Derbion has joined the ever-growing list of shopping centres with new arrivals to report. The Derby mall is set to welcome fashion retailers Seasalt and Luke 1977 with stores to debut in the city later this year.
 

Seasalt has signed a 10-year lease for a 2,400 sq ft unit, which will become its first store at a major East Midlands shopping destination as it continues its UK expansion. Work is set to begin on transforming Seasalt’s space this spring, with the doors to the new store set to open later this year offering its mix of fashion-meets-comfort clothing, footwear and accessories. 

Richie Edwards, director of Retail at Seasalt said: “Our new store at Derbion continues our ambitious growth plans and we are thrilled to secure a space at such a well-performing shopping destination.”

Meanwhile, Luke 1977 will occupy a 1,200 sq ft space becoming the menswear retailer’s 15th UK store, offering a blend of streetwear and smart tailoring.

Luke Enston head Of Retail for the label, said: “Our arrival at Derbion continues our expansion across the UK as our brand continues to go from strength to strength… [allowing] us to gain access to a wide catchment of shoppers.”

The arrival of Seasalt and Luke 1977 follows the recent announcement that Victoria’s Secret will also arrive at Derbion as the shopping centre continues to expand its fashion line up. 

Last year, Derbion also welcomed brands such as Castore, White Stuff and Pavers, while also retaining key names JD and New Look that have invested in enhancing their stores.

“The continued introduction of new brands and retention of popular favourites is a prime example of Derbion’s progressive leasing strategy of optimising the offer from its current retailers whilst attracting exciting new brands to the tenant mix,” it said.

Retailers be warned. Declining confidence in the UK economy means consumers are cutting back spending, according to a survey by KPMG seen by The Guardian newspaper.

Ahead of the government’s spring statement, the report showed increasing numbers believe the economy’s heading in the wrong direction. Its survey of 3,000 UK consumers shows 58% feel the UK economy worsened in the three months to the end of February, an increase of 15% from the three months to the end of November.

Although most people reported feeling financially secure, as many as 43% of consumers said they were reducing their spending on everyday items, while more than a third reported saving more as a contingency, and 29% said they were deferring the purchase of big-ticket items.

According to the KPMG survey, the number of people feeling insecure about their personal finances grew from 21% to 24%. Within that, 15% of people said they were having to cut discretionary spending to pay for essentials, while 2% said they were incurring debt to pay bills.

Linda Ellett, the head of consumer, retail and leisure at KPMG UK, said growing nervousness about the economy was leading some households to cut their spending even if they were currently in a secure financial position.

She said: “Some may be taking this action as they prepare for higher costs, such as a new mortgage deal or the higher cost of travel. But other cautious consumers are certainly preparing for the potential impact on them from what they believe to be a worsening economy.

“This week’s spring statement needs to give people the confidence in the longer-term UK economic outlook.”