Birmingham will ride out retail storm, says report
Birmingham city centre's future as a major shopping destination is secure despite the recent turmoil in the retail sector. That's according to Colliers International's midsummer retail report.
The property consultant's report said a combination of new brands, entertainment, diversity and novelty items will fuel the success of the most sought-after destinations.
Nick Round, Colliers' Birmingham-based national head of shopping centre leasing, said: "Birmingham's Bullring is a case in point. It scored a major coup when the American clothing retailer Forever 21 opened its first store here. New names such as Hollister are also proving a draw for shoppers, whilst the extension of the restaurant quarter gives the Bullring’s shopping offer that vital extra dimension.
"The fact that John Lewis has committed to the city centre is also a major feather in Birmingham's cap and will ensure the city remains on the shopping lists of those retailers who emerge the other side of the recession."
Birmingham is also one of only two UK destinations to make it onto the global top 50 premier fashion retail corridors.
The city's prime shopping streets, High Street/New Street rank 49th - the only other UK regional city to make the list is Manchester at 46.
