Uniqlo to join retail mix at London’s Coal Drops Yard

Uniqlo is gearing up to open a new 12,000 sq ft flagship store at Coal Drops Yard in London’s King’s Cross this autumn. It has been described as the destination’s “most significant retail deal since 2018”, which was when it opened.

The Japanese men’s, women’s and children’s fashion retailer will take over the store previously occupied by Wolf & Badger.

Alessandro Dudech, Chief Operating Officer of Uniqlo UK, said: “We are excited to be opening in Coal Drops Yard, the bustling, family-friendly, design-led destination, offering us the opportunity to bring LifeWear to even more Londoners and visitors to the city.”

James Rayner, Head of Retail at King’s Cross, commented: “It’s no secret that we’ve been working with Uniqlo for some time to find the right opportunity in the right location, so we’re delighted to finally be welcoming this much loved high street brand to Coal Drops Yard this autumn.

“By its own definition, Uniqlo is ‘made for everyone, everywhere’, and that is an ethos which really resonates with us.

“This deal supports our retail strategy and cements King’s Cross as somewhere that everyone can come to and enjoy a mix of well-known and affordable brands, as well as some other less-known but equally pioneering independent brands.”

Anthea Harries, Asset Management Director at King’s Cross, added: “Our retail strategy is underpinned by our customers who tell us they want to see more accessible brands like Uniqlo on the estate. For Uniqlo, it is these customers that make Coal Drops Yard so attractive.

“We are surrounded by some of the world’s largest office occupiers, including Google, Meta, Universal and Nike, and we are enjoying year-on-year sales and footfall growth, making King’s Cross a unique proposition for the business.”

Uniqlo's three story floor store will join a roster of other fashion retailers at Coal Drops Yard, including Paul Smith, & Other Stories, Cos, Ba&sh and Beyond Retro.

New plans for the northern part of the estate, known as Parkside East and Parkside West, mean there will be around 17 new ground-floor spaces to lease over the next 18-24 months.

King’s Cross is managed by Related Argent following the news that Argent LLP, the asset manager since 2008, has been absorbed by the business.