Category: News

Sadly this year, due to obvious reasons, AS Retail are unable to host the Shop Agents Society (SAS) 1^st Friday Drinks which would have been held on Friday 3^rd July.

Instead we will be donating our First Friday beer fund to the chosen SAS charity partner, The Brain Tumour Charity.

They are the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours worldwide. The Brain Tumour Charity has helped SAS members and their families in the recent past and undertake outstanding work in the field, being voted Charity of the Year in 2018 for their pioneering approach, innovative research solutions and their community centred approach to all they do. They are set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change whilst also being committed to improving life for everyone affected and to defending this most incredible part of the human body.

Please do visit their website at https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/ for more information on their activities and please follow this link – https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/donate/ – if you also wish to make a donation.

Please stay safe and well and we hope to meet up with you all again very soon.

AS Retail have advised exciting new immersive gaming concept Electric Playbox, originally known as Electronic Theatre, on the acquisition of their second site in Manchester.

Located within Halle Place at Manchester Arndale, Electric Playbox have taken the unit next to the highly successful independent restaurant Archies with the unit comprising circa 3,200 sq ft.

The property is currently being fitted out in readiness for opening at the beginning of August and it promises to bring a new social entertainment experience to Manchester which can be enjoyed by friends, colleagues and families alike.

This is Electric Playbox’s second site, the first being in London’s Southbank close to Southwark station which opened in late 2019 and was also acquired by AS Retail. It has proved highly popular with the initial two experiences of Alien Aptitude Test and Rescue the Royals being great fun. Other regional sites planned over the coming months.

Andrew Shepherd, Director at AS Retail who conducted the negotiations commented ‘It’s been a pleasure to work with Electric Playbox on introducing their concept into the market and are delighted to have secured this excellent site for them. The neighbouring restaurants in Halle Place will be highly complimentary and we very much look forward to seeing it opening soon. The AS Retail team had their Christmas party at the London venue last year and we had a great time – get yourselves booked in Manchester!’

 

We are delighted to confirm that Pets Corner, the well regarded pet supply chain with nearly 150 outlets nationwide, have signed for a new 15 year lease at 111 High Street, Staines Upon Thames. AS Retail conducted the lease renewal negotiations on behalf of the landlord, a private investor / developer, who has recently completed a residential conversion of the upper floors.

Andrew Shepherd, Director at AS Retail, commented ‘This negotiation has taken some time to conclude but we are pleased with the outcome, particularly during these unprecedented times, as the landlord has secured this quality tenant on a long lease which will underpin the investment value of the property.’

AS Retail are actively negotiating rent reviews, lease renewals and lease restructures on behalf of both landlord and occupier clients on properties nationwide. Please do not hesitate to contact either Andrew or Ellie to discuss any situations where our advice could be helpful for you.

 

We are talking to occupiers and landlords all the time and if you need any property assistance or advice in these uncertain times then please get in touch as we are happy to share our insights:

Andrew
07715 001 005
[email protected]

Ellie
07747 484 597
[email protected]

Following the successful recent openings of clubs in Clapham and Farnborough and despite the current situation, AS Retail are still actively looking to acquire sites for Jetts Fitness in Greater London and South East England.

We are seeking D2 units with 24 hour trading (or change of use opportunities) of between 5,000 – 8,000 sq ft, ideally single level but will consider two levels. A minimum 2.7m floor to ceiling height is required and car parking close by (or close to transport hubs). Previous Gyms that may become available owing to business failure will be positively considered.

For further information please contact Ellie Oldershaw or Andrew Shepherd at AS Retail to discuss any sites which might be suitable.

 

This week AS Retail are celebrating their 5 year anniversary. We would like to take this opportunity of thanking all our clients for their support.

Roll on the next five years.

We are delighted to showcase the new Claire’s Accessories unit who are now open and trading in Unit 25A after a recent relocation within The Cascades Shopping Centre.  Sports Direct will be commencing a fit-out shortly on the 50,000 sq ft BHS space with their opening planned for the Summer.

We have other exciting leasing opportunities for permanent and temporary lettings in the scheme so please contact either Andrew Shepherd or Will Stone if you have any requirements.

 

 

 

Acting on behalf of Cards Direct, AS Retail have acquired the latest addition to their portfolio which opened in Staines last weekend.

Cards Direct was established in 2012 and currently has thirty-three stores in high streets and shopping centres throughout the UK with more planned openings this year.

For further information please contact Andrew Shepherd at AS Retail for their requirements list.

 

AS Retail are delighted to have been appointed by Pinza to assist on their roll-out in the UK.

Pinza opened its first site in Dubai in 2015 where it introduced their unique home-grown ideas which is a modern foodie’s answer to a wholesome, delicious and healthy eating concept.  Quickly adding four more sites to their brand in the United Arab Emirates and two delivery hubs in London, they are now looking to expand further into dine-in venues.

We are seeking A3 units of between 1,500 – 2,500 sq ft preferably in close proximity to transport hubs and offices in prominent locations in London.  The City, Midtown and West End are of particular interest along with quality locations in Zones 2 and 3.

For further information on this interesting concept please visit their website at https://uk.pinza.com and contact Will Stone or Andrew Shepherd at AS Retail to discuss any sites which might be suitable.

 

Following the successful opening of new branches in Eastbourne and Telford, AS Retail have been appointed to assist coffee experts Jamaica Blue in the search for further sites for 2020 and 2021 opening.

Jamaica Blue is a casual dining concept brought to us by Food Co and is been built on two simple beliefs: a belief in sourcing the very best coffee; and a belief in using only fresh, premium ingredients to deliver contemporary café dishes with a twist. The name, Jamaica Blue, is drawn from the majestic Blue Mountains of Jamaica, one of the best coffee producing regions in the world and home to the exclusive Wallenford Estate® Jamaica Blue Mountain coffee.

The brand now operates from seven locations in the UK as well as internationally including Australia, New Zealand, China and Singapore. Please see www.jamaicablue.co.uk for further information on the concept and menu.

We are seeking units of 1,250 – 2,500 sq ft in prominent locations in shopping malls, high streets, in-store concessions, hospitals and airports in strong and/or affluent markets in towns in the South and the Midlands. Please contact Andrew Shepherd or Ellie Oldershaw at AS Retail for a copy of the landlord pack and to discuss the requirements.

Andrew commented ‘We are delighted to be assisting Jamaica Blue with their expansion programme. The concept is superb; great coffee and fabulous classic dishes but with a twist. They will be a great addition to shopping centres and high streets across the country and we look forward to working with them to identify new sites’