West End news and archive

NWEC: Oxford Street brings in highest sales of West End

Amid an ongoing rejuvenation of the famous shopping destination, the landlord of Oxford Street has shared data that shows such investments are beginning to pay off. New research carried out by New West End Company (NWEC) and property firm Colliers has said that Oxford Street was the “largest single component of the West End, both in terms of...

ManagementFeatured

Shaftesbury Capital hails ‘strong start’ to Christmas amid sales and footfall boost

London real estate giant Shaftesbury Capital PLC has reported a “strong start” to the Christmas trading period in its latest financial statement, as high footfall bolsters sales across its properties. For the period starting July 1 to November 15, 2023, footfall throughout its prime portfolio in London’s West End brought in a sales aggregate of...

BusinessFeatured

West End hit by ‘tourist tax’ despite rising footfall, new data suggests

London’s West End is feeling the impact of the UK’s ‘tourist tax’ despite an increase in footfall, new data suggests. While the iconic luxury shopping hub is enjoying a continued return of tourists following the end of lockdown restrictions, the gap between footfall and spend has widened in the second quarter when compared to pre-pandemic...

ManagementFeatured

Shaftesbury hails ‘rapid rebound’ in West End economy

London’s iconic West End has enjoyed a “strong recovery” in footfall and spending following the end of lockdowns as deep-pocketed shoppers flocked back to physical stores. Shaftesbury, the property giant that owns a 16.4-acre portfolio in the popular luxury shopping hub, said average monthly sales for its retailers are now 6 percent ahead of...

RetailFeatured

West End sales to hit 1.55 billion pounds during ‘challenging’ festive season

In the build up to the first restriction-free Christmas in three years, British retailers could still be facing a number of headwinds brought on by the rising cost of living and the continued absence of international travellers. In London’s West End, forecasted sales are expected to hit 1.55 billion pounds, 28 percent less than the pre-pandemic...

BusinessFeatured

New Elizabeth Line expects to boost West End sales by seven billion pounds

Following the expansion of the Elizabeth underground and overground line, which opened May 24, retailers in London’s West End are expecting to see a marginally large return in their annual sales. According to New West End Company, which oversees 600 businesses within some of the city’s central shopping districts, the impact of the new line could...

RetailFeatured

London’s West End to return to historic annual turnover by 2025, report says

London’s West End is expected to recover to its historic annual turnover of over 10 billion pounds by 2025, according to an updated report by global property consultancy firm Colliers. The report, commissioned by New West End Company (NWEC), said that while recovery has slowed due to “economic uncertainty”, the district is still on track to hit...

BusinessFeatured

Plan to ‘reinvigorate’ London's iconic West End revealed

A new five-year plan to “reinvigorate” London’s iconic West End shopping district has been revealed by The Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA). HOLBA, which represents 500 businesses in the Piccadilly & St James's and Leicester Square areas, said the plan includes over 40 potential projects “designed to preserve and enhance the unique...

BusinessFeatured

London’s West End on track to recover within two years, report says

London’s West End is expected to make a speedy recovery from the pandemic as consumers return to the luxury shopping hub, according to a new report. The upmarket district in Central London, which prior to 2020 was one of the world’s most popular hotspots for deep-pocketed tourists, is on track to achieve turnover of 8.6 billion pounds in the...

ManagementFeatured

London's West End gets 5 billion pound investment to 'bounce back' from pandemic

London’s West End is in line to receive a 5 billion pound investment over the coming five years as it looks to “bounce back” after the pandemic. The shopping district, one of the world’s most illustrious upmarket fashion destinations and a favourite of international luxury shoppers, has been hit hard by store closures and plummeting footfall...

Retail

London’s West End launches pop-up programme to entice new talent

London’s West End is launching a pop-up competition to give small scale businesses, homegrown start-ups and emerging creative talent the opportunity to open their doors at the iconic shopping destination. Launched by Westminster City Council in partnership with New West End Company and The Crown Estate, the programme also aims to attract...

Report

London business alliance warns of ‘catastrophic’ lockdown impact

The CEO of Heart of London Business Alliance, which represents 500 leading businesses in the West End, has urged the government to consider the ‘catastrophic’ impact Tier 2 and 3 lockdown measures could have on London businesses. It comes after Boris Johnson earlier this week announced a new three-tier system in which areas of England are...