Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (“URW”) has announced 12 signings for Centrale & Whitgift including London’s first Loupe store, the new luxury diamond and fine jewellery and watch brand; the return of Deichmann to Croydon, alongside a number of key renewals including international and British brands Trespass and No.1 Currency Exchange.
New and returning brands Invest in Croydon
Loupe, a new venture from Beaverbrooks, the family-owned jewellery business, opened its 5,350sqft store this month as part of a £6m investment in the brand. The south London store boasts a 900sqft showroom and is the exclusive seller of Rolex, OMEGA, and Breitling in Croydon.
Izzy Home Store, a high-quality furniture and decor retailer, is expanding its presence in England with a new 3,295sqft store. Meanwhile, Europe’s largest shoe retailer, Deichmann, made its return to Croydon with a new store at 6,458sqft, reflecting a £750,000 investment from the retailer. Pan-Asian noodle bar Chopstix also launched a 2,000sqft restaurant in 2023.
Demonstrating a commitment to Croydon as a key destination among their portfolios, several leading national and international brands have renewed their leases including Trespass, No.1 Currency Exchange and Sarraf Jewellers.
Much loved historic London brand Pollock’s Toy Museum has relocated from central London to an expansive new pop-up space in Croydon, spanning nearly 2,000sqft, which showcases its fascinating permanent collection, some of which is inspired by the local area. A miniature Trojan bubble car replica of those manufactured in Croydon during the 1960s is on display as well as dolls’ house rooms, made in local factory, A Barton & Co, which employed many people from the New Addington housing estate between the 1960s and 80s.
Supporting the Croydon community
In line with URW’s commitment to supporting local communities, Fashion Meets Music, an organisation showcasing emerging designers, artists and performers and running employability and business programmes, has renewed at the centres as they continue their longstanding partnership with URW. Turf Projects, a charity providing free creative exhibitions, workshops, and studio space for local artists, has also renewed its 6,596sq ft space.
In addition, Big Local Broad Green, a community-led grant funding initiative, will re-open and charity, All Inclusive Advice and Training has signed for a new space to support those in socially deprived areas of Croydon.
Kate Orwin, leasing director UK at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, commented: “Demand from occupiers is at an all-time high, underlined by this recent burst of signings from new and existing brands investing in their physical spaces in Croydon. The growing offer at Centrale & Whitgift from high price point luxury, British and international high street brands, through to grass roots local organisations illustrates the confidence these brands have in Croydon as a thriving destination. We are very excited to unveil the latest line up as we continue to provide a diverse and exciting offer for our customers and the community.”
Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon commented, commented: “We welcome these signings by new and existing retailers at Centrale & Whitgift shopping centres and the local organisations taking up the opportunity to support the Croydon community from this key, town centre location. This is an exciting time for Croydon and working with URW we’re driving forward the regeneration of our town centre. It’s been great to see this increased investment and confidence in Centrale & Whitgift Centre and we wish these retailers and community groups all the very best in their new town centre spaces.”
URW is the owner of a 25-acre parcel of land which includes the Centrale & Whitgift shopping centres as well as high street retail frontage, office blocks, and multi-storey car parks in the heart of London’s next major and most exciting regeneration zone.
