Insights Hub

retail

Nespresso has opened a new store format at the Trinity shopping centre in Leeds. The store is modelled on the brand’s existing experiential format in Bluewater, and features an interactive area where customers can create their own coffee recipes. It also includes AR experiences and a masterclass area staffed by coffee specialists. Nespresso UK and Ireland managing director Guillaume Chesneau said: “We strongly believe in the relevance of retail and recognise the important role that our boutiques play in delivering an elevated customer experience, working in tandem with other channels such as online.”

LEISURE

All Covid-19 restrictions on indoor hospitality in Scotland were lifted today, allowing nightclubs to reopen after a four-week closure. UKHospitality Scotland called for an end to the restrictions after estimating a loss of £1bn to Scottish businesses over the Christmas and Hogmanay period.

PROPERTY

Plans to redevelop the ex-House of Fraser site in Altrincham, Greater Manchester have been greenlit. Trafford Council and Bruntwood Works have been granted planning permission to turn the building into an office-led mixed-use scheme, which will include 25,000sq ft of retail and leisure space on the ground and lower-ground floors. Bruntwood Works town centre and consumer brands director, Andrea George said: “The pandemic’s lasting impact on where people want to spend more time to work, shop and play locally means there is an opportunity to deepen and strengthen its offering. That’s what [this development] will do. It will give Altrincham all the ingredients that the high streets of tomorrow need.”