Brands continue to increase footprint at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford

Westfield London and Westfield Stratford have agreed deals to upsize stores for a number of global brands this year, including Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Foot Locker and Dr. Martens.

At almost 17,000 sq ft. Nike has already tripled the size of its store in Westfield London this year. Gucci has also doubled its footprint for a permanent store in The Village.

Kate Orwin, Leasing Director at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield UK, said: “Brands are choosing to upsize in the best locations, as we have seen with the Nike Rise store and the expansion of Gucci at The Village Westfield London, representing a broader trend among retailers. As these retailers invest in integrated digital and physical experiences, their focus has shifted from pure sales generation to creating a sense of community and connection for consumers which ultimately drives brand loyalty.”

More than 30 new tenants have been signed to the centres in 2022 as brands look to use physical spaces to build closer connections with their audiences.

The beauty and health sector has seen significant growth with skincare and cosmetic clinic, Laser Clinics, and teeth alignment brand, SmileDirectClub, both signing leases at Westfield London and Westfield Stratford.

Orwin continues: “Seeing so many new and existing retailers, restaurants and entertainment concepts investing with us is a testament to the continued strength of the Westfield brand and the increased value being placed on visiting physical destinations. We are proud to be the destination of choice for the best flagships and new concepts which ultimately create the best experiences for our customers.”

Looking ahead, Westfield Stratford will see Lacoste upsize to a 2,741 sq ft location in September 2022, Footlocker will upsize to a 10,100 sq ft store in October 2022, Tommy Hilfiger will upsize to a 6,910 sq ft store in H2 2022 and Dr. Martens will upsize to a 2,133 sq ft store in H2 2022.

Calvin Klein will join the brands upsizing at the centre in Q1 2023.

Westfield London will see womenswear brand Wonderlust open this month in a 1,719 sq ft store. Swatch will open a new 553 sq ft store next month alongside leisure and fitness company Bike Soup, which will open a 3,248 sq ft location.

Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein will also open new locations at Westfield London in 2023.

In June 2022, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Ministry of Sound Group announced the signing of an agreement to open The Ministry Shepherd’s Bush, a new concept combining workspace, a multi-studio fitness offer and a rooftop bar and restaurant, in the space currently occupied by House of Fraser.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield recently released its financial results for the first half of 2022, revealing a 45% increase in net rental income to £922 million.