Victoria Centre ‘optimistic about future’ despite Topshop takeover
‘POSITIVE’ TALKS WITH RETAILERS ABOUT OPENING NEW STORES
AN update has been given on the future of the Victoria Centre following the news that Topshop stores are set to close.
Victoria Centre is home to a large Topshop store, which will be closing following the announcement of a takeover by Asos.
The online fashion retailer confirmed it had sealed the takeover of Topshop and associated brands Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT following the collapse of the Arcadia retail empire in a £330 million deal.
But it is believed the move will mean all shops closing permanently as the brands will be sold online only.
Now, Global Mutual – the asset management company appointed by the owners of the Victoria Centre – have given a statement on the situation.
Steve Gray, Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, said: “We will provide more of an update on the position of Topshop at Victoria Centre as soon as we are able.
“We are optimistic about the future and have a number of positive dialogues under way with retailers about opening stores at Victoria Centre.
“We continue to work with all the brands at the Centre to ensure it remains the city’s prime retail and leisure destination.
“We have seen a host of lease renewals and deals over the last few months, which we look forward to announcing in due course.”
Nelson Blackley, an independent retail expert in the city, told the Post: “In Nottingham it’s yet another blow for its retail offer given the various sites in and around the city that sold these fashion brands.
“In particular, the Victoria Shopping Centre, where all three brands were tenants, as well as the edge of town Riverside Retail Park, where the Arcadia Group’s Outfit store sold all their brands.”
The Asos takeover follows news last month that department chain Debenhams – which has a landmark store overlooking Old Market Square in Nottingham and a store at Mansfield’s Four Seasons Shopping Centre – will not be reopening branches.
Nikki Rolls, chief executive of the Mansfield Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Losing bricksand-mortar stores will be a major loss to the town as a whole.”