team every success.”

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Disney Store is expanding its UK physical retail presence with the opening of its first UK Outlet store at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks this autumn.

The new “Disney Store Pop Up” will offer a mix of new and seasonal full-price products alongside discounted merchandise, multibuy promotions and special offers, giving guests greater choice across a wider range of price points.

Outlet stores have been a successful part of Disney Store’s international retail business for several years. The Cheshire Oaks opening reflects the company’s response to the evolving UK retail landscape providing another way for families and fans to shop Disney Store in person.

Located in Unit 170 at Cheshire Oaks, and spanning 1,300sq ft, the store will offer a broad range of official merchandise, including products inspired by Disney, Pixar, MARVEL and Star Wars™. The assortment will include toys, apparel, accessories, stationery, plush, collectibles and dress-up collections. Selected products will offer savings of up to 40 percent*, with further value available through multibuy deals and other promotions.

The Cheshire Oaks Pop Up will join Disney Store’s wider UK and Ireland retail network, alongside its standalone stores on Oxford Street in London and Grafton Street in Dublin, as well as Disney Store locations inside Selfridges London, Selfridges Birmingham and Selfridges Manchester Trafford. The physical retail portfolio is complemented by the Disney Store e-commerce platform at www.DisneyStore.co.uk.

Patrick Sager, VP, Global Disney Store Retail & Marketing, said: “Outlet stores have been a successful part of our retail business around the world for several years. As the UK retail landscape and customer shopping habits continue to evolve, we’re excited to open our first UK Outlet store at Cheshire Oaks.

The Disney Store Pop Up will allow us to reach more Guests and offer a wider range of price points, helping more Guests bring home a little Disney wonder. By bringing together new and seasonal products, discounted merchandise and special offers, the store will provide families and fans with another way to shop official Disney merchandise in person, complementing our existing retail portfolio and online offering.”

Further information about the precise opening date will be announced closer to opening.

*Based on RRP for product as of 1^st June 2026 

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The new venue will double Lane7’s footprint across Sheffield and strengthen its position in the competitive socialising market.

Lane7 Group, the competitive socialising operator, has opened a prominent location at Meadowhall, expanding its presence in Sheffield and providing a new boutique bowling concept to bolster Meadowhall’s leisure offer.

Meadowhall is one of the UK’s leading retail and leisure destinations, welcoming more than 20 million visitors each year, making it an obvious choice for the operator’s UK expansion. The opening is highly anticipated as Lane7 has been looking for the right opportunity within the centre for several years to support the scale and quality of experience the group wanted to deliver.

The new venue, which is now open, features boutique bowling lanes, food and cocktails, and effectively doubles Lane7’s footprint across the Sheffield area. The opening complements its established city-centre site on Matilda Street and allows the competitive socialising operator to reach a broader audience across Sheffield, Rotherham, and the wider South Yorkshire region.

Gavin Hughes, Managing Director of Lane7 Group, said: “We have wanted to be in Meadowhall for years as it is one of the country’s leading shopping and leisure destinations, with exceptional footfall and a genuinely regional catchment.

This location significantly increases our presence in Sheffield. Our existing city-centre business has performed strongly, and Meadowhall gives us the opportunity to serve a different occasion and a much wider audience.

The move is another example of the consolidation taking place across competitive socialising. The market has developed quickly, but scale, operational capability and continued investment are becoming increasingly important. Lane7 is well positioned to take advantage of further opportunities as the sector matures.”

Richard Crowther, Retail Leasing Director at British Land, added: “Meadowhall is the dominant destination in the region, and in terms of its ability to attract and retain catchment spend, it’s actually the most dominant super regional centre across the entire UK. Having a quality leisure offer to maintain that position matters; we know people will travel further and spend more time here if we deliver that. Bringing in Lane7 was a strategic leasing move to serve an already broad catchment that has the potential to grow further, and its position on The Avenue will only be a positive thing for the high-calibre of retailers we have here.”

The Meadowhall location forms part of Lane7 Group’s wider growth strategy, combining new openings with opportunities to take over established sites in strong locations. The group will continue to explore opportunities where it can add value through its brands, operating platform and experience in developing high-volume leisure venues.

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Outlet Shopping at The O2 has announced a series of retail investments across the scheme. This flurry of activity is led by the signing of international fashion brand, ONLY, for its London outlet debut, and reflects the continued appeal of Outlet Shopping at The O2 to leading retailers.

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International fashion retailer Primark has opened its first store in Qatar (21st October), located at Doha Festival City, in partnership with leading international retail franchise operator Alshaya Group. The opening becomes Primark’s 21st international market, and fourth country in the Middle East following Kuwait in 2025, and UAE and Bahrain this year.

The flagship Primark store in Qatar offers over 52,000 sq ft of shopping space, set over three floors, offering its much-loved mix of style, value and everyday essentials, with over 400 colleagues joining the business.

Opening day celebrations included entertainment, giveaways and activations designed to create a memorable shopping journey for customers as they experienced Primark for the first time in the country. A second Qatar store will follow in Villaggio Mall early next year.

Eoin Tonge, Primark CEO, said: “It’s been a significant first year for Primark in the region, and we’ve been excited by the response from customers as we’ve grown our presence. Today’s opening in Qatar builds on that momentum and marks the milestone of our 21st market globally. Together with Alshaya Group, we’re continuing to bring Primark to new places and new customers, with a second store in Qatar to follow early next year.”

John Hadden, CEO, Alshaya Group, added: “As we continue our partnership with Primark to bring the much-loved brand to the region, we are really proud to open our sixth store in our fourth country in the region – in just a year. The response to the first Qatar store has been amazing – thank you to all our customers who joined us at the opening, and to our partners at Al Futtaim, as we continue our exciting journey with Primark.”

Commenting on the grand opening, Mohamed ElSharkawy, Associate Director – Malls Leasing at Doha Festival City, said: “As a key retail partner of Al-Futtaim, Alshaya Group plays an important role in strengthening our retail offering, and we are pleased to welcome Primark to Doha Festival City. Primark’s arrival reflects our position as Qatar’s leading retail, lifestyle and leisure destination, bringing together global brands, exceptional experiences and a vibrant community offering. We continue to shape the country’s retail landscape by setting high standards in guest experience, curating a distinctive retail mix and creating a destination where shopping, leisure and community engagement come together. Our focus remains on delivering lasting value for our guests and partners while driving the continued evolution of retail in Qatar.”

Looking ahead, Primark’s expansion across the GCC is set to continue with a second store in Kuwait opening at Aventura Mall early next year, and the brands first-ever store in KSA opening in March 2027, further strengthening the brand’s presence across existing markets and bringing Primark to even more communities throughout the region.

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