Southampton: Hammerson attracts Australian retailer to Westquay

Hammerson has signed Smiggle, the Australian stationery retailer, and Yankee Candle, the home fragrance specialists, at its Westquay centre in Southampton.

Smiggle will be moving into a 2,254 sq ft store in Above Bar mall, which is expected to open in September.

Set to open in October, US retailer Yankee Candle is returning to Westquay "due to strong customer demand", taking a 928 sq ft unit in the lower mall, where it will trade next to women’s fashion retailer, Phase Eight. The brand had previously taken a pop-up in the centre.Yankee Candle expanded into Europe in 1999, opening its first UK retail store in 2002.  

Iain Mitchell, UK commercial director at Hammerson, said: “We are delighted to be introducing Smiggle to Southampton with its city debut and welcoming Yankee Candle back to Westquay.

“Hammerson’s dynamic asset management strategy continues to bring a strong retail tenant mix to Westquay, following the opening of its dedicated leisure and dining development, Westquay South. Earlier this year, Westquay also welcomed global cosmetics brand Lush and aspirational footwear retailer Russell & Bromley to the city.

“By continuing to attract leading global retailers to the centre, Westquay is maintaining its position as the South Coast’s leading retail and leisure destination.”

John Cheston, managing director of Smiggle, said: “We’ve done our homework here at Smiggle and spent many hours scouting out the best locations so we knew that Southampton was the place to be.

“I’m thrilled that we’re opening our doors on August 31, just in time for fans to get kitted out as they head back to school.”

MMX advised Smiggle.

Source: CoStar