Founded in 2009, Mint Velvet has since gained global recognition for its approach to ‘relaxed glamour’, delivering effortless yet luxurious womenswear. The new 1,700 sq ft store will sit on The Avenue’s Upper Level. With a focus on long-term trends and timeless pieces, Mint Velvet offers high-quality clothing that continues to attract a wide range of audiences.

Set to strengthen Meadowhall’s menswear offer, British-born brand Belstaff has signed for a 1,400 sq ft unit, two doors down from Mint Velvet. Renowned for its motor-inspired collections, Belstaff draws on more than 100 years of British heritage, innovation and adventure. The new store will showcase its tailored menswear range, including premium outerwear, wardrobe essentials, and accessories.

Having first opened at Meadowhall a decade ago, Michael Kors has invested in a significant store refurbishment, introducing a double-height shopfront to bring the retailer in-line with The Avenue’s new design principles. Spanning 2,600 sq ft, the updated space will incorporate the brand’s latest interior concept and showcase its signature collection of accessories, clothing, and jewellery. The store investment reflects the new design standards for tenants on The Avenue, as Meadowhall encourages the best in retail, with the latest store fits, concepts, and innovative designs. The store is also located on the Upper Level.

Richard Crowther, Retail Leasing Director at British Land, said: “The arrival of Mint Velvet and Belstaff, alongside Michael Kors’ impressive investment, not only strengthens our fashion offer on The Avenue, but also reflects our new vision for this part of Meadowhall. We are focused on creating an aspirational, best-of-British and global mix on The Avenue, shaping a complete experience that responds to the way our visitors want to shop aspirational retail. All three brands complement the existing tenant mix, while individually and collectively bringing something unique to the centre.”

Liz Houghton, CEO and Co-Founder of Mint Velvet, added: “Our customers are at the heart of every decision we make, so opening at Meadowhall feels like a natural next step. We’re excited to make getting dressed feel effortless, creating a beautiful space where women can discover a capsule wardrobe and our take on the trends.”

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Located in a 734 sq ft unit, Randox Health offers a comprehensive range of preventative healthcare services, including blood testing, full body health checks, specialised diagnostics and corporate wellness programmes. The opening brings the brand’s bespoke, holistic approach to healthcare to Victoria Leeds’ extensive catchment, alongside complementary health and wellness operators such as ALO, Aesop and Neom Wellbeing.

Randox Health’s decision to launch its Yorkshire debut at Victoria Leeds further reinforces the destination’s position as the launchpad of choice for brands seeking a flagship presence in the North. Its arrival reflects the strength of the destination’s affluent catchment, premium positioning and best-in-class brand mix, with Leeds ranked second only to London for its concentration of luxury and premium brands, according to CACI.

James Edmondson, Asset Manager at Redical, said: “Victoria Leeds continues to attract brands looking to make significant regional statements, and Randox Health opening its first standalone Yorkshire clinic here is another endorsement of the destination’s strength. As we continue to evolve our offer, we’re focused on introducing brands that reflect the changing needs and aspirations of our catchment, and an inclusion of health and wellness is an increasingly important part of that strategy.”

David Ferguson, Chief Operations Officer, at Randox Health, said: “Establishing a presence in Yorkshire was an important step for Randox Health, and Victoria Leeds was the clear choice for our first standalone clinic in the region. Its premium environment, exceptional brand mix and strong customer base made it the ideal location, and we’re delighted to have opened our doors to the people of Leeds.”

Continuing to evolve beyond traditional retail, Victoria Leeds continuously evolves to curate a complementary mix of shopping, wellness, dining and lifestyle experiences. The addition of Randox Health further enhances the destination’s appeal as a true all-day experience.

LM and Central Retail represent Redical.

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Shaftesbury Capital has announced that KIBOU Japanese Kitchen & Bar, the independently owned premium casual dining restaurant group, has signed for its first central London location in Covent Garden. This site will be the largest restaurant to date for the group, and continues to reinforce Covent Garden’s role as the go-to destination for dining in the West End.

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Danish lifestyle brand Søstrene Grene has announced plans to open a new store in St Albans, marking its first location in Hertfordshire. The opening represents another step towards the brand’s UK expansion and will introduce local shoppers to its distinctive blend of Scandinavian design, affordable homewares and immersive retail experiences.

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Jigsaw’s new boutique lands at Unit 27-28, Ground Floor, Princes Square, 48 Buchanan Street, G1 3JN.

A spokesperson for Jigsaw said: “As Jigsaw continues to invest in its UK retail portfolio, the brand is pleased to announce the opening of its new store at Princes Square in Glasgow. The new boutique strengthens Jigsaw’s presence in one of Scotland’s premier shopping destinations. The opening reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to expanding its store portfolio and offering customers an elevated shopping experience, showcasing Jigsaw’s signature blend of quality craftsmanship, timeless style and effortless elegance.”

