Intu Watford, a beloved shopping hub drawing in a whopping 14 million visitors each year, has recently unveiled plans for a massive 400,000 sq ft extension dedicated to retail and leisure. Among the first big names to secure a spot in this revamped center is the renowned upper-premium brand Boss from the Hugo Boss Group. Positioned perfectly in the mall, the new 3,550 sq ft Boss store is gearing up for a festive holiday season launch just in time for Christmas.
Boss’s decision to join forces with Intu Watford reflects a prominent trend in the UK retail landscape, where major mall operators are making significant investments in premium real estate to attract key players in the industry. While smaller shopping centers struggle to entice both tenants and patrons, destinations like Intu Watford are flourishing by cultivating a supermall ambience. The successful expansion of Westfield London stands as a shining example, with numerous new brands and existing retailers expanding their footprint in the space.
Even though Intu Watford’s investment of £180 million may not quite measure up to Westfield London’s massive outlay of £600 million, it still represents a noteworthy leap forward. The allure of the center is further heightened by its location in an affluent catchment area, with Intu revealing that a whopping 82% of its customer base belongs to the ABC1 socio-economic group. With the recent extension launch this fall, Intu Watford has ascended into the ranks of the top 20 retail destinations in the UK, rubbing shoulders with top contenders like Edinburgh and Bristol, as per insights from property consultancy CACI.
Rebecca Ryman, the regional managing director at Intu, underscored the growing allure of the center among well-heeled shoppers, noting that the influx of investments and the arrival of new brands are piquing the interest of a discerning demographic spread across London and the surrounding home counties. This scenario presents an opportune moment for aspirational retailers such as Hugo Boss to flourish in a market brimming with an ever-expanding pool of affluent consumers.
For more information about Intu Watford’s latest offerings and attractions, visit their official website here. To explore the diverse range of products and services available at the new Boss store in Intu Watford, check out their official website here.
