Newmark announces the release of its 2026 Retail Vitality Rankings, which assess the retail health of 1,000 locations across the country. The key findings highlight the growing importance of the “affordable-luxury economy,” as value-conscious consumers spend on smaller treats and self-gifting, as well as the appeal of destinations combining strong retail with more reasons to visit, reflected in London’s continued strength and gains across major regional cities.
David Harper, managing partner, head of UK retail, said: “Consumers remain careful about where they spend, but we continue to see a strong appetite for smaller purchases that feel like a treat. Beauty, gifting and collectables can offer that sense of indulgence without requiring a major purchase, while health and wellness continues to occupy a growing role in people’s everyday lives.”
The rise of major regional cities alongside the continued strength of London shows that consumers and retailers are gravitating towards destinations that offer scale, choice and experience.”
Andy Metherell, head of consultancy & analytics added: “Retail vitality is never driven by a single category or trend. What we are seeing is a more selective market, both from consumers and from occupiers. The strongest destinations are responding to changing consumer habits by offering a mix that gives people more reasons to visit. Beauty, gifting, wellness, food and beverage and entertainment are increasingly part of that mix, alongside a strong core retail offer.”
The annual analysis uses a range of measures to assess retail health, including shopper spend, vacancy, consumer demographics, entertainment and hospitality provision, health & beauty and gifting floorspace, and how well the retail offer reflects local demand. The key trends shaping UK retail in 2026 include:
‘Affordable indulgence’
Brands including MINISO, Pop Mart and PURESEOUL are tapping into demand for products that are discoverable, giftable and easily shared online, with social media accelerating product discovery and awareness. The trend is evident in several locations and is gaining ground. Glasgow City Centre, which has the fourth-highest amount of health & beauty floorspace among the 1,000 locations assessed, rose 20 places to 11th. Trafford Centre climbed seven places to 10th, while Braehead Shopping Centre and Livingston rose 213 and 254 places respectively amid investment across beauty, gifting, lifestyle and leisure.
Health and wellness expands its high street presence
Health and wellness has continued to outperform many other retail categories, supported by consumers placing greater emphasis on personal wellbeing, skincare and self-care. Trends including Korean beauty are gaining popularity, encouraging brands to expand their physical presence and take larger spaces within retail centres.
London’s continued strength
London continues to have the highest concentration of highly ranked retail locations in the UK, with 60 of the capital’s centres in the national top 250. Chelsea – King’s Road ranks second nationally and Knightsbridge fourth, while Sloane Street recorded one of the capital’s strongest gains, climbing 36 places to 22nd.
The strength of London’s consumer and visitor base is also reflected in spending. Newmark estimates annual shopper expenditure in the London West End at £18 billion, compared with £5.4 billion in Glasgow, £4.5 billion in Birmingham and £4.3 billion in Manchester.
The capital’s transport hubs are also performing strongly. Clapham Junction rose six places to 27th and London Bridge seven places to 33rd, while King’s Cross remains in the top 30, reflecting the strength of locations combining high passenger footfall with growing residential and worker populations.
Regional Cities Regain Ground
Cambridge City Centre retained its position as the UK’s top-ranked retail location for the second consecutive year. Other major regional cities were among the strongest performers in this year’s rankings, with six city centres now in the national top 10. City centres recorded the largest improvement of any retail location type, rising a combined 62 places compared with 2025, while large towns improved by an average of 59 places.
Manchester climbed nine places to third nationally, Edinburgh ten places to fifth and Liverpool four places to seventh. Glasgow recorded one of the largest gains in the top 25, rising 20 places to 11th, while Birmingham climbed 22 places to 24th.
Top 10 Retail Centres, 2026 (2025 rank)
- Cambridge City Centre (1)
- Chelsea – King’s Road (2)
- Manchester City Centre (12)
- Knightsbridge (8)
- Edinburgh City Centre (15)
- Kingston upon Thames (3)
- Liverpool City Centre (11)
- Leeds City Centre (9)
- Bath City Centre (4)
- Trafford Centre (17)
The findings point to stronger demand for major urban destinations capable of combining flagship retail with a broader day-to-evening offer. Larger stores in established destinations are also becoming more important as retailers concentrate investment in locations that can deliver stronger footfall, longer dwell times and access to larger catchments.
North American brands target the UK
International appetite for UK retail space remains strong, particularly from North American brands. The UK, and London more specifically, remain a natural first step for North American operators expanding internationally, given similarities in consumer groups, spending habits and the wider retail environment. US operators remain particularly active, while Newmark is also seeing increased interest from Canadian brands. Recent entrants include Garage, SKIMS, Restoration Hardware, Raising Cane’s and KITH, among others.
This demand is having a tangible impact on the market, contributing to reduced availability and rising rents across prime locations. Availability is limited across prime London pitches and competition is increasing for space on Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street, Covent Garden, Marylebone High Street and King’s Road.
