St. Davids Shopping Centre

Zizzi's is going to replace Bellini's Express. Not surprised to be honest. The place seems to be pretty quiet, and it is a little on the pricey side in my view. Rents probably went up at rent review given the improving pitch (Admiral HQ opposite) and the general demand for A3 space in and around Cardiff city centre, and especially in and around St Davids. It was probably just a matter of time for them to find someone to take the lease on, perhaps at a bit of a premium.

http://planning.cardiff.gov.uk/online-a ... APR_115263

I walked past Bellini's Express on Friday and it was absolutely dead. Prime time and not a single person in there. At that very moment it crossed my mind that Zizzi could open there... I think it suits the location and will be a lot more successful that Bellini's. That corner of Lower Eastside always seems dark, so hopefully the Zizzi signage will brighten that area up!!!

Obviously south Wales has a long Italian history but does anyone feel there are too many Italian restaurants around? I mean I love Italy but a bit of variety would be good.

What we're lacking is a proper Italian.

Victoria Secret confirmed for St. David's Cardiff. They're currently recruiting managers on Indeed... I've posted a link to one of the job adverts below!

http://careers.lb.com/jobs/store-manage ... es-6293517

Michael Kors hoardings are up on The Hayes.

Also, rather unexpectedly, Hugo Boss have signs up on the former Armani Exchange unit. Not much change needs to be made in this unit so it should be opening soon.

Michael Kors hoardings are up on The Hayes.

Also, rather unexpectedly, Hugo Boss have signs up on the former Armani Exchange unit. Not much change needs to be made in this unit so it should be opening soon.

- I did report last month that Hugo Boss are temporarily relocating to the A|X unit whilst their store on the Hayes receives a £1.1 million refurbishment. The Hugo Boss store on the Hayes will close on Sunday, the movement of stock will take place on Monday and trading from the Armani Exchange unit will begin on Tuesday next week.

- Michael Kors are expected to open mid April.

- Tinc have opened a Tinc branded store in replacement of Blott. A nice, sleek looking store fit in all fairness.

- Quiz have temporarily closed for refurbishment. A new concept store will open next month.

- Victoria Secret are expected to begin their store fit next month.

Latest Update

- Victoria Secret is expected to open in June 2016 according to the St. David's website

- The original SoHo Coffee unit is being subdivided into two small units. EuroExchange are occupying the right hand unit (Unit 2A)

- Clas Ohlson are closing their Cardiff in June 2016

- Hugo Boss have relocated into their temporary unit and their store on the Hayes is expected to reopen in May

- Inspired Cookware are closing down this month

- A store called Paloma has opened in the Rugby World Cup unit (Unsure if this is a permanent let or a temp pop up store)

- Shop fitters are currently in the old La Senza unit (Not sure what is happening in here)

Paloma is a permanent letting supposedly - an Italian fashion company. My guess is it will be temporary in reality. I've said it a hundred times, and I'll say it again: the Welsh are small c conservative with retail, and stick to what they know. It means despite our beautiful arcades our independent fashion sector isn't as big as it should be. And it means its rather fallow ground for new entrants to the market.

Inspired Cookware was always rather quiet looking. Its a Jamie Oliver products store. He seems to have a bit of a track-record of trying to diversify into unsuccessful non-restaurant businesses like cookery schools, retail stores, etc.

Clas Ohlson is a big unit. What might fill it?

Wasn't there a rumour about Hamleys closing down before? Was that just a rumour?

I bought something from inspired cookware the other day and was speaking to the woman working there. It was always meant to be temporary - basically she said the guy who owns it bought all the stock cheap when Jamie Oliver's cookware business closed a couple of years ago.

Clas Ohlson is a big unit. What might fill it?

Wasn't there a rumour about Hamleys closing down before? Was that just a rumour?

It's a massive unit, I think they might struggle unless they've got someone lined up or they split it. Even then it's still 2 big units. If Hamley's goes that another big unit to fill and there have been 3 big empty MSUs upstairs for a long time.

I wonder if they're holding out for new big retailers or are looking at other options. Looking at the Cabot Circus website the only large store we don't have is Harvey Nichols and I doubt they're looking at Cardiff. Forever 21 have been closing stores including Manchester and Glasgow and Uniqlo have just issued a profits warning. Maybe we just have too much retail space now.