Peel Retail Parks hails record year for new store openings

The retail park management arm of investment giant Peel Land & Property has reported a record year of growth and new store openings.

Manchester-based Peel Retail Parks achieved its best store opening figures to date across its nationwide portfolio of 11 sites, which includes Trafford Retail Park and Stockport Retail Park.

In 2016, the company signed deals on 12 stores totalling 136,221 sq ft of retail space, including two flagship Next shops, an M&S Foodhall and a number of Iceland’s new Food Warehouse stores.

Peel Land & Property’s group property director, Mark Whittaker, said: “We’re continuing to see a strong demand for out of town retail, which has led to record footfall growth within our Peel Retail Parks business this year.

“Shoppers increasingly want the convenience, variety and discounts they can get at a retail park. With the right operator mix we are attracting a broader customer base, increasing dwell time and improving the overall shopping experience.”

He continued: “We’re committed to adapting our offering at each park to meet the unique catchment demands within each location and are pleased to form ongoing relationships with retailers as they continue to evolve their business strategies to meet out-of-town retail demand.

“For example, Iceland which has launched its new Food Warehouse concept this year at a number of our retail parks and continues to roll out across the UK.”

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