Hines, the international real estate firm, has secured fashionable footwear retailer Irregular Choice and technical apparel brand lululemon for The Royal Exchange Manchester.
Irregular Choice, a unique footwear brand will be moving into 18 Market Street this September, taking 928 square feet on a 10-year lease. Led by charismatic entrepreneur Dan Sullivan, Irregular Choice makes detailed and creative shoes featuring everything from embellished heels, ornate wood carvings, tiny intricate charms and lavish fabrics through to Disney-themed creations.
Irregular Choice has a global portfolio of nine stores which are famed for their equally lavish décor, such as the famous London Carnaby shop with mirrored mannequins and a flashing rainbow staircase.
lululemon, the technical apparel brand for yoga, running, training and other active pursuits, is due to open its new store on 7 St Ann’s Square this autumn. Founded in Vancouver, Canada in 1998, lululemon is the brand defining an active, mindful lifestyle—creating design-led products that empower people to live a life they love. In addition to offering the brand’s latest collections for men and women, the retail space will transform into a studio, offering complimentary classes to the local community, led by lululemon’s yoga and fitness ambassadors.
Additionally, fresh handmade cosmetics company, Lush has signed a 10-year lease renewal for their 909-square-foot shop at 10 Market Street.
The new stores join an impressive line-up of retailers based at The Royal Exchange Manchester including Molton Brown, Fjallraven, L’Occitaine, Whittards, Hotel Chocolat, French Connection, and Watches of Switzerland.
Emme Haycock, asset manager for Hines UK, said: “The quality of these latest lettings reflects our repositioning strategy to further strengthen and enhance the calibre of brands available at this iconic building. The Royal Exchange Manchester continues to attract an exciting range of retail talent and we are pleased to be welcoming lululemon and Irregular Choice into the mix.”
The Royal Exchange Manchester sits in the heart of the city centre and is populated by luxury high-street brands, independent boutiques shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as being home to the Royal Exchange Theatre.
Hines acquired The Royal Exchange Manchester in November 2016 on behalf of Bayerische Versorgungskammer (BVK), Germany’s largest pension scheme group. This letting is part of Hines’ strategy to reposition the tenant mix to reinforce the Grade II listed Royal Exchange building as a prestigious location in Manchester’s retail landscape.
Hines was represented by Metis and Colliers, Irregular Choice was represented by Culverwell, and Lush were advised by Colliers.
