Gilly Hicks and Clarks snap up former Topshop unit at Manchester Arndale

Manchester Arndale has announced that Gilly Hicks and Clarks will be moving into part of the former Topshop space, taking two newly created units.

The new Gilly Hicks store will be home to a range of activewear, loungewear and intimates. Gilly Hicks is a gender-inclusive lifestyle brand, encompassing activewear, underwear and loungewear in patterns and colours that can be worn by anyone, regardless of gender identity.

Gilly Hicks’ new store coincides with its sister company Hollister moving to the former Disney Store unit. From the Abercrombie & Fitch Co. family of brands, Hollister will continue to offer its apparel, fragrances, and accessories to Manchester shoppers from this new location.

Clarks, the popular British footwear brand, will occupy a 3,551 sq ft unit on a 10-year lease and will be bringing their high-quality range of iconic footwear spanning formal shoes, boots, sneakers and sandals to the centre. This will be Clarks’ only store in Manchester city centre and will be located on New Cannon Street.

Meanwhile, popular jewellery and glass wear producer Swarovski has also committed its future to Manchester Arndale after agreeing a new lease.

These arrivals follow a flurry of other new lettings that include Pure Fashion, who recently committed to a 3,709 sq ft store on a five-year lease, Debenhams.com, Tommy Hilfiger, Pandora, Canada Goose, Kick Game, Carvela and Kurt Geiger with other retailers demonstrating their confidence in the scheme by renewing their leases.

This surge of leasing news follows the announcement that Manchester Arndale is now at 95% retail occupancy.

Colin Flinn, spokesperson for Manchester Arndale, said: “We are delighted that Clarks and Gilly Hicks have decided to join the line up at Manchester Arndale. Rather than try and re-let the whole of the former Topshop space, we made the decision to split the space, and create three new high-quality units in a prime location. This decision has proved correct as we have now secured two well-known tenants, with the last unit currently under offer, which shows that retailer demand for quality, well placed units remains high.

“We are equally pleased that Hollister and Swarovski have recommitted to Manchester Arndale, demonstrating confidence in the centre as we continue to attract and retain popular international brands and retailers.”