Our Retail & Leisure team has worked hard throughout this period, securing multiple lettings, sales and acquisitions for clients, and was named Most Active Retail Agent in Wales 2020 by Estates Gazette for the second year running.
Ben Davies, Associate gives us his view on how the retail and leisure sector in Wales has fared:
“National retailer and restaurant demand fell away during 2020, partly due to the pandemic. Against this background, we actually witnessed growing interest from local and regional occupiers, resulting in a variety of transactions taking place.
“A few examples include local independent craft brewery and bar, Brew Monster which took a ten year lease in a prime location in Cardiff Bay close to Mermaid Quay during the first lockdown. They were absolutely determined to weather the storm and have their eyes on future expansion.
“Another was Welsh independent coffee house, Bradleys Coffee, which opened its sixth café in south Wales at St Elli Shopping Centre, Llanelli in February this year. They also have plans for another location. We also secured a letting to Love Brownies, a Yorkshire franchise business, which opened its first café in Wales in Penarth just before Christmas.
“It’s encouraging to see that in the face of the uncertainty impacting all aspects of life over the past year, local and regional operators have been capitalising on opportunities and demonstrating confidence in bolstering their businesses in a challenging market.
“This trend of local and regional occupier interest has continued into 2021, which should give heart to many of our local high streets. I anticipate that this will continue as people adjust to a hybrid model of working between home and office.
“Also encouraging has been the evident and growing co-operation between landlords and tenants who are increasingly trying to understand each other’s concerns. This has led to a strengthening of relationships which is key as we navigate through the rest of another tough year.”