St. Davids Shopping Centre

It's in a planning app for week commencing 23rd May. Hopefully the link below works -

lanning.cardiff.gov.uk/online-applications/files/9A7A33DB01062940950E4748CF77949B/pdf/A_16_00061_MNR-SS_CF_02.01_A_-_SHOP_FRONT_CONCEPT_PROPOSAL51193490001.PDF-1789129.pdf

https://www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/locations

Their existing stores are predominantly in fairly affluent market or coastal towns or small cities. Think: Bath, Chester, Bury St Edmunds, Canterbury, Chichester, Dorchester, Exeter, Padmouth, Marlborough, etc. I imagine compared to most of these (with the exception maybe of Bath), rents in Cardiff will be a big step up. They'll need to turn over a fairly hefty sum to make the shop work. Given the conservativism of Cardiff shoppers - sticking to big brands they know - i think thats a pretty risky proposition for them, but I hope it works out. Be good to get more diversity in the retail sector, even if its rather pricey for rather standard products (If you want British-made stuff, I guess it comes at a price).

https://www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk/locations

Padmouth

Sounds like either a medical condition or a metal band.

A little update:

- According to a highly trusted source at Centre Management, Land Securities are in the final stages of negotiation with a hardware retailer to take over the Clas Ohlson unit... No clues as to who this may be, any ideas anyone?

- Discussions with the restaurant operator who was interested in taking over MSU06B have fallen through. Their financial report didn't weigh up and decided to withdraw from negotiations.

- Wallis are closing their store on St. David's Way. They will now solely trade from concessions at Debenhams and House of Fraser.

- According to a highly trusted source at Centre Management, Land Securities are in the final stages of negotiation with a hardware retailer to take over the Clas Ohlson unit... No clues as to who this may be, any ideas anyone?

Anybody have any idea who could be replacing Clas Ohlson? It's a hardware retailer... Still nothing comes to mind!

I didn't post this as I wrote it off as nonsense, but a friend told me they'd heard that The Range were looking at a large unit within St Davids.

Now I've heard this about a hardware store, it's got me wondering...

If that's true, what a waste! People don't go to town to buy a drill... It's the very reason Clas Ohlson failed!

The Range isn't a DIY shop, it's a homewares & furniture store with some garden stuff thrown in. They must be getting a cracking rent deal as out of town retailers can't usually stretch to the sort of figures SD charge.

Praying that The Range doesn't take over the Clas Ohlson unit, however it would seem all signs point towards this happening! I'm guessing Land Securities are now prioritising rent income over quality of lettings...

In other news...

* UG13/14 has been granted planning permission for change of use to A3.

* Timberland have signed for a unit within the centre. I've been told that contracts have been exchanged, however I'm still unsure of the exact location.

Forthcoming Store Openings

- Victoria Secrets
- American Eagle Outfitters
- Sunglass Hut
- Sea Salt
- Timberland

Looks like a Thai restaurant is opening in the former Armani Exchange unit. There's a notice outside with the company name "Thai Leisure". Anybody know more about this?