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Rotherham venue for Blue Inc’s first retail park store as Nike also signs up

Youth fashion chain, Blue Inc, has chosen Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham to launch its first UK shopping park store. The rapidly expanding retailer is taking 10,512 sq ft over two floors at the popular park.

Blue Inc has picked up high street stores from struggling retailers, including D2, Officer’s Club and republic in recent years to grow to over 200 outlets. It was acquired by Steven Cohen in 2006 and investors including former boss of Marks & Spencer, Sir Stuart Rose and The Reuben Brothers, have supported the company’s ongoing growth over the past two years.

The Rotherham store will be the company’s first in a retail park location and follows from international expansion through franchises in countries including Malaysia, Estonia and Latvia.

Owned by Hercules Unit Trust, which is advised by British Land and managed by Schroders, Parkgate Shopping is one of the largest retail parks in the UK, home to over 40 shops and attracting around seven million visitors a year.

Matt Reed, senior asset manager for British Land, said: “We are continuing to actively develop our shopping park portfolio and evolve the retail mix across our parks. Blue Inc is a welcome addition to Parkgate Shopping and complements the existing provision.”

British Land was represented by Wilkinson Williams, Morgan Williams and Harvey Spack Field. CBRE acted for Nike and Harvey Spack Field acted for Blue Inc.

An 11,286 sq ft unit lease for a Nike Factory Store has also been confirmed.

Matt Reed added: “This is Nike’s second store with HUT and we are delighted to strengthen our relationship with another worldwide recognised brand.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Gatehouse .