Welcome to the January HighStreetPositives Newsletter🙌 

HighStreetPositives is on a mission to highlight and showcase everything that makes our high streets special, shifting the focus to what’s flourishing. Please keep sharing your news whether it’s new openings, creative initiatives, or your unique perspective, we want to hear your stories, observations, and ideas as we champion the future of these vital spaces.

If you have any ideas for how to elavate these stories or collaboration ideas then Id love to hear from you. And please share your thoughts on the high street and on HighStreetPositives in our survey by the end of January —and you could win £200! Click Here.

‘The High Street is Dying’ They said…However…

There are loads of positive news stories from high streets across the UK. Here's a selection of highlights , celebrating new store openings, regeneration projects, and other positive developments

• Hotel Chocolat is celebrating record Christmas sales with plans to open 25 new high street stores across the UK, including its largest ever in Manchester, creating 200 jobs.

• Rituals, is set to open 240 new stores worldwide in 2025, with a key focus on expanding further in Europe including the UK following a record-breaking 2.1 billion euros in sales for 2024.

• In Chippenham, Public Art Chippenham (PAC), a community-led initiative, is transforming the town centre with vibrant art projects. One of their murals, created by local artist @edposter1, is nearing completion on the side of Buckles Fish and Chip Shop, marking an exciting step in their mission to brighten public spaces for residents and visitors alike.

• Oakberry, the global açaí bowl cafe chain with over 700 stores, plans to open 18-20 locations across Ireland, including in Cork and Galway, by the end of 2025, under the franchise ownership of three Dublin-based entrepreneurs.

• Huyton Village, once mocked for its poor Christmas tree, saw a remarkable turnaround with over 2,500 attendees at its Christmas lights switch-on, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Oneday team and The Assembly Line, engaging over 30 local groups and 22 businesses to bring the community together and drive footfall.

• The Potions Cauldron Group is launching its first hotel, The Wizard Inn, in Blackpool in 2026, transforming the former Wallace Hotel into a magical, wizard-themed experience with rooms based on their signature potions. They are also set to sign the lease for their next Hole in Wand location, their largest unit yet at 6,500 sq ft, complete with a garden to be used in a wizardly way, with the location to be revealed soon!

• Krispy Kreme is opening its first Northern Ireland store at Belfast's Victoria Square in early 2025, marking the beginning of a series of new shops across the region.

• The vibrant artwork "All Aboard," created by UCA graduate Brianna Chartrand, now enhances Aldershot Railway Station, celebrating local heritage and the opening of Polden Studios, thanks to a collaboration between UCA, Rushmoor Borough Council, South Western Railway, and others, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

• Shrooma, a newly opened mushroom coffee shop in Oswestry, has quickly become a hit. Combining creativity, wellness, and community, it offers a stylish and welcoming space, showcasing fresh, innovative ideas on our high streets.

• High street champions are making amazing efforts all around the country, such as Susie Thomas of Rocket and Bird, who’s been making a real impact in Taunton with her voluntary work—organising events, supporting local makers, and promoting independent businesses, all while helping to raise funds for community art projects and strengthening the local economy.

• Urban Pubs and Bars has smashed records with £8.7M profit, expanding to 53 venues and planning three new openings in 2025, as part of its ambitious growth strategy.

• Fanatics is set to open its first global flagship store on London's Regent Street this spring, offering an interactive space showcasing its collectibles and marking its expansion into Europe.

• Gymshark is expanding its UK presence in 2025 with new store openings planned at Westfield White City and Manchester’s Trafford Centre.

• Popeyes aims to nearly double its UK presence with 45 new restaurants, including one that opened this week in Bracknell, creating 2,500 jobs and targeting £200m in sales by 2025, following a significant revenue increase in 2024

• In 2023, Missoma successfully expanded from an online-only brand to physical retail with four stores, focusing on creativity, storytelling, and immersive experiences, and plans to continue growing its retail footprint in 2025.

• Sostrene Grene opened stores in Colchester and Leeds in the last couple of weeks, and is planning an exciting new flagship store on Argyll Street, in Central London.

• Urban Foundry’s PopUp Wales project is transforming empty spaces in Carmarthenshire into vibrant hubs for start-ups, businesses, and community groups, boosting local economies and supporting entrepreneurship through affordable, temporary spaces for testing ideas and services.

• In Lytham St Annes, Loom Loft has opened in the former Booths location, a large spa and restaurant is under construction, and several small businesses are undergoing revitalisation.