Founded by Kirsty Aitken and Gemma Neil, Style Scouts UK has taken Unit 24 following its soft launch last weekend. The boutique specialises in hand-selected, pre-owned luxury handbags from fashion houses with each piece inspected and professionally cleaned before sale.

Co-founder Kirsty Aitken said: “Princes Square has appealed to us for quite some time. Since the period following Covid, we’ve noticed a real shift in the type of retailers and clientele the centre attracts, and it felt like the perfect home for Style Scouts. We don’t aim to stock hundreds of bags. We carefully curate every piece, so quality will always come before quantity.”

Fellow co-founder Gemma Neil added: “We’re incredibly excited to be joining the Princes Square community. Our goal is to establish Style Scouts UK as Scotland’s destination for luxury pre-owned handbags, and to promote a more sustainable approach to luxury fashion along the way.”

Alex Williams, Asset Manager for Princes Square by M and Head of Scotland at LCP UK, part of M Core, said: “Jigsaw and Style Scouts bring something different to the centre this summer, one a familiar name doing what it does best, the other a completely new concept for Glasgow shoppers. Both are a great fit for the mix we’ve built here.”

Rakesh Joshi, Director at LCP UK, part of M Core, added: “It’s a strong summer for Princes Square. These openings follow a run of new arrivals that has really changed the feel of the centre, and there’s more still to come.”

Stuart Moncur, Director and Associate Director Charlie Hall of Savills UK are the sole appointed agents at Princes Square by M.

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Mr Fogg’s Market Tavern has opened in the c.4,500 sq ft space in the Market Building, marking the largest addition to the Mr Fogg’s Tavern collection, joining existing sites in St Martin’s Lane, Soho, Fitzrovia, and Liverpool Street. Accommodating 130 covers indoors and a further 60 on its terrace, the new tavern’s original brickwork arches and flagstone floors are in keeping with the historic setting, and a series of interconnected spaces, including a dedicated Guinness Saloon bar, will create an immersive guest experience.

Mr Fogg’s Market Tavern is one example of the world-class F&B brands that Covent Garden continues to attract, with the destination already home to many innovative chef-led concepts, such as the recently opened Burro by Conor Gadd in Floral Court and Buvetteby Jody Williams in Neal’s Yard. Mr Fogg’s Market Tavern enhances the experiential side of the dining offer in Covent Garden, showing its continued evolution under Shaftesbury Capital’s long-standing investment and stewardship.

Emma Matus, Head of Restaurant Leasing at Shaftesbury Capital, commented: “The arrival of Mr Fogg’s Market Tavern in the iconic Market Building is a standout addition to Covent Garden and a testament to our longstanding relationship with Inception Group. The new flagship marks a fourth site for the group within the Shaftesbury Capital portfolio, reflecting the strength of our partnership and the continued confidence that leading operators place in Covent Garden as a destination to grow and evolve.

Covent Garden certainly sets the benchmark for hospitality and leisure, bringing together world-class operators in an environment that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere. Mr Fogg’s Market Tavern adds vibrancy, individuality, and a memorable experience to the destination, complementing Covent Garden’s distinctive character and reinforcing its appeal to both Londoners and visitors alike.”

Charlie Gilkes, Co-founder of Inception Group, added: “Covent Garden provides an exceptional setting for our flagship tavern, bringing together its rich heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and prime leisure and F&B line-up. We look forward to welcoming Londoners and visitors from across the UK and overseas, and are particularly excited to introduce our dedicated Guinness room, which will offer a distinctive experience within this landmark destination.”

Image credit: Johnny Stephens Photography. 

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The opening marks an important Lancashire milestone for Bensons. Burnley will be the closest Bensons for Beds store to the company’s Accrington headquarters, just 9 miles away, and is also only a five-minute walk from the retailer’s Customer Contact Centre at Kingsway House in Burnley town centre, which opened in April 2025.

The new Burnley store was officially opened by the Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Saeed Chaudhary, who joined local Bensons colleagues for a ribbon-cutting to mark the occasion.

The store will be led by local Store Manager Kathryn Adams, who will lead a new team helping customers find the right sleep solutions through expert advice, product guidance and Bensons’ in-store SleepPRO 2 technology.

Burnley has been identified as one of the largest UK markets where Bensons did not currently have store representation. The new store is located on one of the town’s strongest retail parks, close to Burnley town centre and alongside major retailers including Sainsbury’s and Currys.

Carrie Westwell, Chief People & Culture Officer at Bensons for Beds, said: “Returning to Burnley is an important milestone for Bensons and a clear signal of the progress we are making as we continue to strengthen our store estate in the communities where our customers live and shop.

“This opening is particularly meaningful because it brings Bensons back to one of the communities closest to our Lancashire roots, our Accrington headquarters and our Burnley Customer Contact Centre. It also reflects the important role our stores continue to play in helping customers access expert advice, trusted products and the right sleep solution for their needs.”

