The independent British brand has signed for a 4,000 sq ft space on the centre’s lower mall, next to Office.

The store will stock Oliver Bonas’ design-led range of women’s clothing, accessories, gifts, jewellery and homeware.

Lakeside, which is owned and operated by SGS UK Retail, said the signing would strengthen its premium and lifestyle offer, following the recent arrival of The White Company.

Oliver Bonas operates more than 90 stores across the UK and Ireland and said Lakeside’s 7.2m catchment area would support its plans to reach more customers nationwide.

Pradera managing director of asset management Robert Jewell said: “The addition of Oliver Bonas to Lakeside further cements our position as a UK top five out-of-town super-regional destination, supporting our retailer’s long-term growth and bolstering their customer engagement.

“With access to a highly engaged and diverse catchment, Lakeside continues to attract best-in-class brands and come summer, we’re excited to add Oliver Bonas to our list.”

Oliver Bonas head of retail Sevda Cankorur added: “Oliver Bonas has experienced significant growth and resounding success, spearheaded in part by our ability to continually identify the best-of-the-best locations in which to launch.

“Lakeside firmly sits within this classification as one of the UK’s leading lifestyle destinations, and we know we’re bringing Oliver Bonas to an audience that understands and appreciates our brand.”

The signing follows the recent additions of PURESOUL and Space NK at Lakeside, which have taken 1,919 sq ft and 3,665 sq ft units respectively.

The two brands will expand the centre’s beauty and wellness offer alongside H Beauty, Jo Malone, Rituals, Thérapie Clinic and Boots.

Smith Young and LM are Lakeside’s retail leasing agents, while Metis and LM lead leisure leasing. Pradera asset manages Lakeside on behalf of SGS UK Retail, and Colliers acted for Oliver Bonas.

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Total UK footfall fell 2.6 per cent year over year (YoY) from 3 to 30 May, BRC-Sensormatic data revealed. However, this was up from 10.7 per cent in April.

High street footfall decreased by 1.5 per cent YoY in May, up from -9.2 per cent the month prior.

Retail park footfall also declined by 0.5 per cent YoY over May, rising from -9.0 per cent in April.

Additionally, shopping centre footfall dropped by 2.4 per cent YoY in May, up from -10.1 per cent the month before.

Footfall rose by 0.4 per cent YoY in Scotland, while it dropped by 1 per cent in Northern Ireland, 3 per cent in England, and 5 per cent in Wales.

BRC CEO Helen Dickinson said: “While total UK footfall remained down on last year, it was a significant improvement on April’s double-digit drop. 

“While the warmer weather initially encouraged more people to the shops, the record-breaking temperatures at the end of the month resulted in a sharp decline in footfall, particularly at shopping centres and retail parks. 

“Only high streets bucked the trend, as those who were out and about took the opportunity to pop into their local stores.”

She added: “Households remain anxious about the long-term impact of the Iran conflict and inflation and expect prices to rise over the year. 

“By tackling the inflationary pressures on the horizon, government can help rebuild consumer confidence, ultimately supporting footfall. 

“The first priority must be to address non-commodity charges which are pushing up energy costs to an unsustainable level. 

“The window for government to act is narrowing, and any delay will only harm retailers and their customers.”

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The brand said that the closures were a strategic decision as its wholesale operations and retail partnerships continued to go “from strength to strength”.

Seasalt launched its first US shop in September 2024 and had grown its footprint in the region to four sites by early 2026. However, the business confirmed that the four stores had shut by 17 May.

The company is now seeking to commit more resources to bolstering its third-party relationships across the US and Europe, including its department stores and online fashion and lifestyle retailers.

Seasalt noted that its international revenues currently made up 16 per cent of its total sales and formed a “significant growth opportunity”.

A spokesperson for the brand said: “We plan to grow our portfolio of partners in the US and Europe in the second half of this year, and we are investing accordingly in this area of the business.”

The business is aiming to see its international revenues surpass 20 per cent over the next year by refocusing on its third-party relationships. 

Seasalt said it had taken “significant learnings” from its international trading to date and was “approaching the next year and beyond with confidence despite the ongoing economic headwinds”.

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Based in the main mall area of Westwood Cross, the updates include improved lighting and new furniture.

Ahead of Father’s Day on 21 June, the store will offer a new selection of cards and small gifts. 

Alongside a choice of cards, guests will also find novelty gifts such as whisky decanter sets, retro TV game sets and personalised pint glasses.

The card retailer’s store will be holding a reopening event on 6 June. 

As part of its celebrations, the company will be giving away a free tote bag and a card from its simply Clintons collection to the first 200 customers, with a minimum spend of £3 applied.

Westwood Cross centre director Fran Donovan said: “It’s great to welcome Clintons back at Westwood Cross following its recent refresh. 

“The updated store creates a brighter and more inviting shopping experience for our guests, and its broad range of cards and gifts makes it a valuable addition to the centre.”

Clintons trading director James Taylor said: “Westwood Cross has been a key location for us for many years, and we’re thrilled to be bringing our new-look store concept there. 

