Peacocks comes home to roost

Leading high-street fashion retailer Peacocks is returning to Yate!

Two years after closing its store in Yate Shopping Centre’s South Walk when the chain went into administration, the new owners have shown their confidence in the town by opting to re-open in the last of the new units in East Walk opposite Tesco.

Speaking for the Centre owners, Mark Hull, Group Property Controller said: “This is fantastic news and significantly improves the tenant mix. People have been telling us they want more variety including clothing shops and the new owners of Peacocks have made it clear that they see a big future for a store in Yate. Furthermore we have worked hard to win back Peacocks in spite of challenging times but clearly they believe in us and the changes we have put in place and have proposed for the Town going forward”.

Peacocks will be taking the last new unit in the East Walk development, a total of just over 7,800 square feet over two floors, on a 10 year lease. The store opening will create 25 jobs.

Andrew Lowrey, Shopping Centre Manager, said: “Peacocks could be starting the shop fit-out by the end of July and are very keen to open as quickly as possible. It’s obviously a major commitment for the new owners of Peacocks and one which will be a tremendous draw in the Shopping Centre.  It has also been one of the worst kept secrets that Peacocks were looking to come back into the town but until it’s all signed we obviously could not comment to avoid disappointment.

“Fashion is the most common demand when people talk about new stores in the Centre. With the economy generally starting to improve, we’ve found that many of the retailers targeted over the last couple of years are now actively seeking requirements in the town. The Centre's owners deserve credit for their continued commitment and support. Their investment is now seeing the centre going from strength to strength and shortly we’ll be shouting about more exciting news about new tenants coming to Yate in the very near future!”

Simon Anderson of Peacocks said “We're pleased to be coming back into Yate, particularly into what is probably one of the best located units in the town centre now. The unit is well configured, the right size & will have a full Peacocks offer in it. All being well, we will be open week commencing 16th September.

Peacocks, who offer clothing for all the family including men, ladies and children, closed its South Walk store when its 230 stores nationwide entered administration.