Auntie Anne's UK & Ireland’s Post

We continue to do the work. Consumer choice is what drives the local economy. Local businesses are closing because folks are choosing not to shop/dine local. Brands that we sell are recording record growth and profits. Trust me people in Sioux Falls are purchasing what we have to sell, they are choosing box stores, online marketplaces, chain restaurants, and direct to consumer options. More local establishments will close unless we build a local first mindset. https://lnkd.in/gyzyNxbW

AEW has purchased Bar W Marketplace, a 189,507-square-foot community retail center anchored by an H-E-B grocery store, in a suburb of Austin. JLL Capital Markets arranged the sale: https://lnkd.in/eCa-5unZ

Hello LinkedIn community, Happy Friday! It's been quite a week for me, filled with interviews, doctor's appointments, and preparations for my upcoming talk at South Bank University and attendance at the World Retail Congress next week. As the week comes to a close, I wanted to share my thoughts on the recent news about Ted Baker. It's truly disheartening to see another British icon of the high street facing administration. Beyond the loss of nearly 300 jobs and the ripple effect on the industry, it's another blow to the UK high street, which is already in decline. Walking down Oxford Street yesterday, a street I've traversed countless times throughout my retail career, I couldn't help but notice how much it has changed. Where once stood TOP SHOP in prime position, is an IKEA in waiting. Reflecting on the past, I mentally noted the numerous High street stores that have closed - only available online or gone into administration during my 20-year career: BHS Topshop Dorothy Perkins Burton Laura Ashley La Senza Jeffery Rogers / Rogers and Rogers Evans Cath Kidston Warehouse Oasis Debenhams TM Lewin Monsoon Jaeger Peacocks Coast Karen Millen In their place now stand impersonal brands which seem like Tax loop holes and sweet shops, lacking the British spirit and quirkiness of the high street of yesteryears. These closures, akin to The Body Shop, serve as indicators of a broader problem. The decline of the UK high street is influenced by various factors, including shifts in consumer tastes, economic challenges, technological advancements, and fierce competition. To address these challenges, collaboration between government, retailers, landlords, and stakeholders is crucial to support revitalization efforts and drive innovation in the retail sector. Unfortunately, the decline appears to be accelerating, and many other brands may face a similar fate if they fail to adapt. It's concerning that some senior management teams have become complacent in their roles which some have held for over 20 years and are unable to foresee the imminent threats facing their businesses. Back in 2011, Mary Portas launched the "Save the High Street" campaign, highlighting the issues affecting traditional retail areas in the UK. Under the now foreign secretary David Cameron's prime ministership, reform was promised. If I am honest, it took me a while to understand what Mary was going on about as the business I worked in then was thriving… If it aint broke, why fix it? In hindsight, it is very clear now what she foresaw, however, it remains unclear what actions were taken by the government in response to the campaign's findings and recommendations. As we bid farewell to yet another iconic British brand like Ted Baker, it's a stark reminder of the challenges facing our high streets. In the words of the legendary BONNIE TYLER " It needs a HERO"! Have a great weekend everyone. Ari x

Stonebridge Property Group’s August Portfolio unveils multiple trophy investments Stonebridge Property Group launches its August national portfolio, highlighting 19 premium investments along the eastern seaboard. Exceptional quality assets have come to market in sought-after sectors such as childcare, supermarkets, fast food, fuel and convenience, retail and liquor. Long term leases are secured with major national players including Coles Group, Woolworths Supermarkets, Dan Murphy's, IGA Supermarkets, EG Group and Australian Venue Co., plus established childcare operators. Headlining the portfolio is a freestanding supermarket anchored by Coles in established Melbourne metro suburb, Clayton Commenting on the portfolio launch, Stonebridge Partner Michael Collins said, “The long term fundamentals and ultimate security on offer via the properties in our August Portfolio is expected to garner strong interest on a national and international basis, particularly as investors continue to seek income producing assets leased to household name brands and tenants operating within resilient industries.” Stonebridge Property Group’s August Portfolio Auction will take place on Wednesday. 4 September at 1pm with the respective Expressions of Interest campaigns closing Thursday 5 September at 3pm. Read more about the event on COMMO - https://lnkd.in/gWqP_Uy5 Stonebridge Property Group Michael Collins Kevin Tong Justin Dowers Julian White Chao Zhang Andrew Milligan Dylan Kilner Max Warren Lucas Gentile Max Sinclair Bailey Hazard Lucas Duffy Karyn Huang Kate Johnstone Ellie Brealey Bernadette Mak Carine Chan Tony Sun Wai Tsun Ian Lam Min Do Rory Alexander Ji Wang #stonebridgepropertygroup #commercialrealestate #nationalportfolio #stonebridgeauction #commercialinvestment #retailinvestment #commercialrealestate #auctions

