The North Face to open new store at Manchester Arndale

Outdoor retailer The North Face is gearing to open a new 3,630 sq ft store at the Manchester Arndale shopping centre later this year, having signed a 10-year lease for a unit on New Cannon Street.

It will be the brand’s first store in Manchester city centre, though it does already have a store at The Trafford Centre in nearby Trafford Park, Stretford.

Steve Gray, Head of European Retail Asset Management at joint Manchester Arndale asset managers Global Mutual (along with M&G Real Estate), said: “We are delighted that The North Face has become the latest big name brand to sign a long-term letting at Manchester Arndale.

“Our leasing activity since the pandemic has seen us welcome a truly diverse mix of international and local businesses, as well as a wide variety of retail, leisure and F&B brands to ensure there is something for everyone visiting Manchester Arndale.

“Through this approach, footfall has continued to strengthen and demand for well-placed units has remained, so high that we are approaching 100% occupancy, allowing us to avoid the struggles faced by other retail centres, and cement our position as the North West’s leading retail destination.”

Other brands and retailers to have opened stores at Manchester Arndale this year include Nike, Moss and Sports Direct, adding to the likes of Gilly Hicks, Hollister, Kurt Geiger, Carvela and Tommy Jeans, as the centre continues to grow its fashion offering and take its retail occupancy to around 95%.