KENJI expands at Trafford Centre
Signing a 10-year lease for 5,500 sq ft of the former Debenhams unit, the Asian-British lifestyle store will trade over two floors.
KENJI has set up shop where Debenhams’ menswear section used to be, with Marks & Spencer – who took most of the old department store unit – as its neighbour.
The brand is not a new name for the Trafford Centre, having originally joined the shopping complex in 2021. In relocating at the mall, KENJI will expand its footprint from 4,000 sq ft, taking on a mezzanine floor.
This new, larger store will see KENJI debut a different store model, one that takes its inspiration from the KENJILand game and app. This includes having touch-screen character selection screens and other game-based installations.
The store will also have a series of makers kiosks, where local artists will have their work spotlit.
The Trafford Centre store is the first KENJI shop to operate on two levels. Credit: via BWP Group
The fit-out for the store came with a multi-million-pound bill, according to KENJI head of operations Stacey Lynch.
“The meticulously designed space not only redefines the brand but also invites visitors to immerse themselves in an unparalleled shopping journey, discovering the compelling stories behind the products,” Lynch said.
Russell Loveland, the managing director of UK asset management at Trafford Centre manager Pradera Lateral, welcomed KENJI’s expansion.
“KENJI’s disruptive approach plays brilliantly into our philosophy of escaping the ordinary,” Loveland said.
“With its exciting offering of East-Asian-inspired homeware, kitchenware, stationery and fashion accessories, it is a unique store and has proven to be a big draw for our customers since its initial opening,” he continued.
“With this new experiential store, the brand is once more pushing the boundaries and marking itself as a trailblazer in the industry. KENJI’s innovative approach aligns perfectly with Trafford Centre’s commitment to being at the forefront of the retail industry.”
Smith Young and CBRE acted for Pradera Lateral on the lease with KENJI. KENJI was not represented.