“This refurb is a real milestone in our roll-out programme, and we can’t wait for customers – both loyal and new – to experience the elevated environment we’ve created.

“There’s something for every occasion, and we look forward to welcoming shoppers in Westwood Cross to discover the next chapter of Clintons.”

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Located on Gracechurch Street, the supermarket’s 10,200 sq ft store will stock fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, baked goods, pantry staples, alcoholic drinks, juices, and grab-and-go options. 

Additionally, it will feature a self-serve coffee machine, seasonal produce, freshly baked pastries, cookies, organic bread, hot savoury items, soups, and rotisserie chickens. 

The store will sell a range of local favourites, from Good Grain Overnight Oats to Pip & Nut products, local craft beers, and Fresh Kitchen lunch options made exclusively for Whole Foods Market.

Deliveroo will also be available two weeks after the grocery giant’s shop’s opening.

To celebrate the opening, the first 200 customers in the shop’s queue will receive an exclusive tote bag and a £5 voucher to spend in store.

Monument store team leader Nevin Jayan said: “This part of the city, nicknamed The Square Mile, is the financial centre of London with an incredible history of trade and commerce. 

“Featuring a food venue with fresh food offerings and a specially curated range of products across all departments, the new store will add a unique option for both residents and workers in the area while also providing Whole Foods Market’s high quality and service.”

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Retailers across Stamford, Bourne and Market Deeping town centres are being encouraged to join the Shopwatch scheme as South Kesteven District Council looks to strengthen local crime prevention measures.

The initiative, which is already in place in Grantham, gives participating businesses access to radios so they can share information quickly, warn each other about suspicious activity and coordinate with local partners.

The radios will be linked to the council’s CCTV control room, where cameras are monitored around the clock, and will also be able to connect directly with Lincolnshire Police.

South Kesteven District Council is providing £25,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to support the expansion of the scheme.

Councillor Paul Stokes, deputy leader of South Kesteven District Council, said Shopwatch would “give retailers the chance to work together in a practical way by quickly passing on intelligence to each other.”

Barbara Mooney, Pubwatch and Shopwatch co-ordinator for Grantham, Stamford, Bourne and Market Deeping, said the radio licence would be covered for the first year.

Businesses must be members of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce Shopwatch scheme to benefit from the offer.

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Changes will vary by location but will include creating more space to shop alongside the introduction of more sustainable features, such as energy-efficient fridge doors and natural refrigerants to help reduce carbon emissions.

Selected stores will also be fitted with upgraded bakery, health and beauty and fresh food areas.

The 25 locations set to be upgraded include Liverpool, London, Aberdeen, Nottingham and Manchester.

Additionally, the discounter’s stores in York, Liverpool and Yarm will undergo extensions to provide wider aisles and create a more spacious shopping environment for customers.

Aldi UK managing director of national real estate Jonathan Neale said: “We’re continuing to invest in our stores to ensure our customers have the best possible shopping experience at Aldi.

“These upgrades will help us create even more convenient and efficient stores for both customers and colleagues while also supporting our sustainability ambitions.”

The full list of the supermarket’s stores to be refreshed this summer are as follows:

• Northlands Pavement, Pitsea
• Daleside Road, Nottingham
• Chester Road, New Oscott
• Newhailes Road, Musselburgh
• Carter Lane, Shirebrook
• Gateacre Park Drive, Liverpool
• School Road, Sale
• Friary Place, Strood
• Liverpool Road, Kidsgrove
• Tewkesbury Road, Cheltenham
• Basin View, Montrose
• Stanningley Road, Bramley
• Arndale, Manchester
• Queen’s Drive, Liverpool
• Adams Walk, Kingston-upon-Thames
• Yarm Lane, Stockton
• Coleman Street, Alvaston
• Towcester Road, Northampton
• Polmont, Greenpark Drive, Polmont
• Lockoford Road, Chesterfield
• Old Beck Road, Harrogate
• Grooms Alley, Wellington
• Rockingham Road, Corby
• Cornhill Shopping Arcade, Aberdeen
• St Johns Centre, Liverpool

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The store, which opened on 29 May in Helsinki Citycenter Mall, spans two floors and 30,000 sq ft.

It stocks global names including Nike, Adidas, Puma, Under Armour, The North Face, and Columbia across menswear, womenswear, and kidswear.

The store features activewear giant’s signature running, football, and outdoor concepts, offering customers “high-quality products and equipment to support their sporting journeys”.

Additionally, a dedicated bike zone in the store serves the local community and reflects Finland’s strong outdoor sports culture. The bike workshop provides servicing and maintenance repairs for shoppers.

The flagship is further complemented by USC, offering a selection of fashion, footwear and accessories from brands such as Hugo and Lacoste.

Frasers Group chief retail officer Lauren Barrie said: “Opening our first Sports Direct store in the Nordics marks an important milestone in our international growth journey. 

“The region is a key strategic market for us, with a strong affinity for sport and outdoor activity, and we’re pleased to be bringing the Sports Direct proposition to customers in Helsinki.”

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