Kathryn Adams, Store Manager at Bensons for Beds Burnley, said: “As someone local to Burnley, I’m incredibly proud to be leading the new store team. We’re looking forward to welcoming customers through the doors, helping them find the right bed or mattress for their needs and showing them the expert advice and technology we can offer in store.”

Councillor Saeed Chaudhary, Mayor of Burnley, said: “’I’m delighted to welcome the opening of Bensons for Beds in Burnley. This investment is a positive vote of confidence in our town, creating a welcoming space for customers and supporting our local economy’.

Customers visiting the new Burnley store will be able to explore a wide range of beds, mattresses, bedroom furniture and sleep solutions, including Bensons’ own brands and leading names such as Mammoth, Hypnos, iGel, Tempur, Sealy and Simba.

The Burnley opening supports Bensons’ wider strategy to strengthen its national store estate and grow its presence in key local markets, while continuing to invest in the colleague-led service and expert advice that sits at the heart of the business.

Photographer: Paul Adams. 

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The second Roxy Ball Room venue in the capital opened its doors on Thursday 16 July, with guests now able to step inside the brand-new venue at 241 Old Street, Shoreditch, and experience Roxy’s signature Booze & Ball Games concept for themselves.

Spanning approximately 13,500 sq ft, the new venue combines all of Roxy’s most-loved activities under one roof, including Duck Pin Bowling, American Pool, Tech Darts, Tech Shuffle, Karaoke and Basketball. Whether guests are looking to settle a score over a game, enjoy cocktails with friends or celebrate a special occasion, Roxy Ball Room Old Street offers an entertainment experience designed for every kind of group.

The new venue brings the signature Roxy energy to East London, combining competitive games with a buzzing bar atmosphere, serving classic drinks, cocktails and American-style bites throughout the week.

The over-18s venue is open seven days a week until late, making it the ideal destination for after-work socials, date nights, birthdays, celebrations and corporate events.

Joel Mitchell, Marketing Director at Professionals at Play, said: “We’re incredibly excited to officially open Roxy Ball Room Old Street and welcome guests through the doors of our newest London venue. Bringing Roxy to Shoreditch is a fantastic opportunity to introduce our Booze & Ball Games experience to even more people, with a venue that’s built around great games, great food, great drinks and unforgettable moments.

Whether guests are joining us for after-work drinks, a celebration, a date night or a corporate event, we’re looking forward to seeing Old Street become the next home for competitive fun and memorable nights out.”

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Womenswear retailer, Nobody’s Child, is delighted to announce the opening of its new store in Grand Arcade, Cambridge, in July 2026.

The 1,000 sq ft space is the brand’s 10th standalone boutique, and the third opening for 2026. The store environment has been mindfully designed to feel both timeless and welcoming, featuring both reclaimed and vintage furniture carefully curated by the brand’s in-house team.

Jody Plows, CEO of Nobody’s Child, shared her excitement about the expansion: “Opening our new Cambridge store marks an exciting milestone for Nobody’s Child as we continue to grow our physical retail presence across the UK. For me personally, it’s especially meaningful to be opening a store in the city where I grew up, and it’s wonderful to bring Nobody’s Child to a place that has always felt like home.”

The Cambridge store opening adds to Nobody’s Child’s growing retail presence, joining standalone stores in Carnaby Street, Spitalfields, St Albans, Brighton, Leeds, Windsor, Harrogate, Blue Water and the flagship boutique in Covent Garden.

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England’s Semi-final match against Argentina is set to generate an additional £455m for the UK economy, according to the latest predictions.

The 2026 World Cup Spending Report by discount site, VoucherCodes.co.uk, forecasts 26.2 million people will tune into the match today at 8pm, spending across both the retail and hospitality sectors.

With a place in the final in touching distance, 7m fans are expected to visit hospitality venues during England’s Semi-final match – more than any other match to date. Hindered slightly by the midweek kick-off, hospitality spending will be more modest than in the Quarter-finals (down 6%). Sales are set to reach £98.3m in pubs, from food (£37.8m) and drink (£60.5m).

The retail sector will benefit the most from England making it to the Semi-finals with sales for the one match predicted to reach £356.5m.

The largest share of spend will go on food and drink (£238.3m) with a further £44m on sportswear, £25m on electrical items and £20m on merchandise as consumers go all out to support the Three Lions.

Looking at the tournament stage as a whole, British businesses can expect to enjoy a boost of £563.4m across the two Semi-final games. A healthy £437m is set to be spent at retail stores while a further £126.2m will be spent at hospitality venues.

This accounts for just a small portion of the £3.8bn forecasted to be spent across the whole World Cup tournament.

Moji Oshisanya, Chief Commercial Officer at VoucherCodes.co.uk, explains: “With a maximum of only two games left to play, and the stakes higher than ever, British businesses are set for yet another major boost from England’s semi-final involvement. At this late stage in the competition, consumers are prioritising home watch parties and budget-conscious hospitality visits, saving their money in the hopes that England can make it all the way to the final.”

Image courtesy of Unsplash. Photo credit: Chaos Soccer Gear.

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