Better late than never, Christmas signings in The Lanes

Aviva Life & Pensions UK, advised by joint agents DTZ and Strutt & Parker, has added five retailers to The Lanes shopping centre in Carlisle just in time for Christmas.

Milkshake brand Shakeway is set to join Disney as a new fascia in the centre's prime pitch, Peascod Lane, having completed a new 10-year lease of unit 94. The line-up of national retailers has also been boosted by Publishers Books, who have opened in unit 33 on Grapes Lane, adjacent to Laura Ashley.

Calendar Club, a regular short-term tenant at The Lanes over the Christmas period, has taken the former Bay Trading unit on Grapes Lane which they will occupy until the New Year.

Appleby Bakery has opened Taste Christmas, offering locally baked cakes and treats. New Seasons, a Carlisle-based retailer opened in unit 51 on Central Square, selling Christmas decorations.

Tom Prescott, retail surveyor at DTZ, said: "The successful completion of these new lettings at The Lanes demonstrates the centre's popularity with expanding retailers, even in this difficult economic climate. The blend of strong national brands and high quality local tenants provides a great tenant mix for customers, which in turn drives footfall and creates an environment where retailers continue to profit."

The Lanes Shopping Centre is a 450,000 sq ft retail and leisure scheme, anchored by a 106,000 sq ft Debenhams and BHS (56,000 sq ft). It boasts a strong line up of national retailers including Next, H&M, Miss Selfridge, Monsoon, HMV and New Look bolstered by a mix of good quality local operators. Disney, Ethel Austin / Au Naturale and Pandora recently signed at the centre.

Shakeaway were represented by Smith Price. Calendar Club were represented by Ben Rose Property Investment and Capital Retail. Publishers Books, Appleby Bakery and New Seasons represented themselves.