Cardiff Retail

I noticed a nice addition to the St Marys st frontage of the Castle arcade, a nice coffee/ice cream/crepe place. Brought some much needed life and dare i say sophistication to St Marys street (which is spoiled by some of the more dodgy pubs).

Greggs opening up in the unit next to Boots on Queen Street (I think it used to be Bank).

It's much needed - the nearest Greggs is almost 150 yards away and if that runs out of steak bakes some customers will have to waddle all the way to St John Street, a gruelling 300 yards.

Isn't there one even closer than that, on Frederick Street just off Queen Street?

Yep - one in the Aspect, one in Frederick Street, now Queen St, St Davids, St Johns Street, St Mary Street and Caroline Street. Possibly more - is the one by the railway station still open?

The Barkers extension has now opened - it's facing a bit of competition. Something called Creams is opening up next to Beanfreaks (specialising in crepes, ice cream, deserts etc) which seems to have almost exactly the same livery as Caspers who do exactly the same thing (just up St Mary Street).

In other High Street news Clive Ranger has closed (apparently it is relocating although their website doesn't say where) and Cranes are having a clearance sale ahead of them relocating - again I don't know where.

Greggs opening up in the unit next to Boots on Queen Street (I think it used to be Bank).

It's much needed - the nearest Greggs is almost 150 yards away and if that runs out of steak bakes some customers will have to waddle all the way to St John Street, a gruelling 300 yards.

I've done very nicely over the years by investing in Greggs shares rathers than their steak bakes

Lush have confirmed that they're opening a Lush Spa in Cardiff in January 2017. Anyone have any ideas where this might go?

It was originally in the Grand Arcade, not sure if that's still the case.

Sounds nice, but their prices are as high as St Davids Hotel Spa without all the pools, sauna, gym and relaxation rooms thrown in for free.

Creams - The Italian Gelato & Dessert Co. on St. Mary Street seems to have closed down, sadly. Never went there, but sad to see it boarded up.

When discussions began (around two years ago) Lush Spa were in negotiations with St. Davids for the Kamigita unit however I believe they are now opening in the old M&CO unit on Queen Street.

I think this is a coup for Queen Street... Good move Lush!

Creams - The Italian Gelato & Dessert Co. on St. Mary Street seems to have closed down, sadly. Never went there, but sad to see it boarded up.

Erm, they haven't actually opened yet Simon. They are just fitting out the shop!

Clive Ranger are moving to High St arcade - the unit previously occupied by Eccentrix.