It has been a promising couple of months for the Derby retail scene. Despite the current challenges surrounding inflation, interest rates and tax rises, there is certainly a sense of restored confidence within retailers in comparison to the previous couple of “pandemic years”. We are witnessing a good level of enquiries from a range of different occupiers which are pleasingly turning into lettings, some of which I am excited to now be able to reveal…
Looking firstly at Derby’s high street, following ALB Group’s acquisition of the block on Albion Street just a couple of months ago, FHP announce that they have already completed on three new lettings. The former card shop unit has been let to “Hatchet Harrys Axe Throwing”, the old Goldsmiths unit has gone to an independent speciality coffee shop “Barista Lab” and the former EE store has been let to “Pace”, a lifestyle fitness boutique that will offer a wide range of gifts, wellbeing products, exercise classes and personal training.
FHP has also have exchanged contracts on the former Dorothy Perkins/Burtons unit on Victoria Street with “Boo” – a fast food burger restaurant chain who have a number of locations across the Midlands.
Within the Cathedral Quarter, Derby Brewing Company are taking the former Las Iguanas premises on Friar Gate and are opening their new concept in “The Clubhouse” which will be a unique addition to Derby’s hospitality scene. The company has also agreed an offer on the old Burger King unit on East Street to an exciting leisure occupier.
This is in addition to several new brands into the Derbion Shopping Centre in recent months, with Tommy Hilfiger, Mango, Flannels and Lids having taken place and the likes of Frasers and Jack Wills set to open their doors very soon.
No doubt there will be concerns in 2022 for retailers, however FHP are highly optimistic about the rest of the year and excited as to what it will bring to Derby.
