HighStreetPositives: The October High Street Update

A huge huge thank you to everyone for subscribing- the support and feedback we’ve had recently has been incredible, and I’m genuinely grateful to each of you!

High streets across the UK are so full of potential, serving as vital community hubs that help combat loneliness and isolation. By celebrating successes, we aim to inspire investment, spark fresh ideas, and showcase the art of the possible for these important spaces. High streets aren’t just about shopping- they lie at the heart of our communities, fostering connection, creativity, and opportunity.

We’re so pleased to welcome Hotel Chocolat as the very first retailer to join our family of corporate partners, alongside Nexus Planning, Greenwoods Legal LLP, Widd Signs, Kesslers London and The Mosaic Partnership. Their support helps HighStreetPositives stay independent and grow, championing the creativity, energy, and community connections that make high streets so important. If you’d like to find out more or explore how to get involved, please get in touch!

This month, it’s the last chance to join as a founding member of HighStreetPositives before we temporarily close new memberships to focus on relaunching the platform. And we’re incredibly excited to announce our very first webinar on the morning of 9th December, themed The Art of the Possible- shining a light on positive stories, innovation, and the future of high streets, with an absolutely amazing line-up of speakers from across the high street ecosystem. See below for info, with more announcements to come very soon - you won’t want to miss it!

‘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. Thank you for all your contributions.

Store Openings & Expansions

• Kenji UK is opening six new stores across the UK over the next few months- including Uxbridge, Cardiff, Milton Keynes and Glasgow

• Gleneagles of Scotland, part of The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Group, has opened a new store on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street, expanding its city centre presence.

• Pandora relocated to Vicar Lane, Chesterfield, introducing its latest concept and reinforcing the town centre as a vibrant retail destination.

• Penneys, the Irish name for global fashion retailer Primark, recently relaunched its flagship store on Dublin’s O’Connell Street following a €5 m refurbishment, signalling confidence in central city retail.

• Poetry Pharmacy is expanding to Coney Street, York, joining their existing locations in Bishop’s Castle and Oxford Street (inside Lush), bringing their unique walk-in poetry concept to a new high street space.

• Toolstation is following the trend of traditionally big-box retailers like Screwfix, Dunelm, and IKEA by targeting smaller high street units across London, including Acton, Camberwell, Chiswick, Shoreditch, and Walthamstow, aiming to open from early 2026.

• The Body Shop has opened a new experience store on London’s Oxford Street, showcasing its full range of naturally-based beauty products, in-store exclusives, AI-led skin analysis, and interactive masterclasses at the Skincare Experience Table.

Creative, Community & Cultural

• After six years in a once-empty unit, The Old Post Office in Stirchley, Birmingham, now proudly has its shop sign up, marking its role as a vibrant community hub hosting coworking, workshops, and volunteer meet-ups.

• Uwu Studio pop-up in Ipswich showcases Black- and female-led businesses, combining fashion, art, and workshops to highlight diversity and creativity.

• Paisley Tours highlights that regeneration is about people, stories, and footfall, using history and heritage to bring visitors into local high streets.

• My Little Boardroom has opened in Wokingham - a family-friendly workspace where parents, babies, and professionals can connect and work together.

• The Curated Makers Christmas Pop-Up is now at Liverpool’s Bluecoat, a historic arts and cultural centre, showcasing 50+ local makers with gifts, candles, cards, and festive treats.

• Boosting high streets with new talent, Thrive Street 2025, curated by Mary Portas and backed by Mastercard, took place in October in Manchester’s NOMA district and London, showcasing independent brands with potential to expand onto high streets.

Food, Hospitality & Local Traditions

• East Runton Butchery reopened in Norfolk under Michael Bayle, restoring a 70-year village tradition with locally sourced meats and personal service.

• Joe & The Juice is set to open its first Irish store in central Dublin soon, marking the Danish brand’s debut in Ireland.

• Sobr in Aberdeen has just opened as Scotland’s first alcohol-free bar, offering a beautifully designed, vibrant space for a full social and evening experience without any alcohol.

• Pink Lane Bakery, renowned for its artisan breads, pastries, cakes, pies, and sandwiches, has expanded with a new store in Morpeth, joining its existing locations in Gosforth, Jesmond, and Newcastle city centre.

• Lounge Café Bars has opened two new locations this October: Alno Lounge in Alnwick, its northernmost site near the market, and Vicolo Lounge on Andover High Street, expanding its UK presence with cosy, central spots to enjoy the brand-new menu.

• A first-of-its-kind independent market, featuring 50 artisan shops, a European-style food hall, and local produce, opens this autumn at Manchester’s Campfield building.

Place-Level Updates & Regenerations

• The Spindles redevelopment in Oldham has been awarded the BCO Northern Innovation Award, recognising its transformation of a 1990s shopping centre into modern offices, a new market, event spaces, and community-focused facilities, creating jobs, training opportunities, and a vibrant town centre.

• Leicester’s high street welcomes a new mix of food and fashion brands, with Umami Street Food, Wingstop, Crust Issues, Cover Story (bespoke men’s fashion), Thanh Nam Pho, Public & Plants, Canopy, The Cork & Case, The Thai Classic, and H&M all opening or soon-to-open.

• Cornmill Shopping Centre, Darlington, welcomed Footasylum and Lime stores, boosting local retail choice and showing growing investor confidence.

• Just a short drive away, Footasylum also opened in Wellington Square, Stockton-on-Tees, bringing streetwear, trainers, and culture, highlighting national brand confidence in regional high streets.

• The Chimes, Uxbridge continues to grow with new openings: Waterstones, an upsized Holland & Barrett, Halifax, and Kenji UK, boosting the centre’s momentum.

Last Chance to Join HighStreetPositives as a Founding Member!

Join now for just £10/month or £100/year and be part of shaping HighStreetPositives. Founding members help define our community and get:

• Free access to the first webinar on 9th December (see more info below)

• Access to the members’ area, a lovely membership badge, WhatsApp group, and monthly online meet-ups

• Early invitations to future knowledge shares and events

We’re pausing new entries for a few weeks to improve the website and relaunch the membership soon — this isn’t your last chance to join, but your final opportunity at founding rates!

Join Us – and help shift the high street story from decline to opportunity.

Art of The Possible Webinar - Early Bird til 31st Oct

Get ready to be inspired! The Art of the Possible webinar is a must-attend for retailers, landlords, placemakers, and anyone invested in the high street, offering practical ideas, positive stories, and actionable takeaways.

We have some absolutely amazing speakers lined up (that I will be announcing soon) from across the high street ecosystem, bringing insights from retail, property, community, and placemaking.

You’ll leave energised, motivated, and ready to bring fresh ideas back to your own high street projects. Tickets are on sale now – early bird £25, free for members. Don’t miss it!

Get your Early Bird Tickets here