H&M secures store at Exchange Ilford amid clutch of new signings

H&M and New Look are joined by stationery specialist Ryman, jeweller Goldsmiths and pram and pushchair brand iCandy, which have all taken new space at retail and leisure destination Exchange in the London borough of Redbridge.

The five businesses have taken a combined total of 32,700 sq ft of space at the shopping centre. H&M is leading the way after signing a 15-year lease on a two-floor, 20,000 sq ft unit opposite Debenhams, which will open next autumn.

Landlord Meyer Bergman, which said the deals heralded a “new chapter” for the centre, reconfigured five separate units to create a store that would accommodate Swedish retailer’s full range of men’s, women’s and kidswear.

New Look, which already has a store at Exchange, has upsized to a 7,500 sq ft unit after iCandy relocated to a 1,700 sq ft site to make way for the larger New Look shop. Both businesses have penned 10-year leases on the units.

Ryman has relocated to a 2,000 sq ft store on a 10-year lease, while Goldsmiths has agreed a new five-year lease on its 1,500 st ft store in the centre.

The news comes after Sports Direct relocated and upsized to a 12,000 sq ft store at Exchange.

Meyer Bergman asset manager and vice president Renee Moran said: “The asset management team have remained focused on bringing the best UK and international brands to Exchange Ilford, working together with retailers to create the right space and environment for them to thrive here.

“Creating the right space for H&M is a defining moment for the centre, and adds to an exceptional tenant mix. We look forward to announcing further deals in the next six months.”

Savills and Lunson Mitchenall acted for Meyer Bergman on the deals.