I live in eastern Iowa. Major markets are 4 hours away and bigger markets are an hour or so. From here I get to see retailing and distribution at the weakest points in the chain. #retailoperations are barely functional across the board and distribution is noticeably spotty now. If you live in a major market, you probably can't see this yet. While we hyperbolize here about self-checkout and walk-out and all the new cool tech, the golden goose of auto-id revenue is not healthy. Likely, there will be a contraction in store count towards the days before Sam Walton until all the tech is proven in major markets and almost fully automated stores (think huge vending machine) are rebuilt in the outlying markets. The retailer in the article is a true store ops $hit-show, but Target, Walmart and BestBuy aren't that far behind. The only thing that surprises me about this article is that they bothered to lock the door. In our local store, which I do use often for a quick whatever, it is not uncommon to never see an employee, since self-checkout was installed. They basically operate on the honor system like the sweetcorn stand's tin box down the street. Just my two cents, https://lnkd.in/gfV2-PCA

🎯 Does your property have a reputation? One of the smartest property owners I know markets his building without spending a dime. How? He hosts charity events, bringing entrepreneurs into his space, introducing them to the building’s amenities, and keeping his property top of mind when they need office space. This genius strategy works for shopping centers too. From creating a 🌐 website to hosting 🎉 events, you can build awareness and market your property 24/7—even when it’s fully leased. 💡 Curious how? Watch my latest video for tips: https://lnkd.in/gu36Xp_v #realestate #commercialrealestate #economy #business #investing #markets

'The Body Shop returns to profit three months after rescue 💼💪 The Body Shop has pulled in a profit three months after being saved from administration. 🎉💰📈 Learn more about the retail sector at databoutique.com, your go-to source for public data. 🌐📊 #RetailTurnaround #TheBodyShop #BusinessRecovery' by Retail Gazette about The Body Shop

🛍 Dame Sharon White has vowed to focus “unashamedly” on improving John Lewis’s core #retail business after the partnership denied its staff their bonus for the third time in four years. Announcing a return to profit, John Lewis’s chairman said she would seek to simplify the company and invest in a better #shopping experience for customers in #departmentstores and Waitrose. John Lewis is expected to cut 11,000 jobs in the coming years. The partnership posted a pre-tax #profit of £56m for the year to the end of January compared to a £234m loss the prior year. It marks the first year it has recorded a profit since the pandemic hit and comes after revenues rose 2pc to £10.8bn. Total debt rose from £1.7bn to £1.8bn. Dame Sharon said: “We have made significant progress in the last year to return the business to profitability and delivered results that allow us to increase investment in our retail businesses.” Find out more ⬇ https://lnkd.in/e8NDZJAF

Well-known British bed manufacturer and retailer Bensons for Beds is our latest corporate member. With a heritage spanning over 70 years, Bensons for Beds is headquartered in Accrington, Lancashire, and also has a dedicated manufacturing site in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where more than a third of its beds, divans and mattresses are made. With distribution centres in Ayr, Huncoat and Tewkesbury as well as 165+ stores across the UK, it employs more than 1,800 people. David Jameson, commercial director at Bensons for Beds, said: “The British bed industry is unique, not only do we benefit from a vibrant base of manufacturers here in the UK, but the industry is fortunate that there is so much investment in product development. By joining The Furniture Makers’ Company, we will be able to play a bigger role in driving the sector’s continued success as part of our commitment to expertise, people and operations. “As members of a larger organisation, we plan to participate in peer-to-peer conversations and build relationships with the common goal of moving mattress development forward. We’re also keen to share our expertise by finding ways of increasing diversity in the industry and making it more accessible to people with particular needs or difficulties. Quality and craftmanship is, of course, key with many processes still being manual and we want to raise awareness of this as well as attracting more talent to the sector.” He continues: “We see ourselves as leaders rather than followers and membership of the industry’s livery company and charity will help support our aim of increasing the profile of British manufacturing and taking it to the next level.” Bensons for Beds will be formally welcomed as a corporate member at an admission ceremony in June at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London. David Jameson, commercial director; Matt Richardson, operations director; and Linda Sleath FCMI FCIPD MIoD, chief people officer, will be admitted as corporate liverymen and personally welcomed by the Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company. Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “We’re excited to see another dynamic British manufacturer and retailer whose vision and principles align so closely with our own joining the livery company. It’s very encouraging to see so many businesses committed to taking the industry forward.” Corporate membership provides opportunities for leading businesses from the trade to support the Company’s charitable activities, get involved with civic events and network with other members. Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/e3RNkuNe

Are you planning to do some holiday shopping or grab a meal out today? Celebrate the spirit of today by choosing to invest those dollars in a local business, which means those dollars stay and support the vitality of our community. By doing that, you're making this region even stronger and more attractive for future businesses that are looking for the right place to call home. #ShopSmall #SmallBusinessSaturday #ShopSmall