West End news and archive

West End hit by ‘tourist tax’ despite rising footfall, new data suggests

London’s West End is feeling the impact of the UK’s ‘tourist tax’ despite an increase in footfall, new data suggests. While the iconic luxury shopping hub is enjoying a continued return of tourists following the end of lockdown restrictions, the gap between footfall and spend has widened in the second quarter when compared to pre-pandemic...

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Shaftesbury hails ‘rapid rebound’ in West End economy

London’s iconic West End has enjoyed a “strong recovery” in footfall and spending following the end of lockdowns as deep-pocketed shoppers flocked back to physical stores. Shaftesbury, the property giant that owns a 16.4-acre portfolio in the popular luxury shopping hub, said average monthly sales for its retailers are now 6 percent ahead of...

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West End sales to hit 1.55 billion pounds during ‘challenging’ festive season

In the build up to the first restriction-free Christmas in three years, British retailers could still be facing a number of headwinds brought on by the rising cost of living and the continued absence of international travellers. In London’s West End, forecasted sales are expected to hit 1.55 billion pounds, 28 percent less than the pre-pandemic...

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New Elizabeth Line expects to boost West End sales by seven billion pounds

Following the expansion of the Elizabeth underground and overground line, which opened May 24, retailers in London’s West End are expecting to see a marginally large return in their annual sales. According to New West End Company, which oversees 600 businesses within some of the city’s central shopping districts, the impact of the new line could...

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London’s West End to return to historic annual turnover by 2025, report says

London’s West End is expected to recover to its historic annual turnover of over 10 billion pounds by 2025, according to an updated report by global property consultancy firm Colliers. The report, commissioned by New West End Company (NWEC), said that while recovery has slowed due to “economic uncertainty”, the district is still on track to hit...

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The Ragged Priest opens flagship in London’s West End

The Ragged Priest has unveiled a new flagship store in Seven Dials, its largest location to date. Located on Neal Street, the West End-based site spans two floors over 975 square feet and offers a range of the brand’s signature collections. The space itself was designed using salvaged and recycled materials, including a 200-year-old church floor...

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West End expects 80 million pound boost during Jubilee Weekend

The Jubilee Weekend is expected to inject tens of millions of pounds into London’s iconic West End district, according to new research. The four-day Bank Holiday weekend, running from June 2-5, is expected to generate 80 million pounds in sales as an estimated 2.8 million domestic and international visitors head to the shopping district during...

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Plan to ‘reinvigorate’ London's iconic West End revealed

A new five-year plan to “reinvigorate” London’s iconic West End shopping district has been revealed by The Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA). HOLBA, which represents 500 businesses in the Piccadilly & St James's and Leicester Square areas, said the plan includes over 40 potential projects “designed to preserve and enhance the unique...

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London’s West End on track to recover within two years, report says

London’s West End is expected to make a speedy recovery from the pandemic as consumers return to the luxury shopping hub, according to a new report. The upmarket district in Central London, which prior to 2020 was one of the world’s most popular hotspots for deep-pocketed tourists, is on track to achieve turnover of 8.6 billion pounds in the...

Retail

West End Boxing Day footfall 44 percent below pre-Covid levels

Boxing Day footfall in London’s West End on Sunday was 44 percent lower than the same day in 2019, prior to the outbreak of the pandemic. Compared with the previous week, footfall was down 16 percent as concerns continue to mount over the fast-spreading Omicron variant. Jace Tyrrell, the chief executive of New West End Company, which represents...

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London's West End gets 5 billion pound investment to 'bounce back' from pandemic

London’s West End is in line to receive a 5 billion pound investment over the coming five years as it looks to “bounce back” after the pandemic. The shopping district, one of the world’s most illustrious upmarket fashion destinations and a favourite of international luxury shoppers, has been hit hard by store closures and plummeting footfall...

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London’s West End launches pop-up programme to entice new talent

London’s West End is launching a pop-up competition to give small scale businesses, homegrown start-ups and emerging creative talent the opportunity to open their doors at the iconic shopping destination. Launched by Westminster City Council in partnership with New West End Company and The Crown Estate, the programme also aims to attract...