St. Davids Shopping Centre

Jack & Jones hoardings are up on their new first floor unit.

And they don't even have planning permission yet.. tut tut!

Be interesting to see who the 3 occupiers they've found the for the existing Jack & Jones and Vera Mode unit. Its being split into 2 retail and 1 catering unit. I'm guessing a Jewelry unit for one of the retail units? (the other 3 on the corner are). But what for the other?

At the rate Cardiff's planning enforcement 'team' works, I'd expect J&J to be getting a very strongly worded letter... at some point in 2019.

There's a planning app for a new shopfront and signage for Blue Inc in the Grand Arcade for a unit opposite the new H&M. Blue Inc were originally in a unit around there then moved to the old centre, then took over 2 units there and are now coming back it seems! They must have a big shop fitting budget!

The unit is the "Blue Inc" unit, but the applicant is actually Jack&Jones are are moving into a standalone store (Vera Moda is closing down), with their existing unit being split three-way into 2 new retail units (both under offer) and a catering unit (not sure, but likely to be snapped up soon).

Blue Inc are keeping to their existing unit I think - never seems that busy for a cheap shop (cheap shops need high transactions volumes to make up for low rev/margin), so not sure if they'll be around all that long though.

I've been wondering what will happen to the Hayes in 2019 when the 10 year leases come up. Do places like Reiss, Hugo Boss, Vivienne Westwood make enough to stay in the city? Whenever I walk past the shops look pretty empty (although high prices mean they need lower volumes, of course). It would be a shame if the Hayes lost its upper-mid market tenants.

Also wondering who will take over the existing H&M unit.

Not sure how any of them are doing but have always thought that Reiss would go first, it's always empty and isn't top end, although it is pricey.

Hugo Boss is usually empty too, don't know how much they have to sell to break even but they can't be making a profit surely?

Can't give Vivienne Westwood too long either, surely/sadly too designer for the 'Diff?

USC are holding a closing down sale. Spoke to a member of staff to ask whether it was just a promotion or sincere and he said that the store is actually closing. Wonder whether they'll exit the city all together or occupy a smaller unit within the centre?

Visited Scotts yesterday and was really surprised to see how busy they were! Constant queue at the till and well staffed... It seems as if these type of stores do well in Cardiff! ie. Size, Footasylum ect.

From speaking to staff, Hugo Boss don't do bad business in their Cardiff store. A lot of big transactions rather than casual shoppers popping in for a T Shirt, but I think they'd prefer this type of business. Vivienne Westwood are doing well in terms of accessories and jewellery. My cousin works at the store and says that keeps they turning over! Don't know how long this VW fad will last mind.

However not sure how well Reiss are doing!

It will certainly be interesting to see who takes over the H&M unit. What high street chains are we missing in Cardiff that could occupy a unit of this size?

On another note, can't see Superdry keeping all four of those units for much longer! Their business has really dried up recently and that store must cost a fair bit of money to run. Way too big for the amount of custom they're receiving these days! Any thoughts?

USC is a pretty hefty unit to have to fill - a bit of an awkward size TBH. Too big for most retailers, but not big enough for the likes of the big Queen St stores (Top Shop/Man), Zara, etc, that St Davids might hope to tempt for a relocation. Could Zara move to take the H&M unit?

I had assumed that Superdry sales were on a downward trend, but like-for-like sales were up by 3% in 2013-14 and over 4% in 2014-15. I think the branded T-shirts are less ubiquitous than before. But I think they are selling more of the higher value and higher margin coats, bags, jeans, jumpers etc. Don't know how the Cardiff store is doing in particular though.

Smiggle will be opening in the unit that is currently occupied by Domo on St. Davids Way

Surprised by this location, they usually choose prime retail locations! Thought they would have occupied a unit in the Grand Arcade or the unit next to Footasylum! Nevertheless, nice addition to the retail mix in this part of the centre!

What's Smiggle? Sounds like the name for a pet hamster!

What's Smiggle? Sounds like the name for a pet hamster!

I was thinking of something similar. Never heard of that shop before.