It’s been a busy, high-spend 2024 for retailers making store expansions/upgrades at Derbion, reflecting a successful year so far for the major East Midlands retail and leisure destination.

JD Sports, Superdrug and Yours are among several of its long-term retailers investing £5.2 million in store upgrades, upsizes and relocations during the first half of 2024 “coming off the back of strong trading performances”, according to Derbion owner Cale Street Investments.
 
Since 2021, it noted £35.6 million has been invested across the Derby centre by new brands and existing retailers on refits and upsizes. 

This latest £5.2m worth of investment includes JD growing its space to 20,175 sq ft, and Superdrug increasing to 10,431 sq ft.

This year, Derbion has also secured new lease agreements with New Look, Quiz, Ann Summers and The Perfume Shop, all recommitting. 

While Ann Summers relocated to a new space in May the other three will be moving to new locations across the centre over the next few months. Meanwhile, footwear major Deichmann will also be refitting its space.

Derbion said this recent recommitments coincide with two new arrivals at the centre with both Pavers and Castore opening stores. With a new 4,000 sq ft store Pavers will stock a variety of shoes and trainers from multiple brands while sportswear brand Castore has opened a 1,771 sq ft unit showcasing the brand’s collection of men’s and women’s sportswear.

Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion, said: “The continued investment from our long-serving existing retailers highlights the confidence they have in [the centre]. Their recommitments, alongside the recent arrivals… is part of our progressive leasing strategy that optimises the performance of our current retailers whilst attracting new brands. 

“These new relocations are allowing us to curate the centre and zone brands together to enhance the shopper experience and ensure brands benefit from optimum footprint and location to drive footfall and sales.  

Featuring almost 200 stores, the centre’s line-up includes a 127,000 sq ft Frasers department store, Next, Zara, Mango, H&M, M&S, Pandora, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, The White Stuff and Rituals.