CardiffWalesMap

I think you're right on the experiences front. I used to live in Kuala Lumpur, a city that's full of modern malls (seriously, they're EVERYWHERE there!) and they all had areas dedicated tp experiences. From bowling, lazer quest, kareoke booths (a very popular thing in SEAsia!) in the mid-tier malls to a whole theme park or a skating rink inside the super malls.

Weird how people see things differently.

I lived in KL for quite a time. The golden rule in malls seemed to be the higher you went, the less there was. The bottom floors were great but the trudge to the cinema on the upper floors was a life-draining experience of empty units and endless escaltors.

That's the point though isn't it. ALl the shops want to be in certain parts of the mall (for tall malls it was always the lower floors) so you fill the hard to lease places (i.e. by John Lewis) with experiences instead of shops.

I would have thought they would have used their imagination for these huge empty units but apparently not.

Food markets with various operators and shared seating are massive in London and plenty of other cities. Trendy food courts basically. There's even a mini one in The Brewery 1/4. Turnover based rents would help attract smaller operators.

Why not fill these with leisure rather than trying to let them for years to no avail?

The Ted Baker store on Lower Grand Arcade has opened on an 18 month lease. The team referred to it as a trial standalone store rather than a pop-up shop. Apparently Ted Baker have always had a strong customer base in Cardiff, who have always remained loyal to the Howells concession, however with the uncertainty of House of Fraser and the declining footfall within Howells, Ted Baker decided to trial a standalone location. The entire Howells team have moved across to St Davids and have already seen their Howells move across as well. According to the store manager, Ted Baker was always the top performing concession within House of Fraser Cardiff and providing the store matches sales the concession sales, they will remain open following the temporary lease.

Bon Marche are the latest St David's casualty. They are currently holding a closing down sale on Town Wall South.

jonnywill25 wrote:Bon Marche are the latest St David's casualty. They are currently holding a closing down sale on Town Wall South.

Bonmarche are in administration and are hoping on being bought by Peakcoks as their last chance of being saved.

Cwlcymro wrote:

jonnywill25 wrote:Bon Marche are the latest St David's casualty. They are currently holding a closing down sale on Town Wall South.

Bonmarche are in administration and are hoping on being bought by Peakcoks as their last chance of being saved.

Rather Ironic if Peacocks buys Bon Marche as it used to be owned by Peacocks until they themselves went into administration a few years ago.

Following a 12 month successful pop-up shop, Kin + Ilk will be taking permanent space within St Davids. Relocating from UG13/14 to LG53, Kin + Ilk are due to open their fourth permanent location on Hill Street, The Hayes. The 1,133 Sq Ft unit was previously occupied by Crepe Affair.

I notice that there are hoardings around UG46/47 (opp New Look) and MSU06B (next to John Lewis). Assume the former is for Zara but haven't heard anything about the latter - this was going to be Byron. Anyone know what this might be?

“Zara has signed for a 38,000 sq ft store at St David’s, Cardiff“

https://landsec.com/media/press-release ... -portfolio