New Look for former Woolworth store
14th September 2009
The former Woolworth store in Market Harborough high street was launched last week as fashion outlet New Look.
Leading Leicester commercial property specialist Andrew and Ashwell let the former Woolworth store in Market Harborough to the expanding high street fashion chain at 43 to 51 The Square. The store opened after undergoing refurbishment of almost 5,500 sq ft of sales space during the summer.
The premises has been let by Andrew and Ashwell on a ten-year agreement, along with the former Woolworth store in Newmarket, to Nottingham-based firm QD Stores.
Refurbishment is in line with New Look’s corporate image, offering affordable women’s fashions. Group sales rose by nearly 15% in the year up to March 2009, with New Look rated the number one volume retailer for women’s dresses, denim and footwear.
The former Woolworth store closed at Christmas last year, along with other chains throughout the UK. Andrew and Ashwell spokesman Jon Archer said interest in the lease had come from several parties, despite the recession, as property in market towns like Harborough continues to perform relatively well.
“Market Harborough is an expanding town in an excellent location. It is an attractive proposition for companies to relocate from larger cities which may not be so well placed, or have traffic congestion.”
A New Look group spokesperson said that with a powerful brand, seasoned management team and committed employees, New Look is well equipped for future growth.
“We are delighted to open in Market Harborough and are confident that New Look's fantastic mix of directional fashion, including our superb accessories and fabulous footwear, will deliver the fashion gems that make us one of the nation’s most popular fashion value retailers.”