Member Article

Several new retailers move into Tunbridge Wells’ Royal Victoria Place

Hermes Investment Management has announced the signing of two further leading retailers Oliver Bonas and The Body Shop at ‘Royal Victoria Place’ in Tunbridge Wells.

The new signings follow on from the announcement in recent weeks of the arrival of Jessops and Smiggle.

Jewellery retailer Pandora has also extended its premises.

A first in Kent for Oliver Bonas, its new store will take up 996sq.ft on a 10-year lease, whilst The Body Shop takes a 1,216sq.ft unit also on a 10-year lease.

Pandora is upsizing its store by adding an additional 592sq.ft almost doubling existing unit creating a larger 1,152sq.ft store.

Gavin Murray, asset manager, Hermes Investment Management, stated: “Once again, Tunbridge Wells and Royal Victoria Place have attracted a leading brand in Oliver Bonas to Kent.

“With The Body Shop relocating from Calvery Road and Pandora’s decision to expand in the centre, enticing existing Tunbridge Wells retailers adds testimony to the centre’s performance.

“The fundamentals remain strong for the catchment and we expect to announce further lettings in the New Year.”

Oliver Bonas, UK vendor of eclectic women’s wear, jewellery, gifts, furniture and homeware, currently operates 45 stores throughout the UK, which are primarily located in London.

The retailer has plans to expand internationally by 2015 with a successful website launch in the US and Australia.

Oliver Tress founder of Oliver Bonas commented, “Following a review of the Kent market and close analysis of shopper behaviour in the region, we chose Tunbridge Wells due to its core demographic and catchment. For our objectives, Royal Victoria Place stood out from Tunbridge Wells High Street and Mount Pleasant area, and we believe our latest store will build on the success of our strong brand.”

Colliers International advised Hermes, Oliver Bonas acted for themselves and MMX Retail advised The Body Shop. Pandora was represented by Stephen Kane & Co.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .