Sir Philip Green has written to some of the UK’s biggest landlords on behalf of 35 retail groups in an attempt to bring key aspects of how retail property is leased into the modern era.

In the letter, sent last week and obtained by Retail Week, Green says that the group of retailers has authorised him and Carpetright chairman Lord Harris to form a small committee to hold “an open and honest conversation with you regarding the existing archaic leasing and rent review structure”.

The retailers are seeking to broaden the debate beyond just the demand for monthly rental payments and Green’s letter says areas for discussion will include “payment of rent, rental evidence, service charge and insurance”.

The list of retailers that have backed the move includes almost every major name in non-food retail including Argos, Next, Boots, JJB Sports, DFS and DSGi, as well as almost all the brands backed by Baugur.

The tone of the letter from Green, who was unavailable for comment, was more conciliatory than the heated debate on monthly rents has been to date. It said the retailers wanted to “sit down and find a long term solution that all parties are happy with.”

Topics