Building Societies: Putting Communities at the Heart of the High Street

Building societies such as Manchester Building Society are redefining their role on the high street, offering more than just financial services to strengthen communities. With roots in mutuality, these organisations prioritise people over profits, focusing on accessibility, inclusivity, and relationship-driven banking. Following its 2023 merger with Newcastle Building Society, Manchester Building Society is undergoing a brand revival, with its flagship branch on King Street set to open later this year. This bold investment bucks the trend of widespread bank closures, reinforcing the vital role of high street branches in promoting financial inclusion, especially for vulnerable populations.

Andrew Haigh, Chief Executive of Newcastle Building Society Group, captured this sentiment: “Big banks are placing profit above customers, withdrawing from the high street, and pushing people online as the only way to manage their finances. A better alternative exists, and we’re delighted to be bringing it to life in Manchester.” He further emphasised Manchester’s role in this effort, saying, “Manchester has mutuality and the co-operative movement in its DNA. It’s a city where change happens. The people of Manchester and the wider region deserve better.”

Modern branches are transforming into multi-functional spaces, combining financial advice with community meeting areas and hybrid workspaces. By collaborating with local charities and civic leaders, building societies aim to address local needs and enhance social value. Iain Nicholson, Founder of The Vacant Shops Academy, applauds this direction: “It’s great to see building societies opening new branches and investing in their existing networks, especially where that has included spaces which local communities can use as meetings and activity space… Both are really positive for the town centres and neighbourhoods they’re in.” Such efforts show how building societies can foster vibrant, inclusive high streets, offering long-term benefits to residents and businesses alike.

Small Shops, Big Impact: The Role of Independents on the High Street

The British high street is brimming with optimism as independent businesses and creative initiatives bring fresh energy to towns and cities across the UK. In Northumberland, Jobsons of Alnwick has recently celebrated it’s first anniversary under new ownership. Rachel Wilson purchased the store from the Todds upon their retirement in January 2024, continuing its legacy while bringing fresh ideas to the business..

From hosting local fashion shoots to raising over £1,600 for Hospice Care North Northumberland through a charity fashion show, Jobsons has become a valued part of the local community. As Rachel Wilson, owner of Jobsons, puts it: “We’re fast gaining a reputation for excellent customer service in store, we give honest feedback to our customers and make them feel comfortable and welcomed when they visit us. This isn’t an experience you can replicate online, and we love being part of our local high street and community.” By creating a welcoming atmosphere and tailoring its offerings to meet local needs, Jobsons showcases the positive impact independent businesses can have on their communities.

Similarly, businesses like Lisa Angel, a jewellery and gifting brand, are proving that physical retail continues to thrive. Following the opening of two new stores in Suffolk, Lisa Angel continues to prioritise uplifting, in-person shopping experiences. Founder Lisa Angel shared, “Each store we open gives us an exciting new opportunity to breathe life into the high street.” Through innovation and community engagement, Lisa Angel demonstrates how indie retailers can create vibrant, meaningful spaces for their customers. These inspiring stories highlight how independent businesses are shaping a more dynamic, welcoming high street, blending creativity, connection, and purpose to energise the places where we live, work, and shop.

High Street Site Opportunities: Criteria and Locations

The Requirement List is a database of active retail & leisure property requirements, used by the majority of the retail property market.

Below are a handful of recent requirements added to the Requirement List site:

• Danish variety retail store chain Flying Tiger Copenhagen is looking to acquire new stores to expand their UK and Ireland portfolio. They are seeking 2,500 - 3,500 sq ft ground floor units in Shopping Centres and High Streets units. Target towns listed here

• Brook Taverner are looking for character High Street properties in prime or strong secondary locations comprising 1,500 sq.ft+. Target towns listed

• Bakers + Baristas are seeking High Street and Shopping centre locations of 1250 - 2000 sq.ft. All towns, cities and centres will be considered on their own merits. View more

• The bookmaker, Boylesports, are looking for new locations this year in town centre, local centres and neighbourhood parades. Requiring 1,000 - 2,000 sq.ft. View their flyer here

• Insomnia Cookies are looking for new stores in high footfall locations. Target towns include Bristol, Edinburgh, Exeter, Nottingham + more. View more

• Forget Me Not charity currently trades from 15 shops in West Yorkshire. They are seeking units in rural, town centre, edge of centre, suburban and out of town locations. Target towns included

Does your business need to know who's active in the market? You can view more active retail & leisure property requirements here. Use the High Street Positives promo code 'HSP' at the checkout for 10% off your subscription.  

Thank you for reading this edition of the HighStreetPositives Monthly newsletter!

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