Toy retailer joins H&M at Barons Quay
Toy shop The Entertainer will be the fourth retailer to join Barons Quay in Northwich, alongside Asda, Marks & Spencer, and H&M, after exchanging contracts on a 3,000 sq ft unit at the 225,000 sq ft retail and leisure scheme.
The Entertainer will take possession of the unit near Asda at the end of September with the store set to open in time for Christmas trading.
The retailer has 20 stores across the North West, with its nearest stores to Northwich in Chester, Ellesmere Port, and Altrincham.
The toy shop’s deal follows H&M taking a 21,500 sq ft unit at Barons Quay in May this year; once it opens, The Entertainer will be the sixth tenant and the fourth retailer at the development.
Asda and Marks & Spencer are the retail anchors for Barons Quay, alongside an Odeon Cinema and Wildwood Restaurant, although there are still around 14 units still vacant ranging between 15,000 sq ft and 1,500 sq ft in size, with a further 13 listed as under offer.
The retail agents on the scheme are Brasier Freeth alongside GCW, the latter joining in April to attract more tenants to the development.
With The Entertainer’s letting, the 225,000 sq ft development is nearly 60% full, around two years after the first phase opened in 2016. Cheshire West & Chester Council’s total spend on the development is expected to be around £71m.
The council’s cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, Cllr Brian Clarke said: “This is exciting news for the town and for local residents.
“Negotiations are currently underway with several other retail and leisure businesses and we would hope to announce these over the coming weeks and months – adding to the fashion retailer [H&M] who signed-up to Barons Quay back in May.
“The Council has always seen Barons Quay as a long-term commitment and just one part of a wider regeneration programme for the town centre.“
Andrew Milner-Walker, head of property at The Entertainer said: “We pride ourselves on being the best loved toy shop; one that creates memories and delivers outstanding customer service so that families want to keep coming back.
“We chose Northwich as it’s a town with big ambitions, and we see The Entertainer as being part of the transformation of what is already a busy and vibrant place to shop”.
