Bruntwood brings taste of Afflecks to Dale Street

Bruntwood has brought one of its tenants from Afflecks in Manchester to Liverpool; US sweets and drinks retailer American Ape has opened a new outlet at the Queen Insurance Buildings.

The confectioner is owned by Damien Greenwood and Rachel Heraghty, who launched American Ape two years ago after seeing the popularity of their original business, Chocolate Ape.

The 490 sq ft ground floor retail unit in Dale St, near Moose Coffee, is the company's first shop outside Manchester.

Heraghty said: "When we were looking at expanding the American Ape business, we knew the importance of selecting the right location and property but similarly understood the risks that come with moving into a new city.

"We have worked closely with the Bruntwood team in the last few years and know they have vast amounts of experience working with new start-ups and independent businesses across four regional cities. They provided us with the knowledge, flexibility and high levels of customer service that gave us the confidence to build the on relationship we have and continue to work alongside them."

Toby Sproll, head of retail at Bruntwood, said: "We appreciate the important role that independent businesses play in creating a unique sense of place in all the cities we work in and will continue to support the likes of American Ape in the long term."