Republic to open flagship store
Published - Wednesday, 02 July, 2008
Leading retailer of branded men’s and women’s fashion, Republic, is to more than double the size of its store in thecentre:mk, creating a flagship store of 784 sq m (8,435 sq ft) on Midsummer Arcade, which links House of Fraser and John Lewis.

Republic is currently trading from a 370 sq m (3,982 sq ft) unit at thecentre:mk, and has reported record sales over the last 12 months.  The new unit is adjacent to Wallis, Monsoon and Accessorize.

Tim Whitworth, CEO of Republic, comments: “The success of the original Republic store at the centre left us in no doubt that thecentre:mk was the right location for one of our flagship stores and we are confident that the wider depth and range of merchandise we can now offer, will ensure that Republic goes from strength to strength in the centre.”

The new Republic store at thecentre:mk joins Manchester and Birmingham as one of the key sites in the UK with a store size of over 7,000 sq ft.

Robert Goodman, Centre Director for thecentre:mk commented on the announcement; “This is fantastic news for thecentre:mk. We aim to provide the best regional shopping experience for customers in and around Milton Keynes and this flagship store will bolster our already extensive shopping selection. If you couple this news with the imminent Bravissimo opening thecentre:mk is now attracting ‘destination’ stores for its regional customers.”

Martin Fleishman, Asset Manager for thecentre:mk, comments: “Republic’s success at thecentre:mk is a sign that consumer demand for leading fashion brands remains strong in the 2.8 million catchment population.  This letting supports our strategy to provide expansion opportunities for the top retailers whilst seeking to enhance the tenant mix with new lettings and creating new space for a wider catering mix.”

For more information visit www.thecentremk.com.