King’s Cross has today announced it will be welcoming the iconic Japanese fashion retailer, UNIQLO to Coal Drops Yard this autumn.
UNIQLO will occupy c.12,000 sq. ft over three floors in what is the most significant retail deal in Coal Drops Yard since its launch in 2018. UNIQLO’s new flagship store – formerly occupied by Wolf & Badger – is located at the southern gateway to the internationally recognised shopping and dining destination, making it a huge draw for visitors to the estate.
The arrival of this global brand supports King’s Cross’ evolving retail and leasing strategy for Coal Drops Yard, which is now a well-established and much-loved shopping, dining and leisure destination in London.
The major deal follows two years of record-breaking growth at King’s Cross: sales increased by 20% (2023 vs 2022) and 48% (2022 vs 2021), while footfall increased by 21% (2023 vs 2022) and 34% (2022 vs 2021). It also marks one of several new and exciting brands to join Coal Drops Yard in 2024, demonstrating the enduring appeal of King’s Cross as a leading destination in London where all are welcome.
As a design-led brand working towards a more sustainable society, UNIQLO aligns with King’s Cross’ own vision to design and manage places that are socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. Each floor will be dedicated to high-quality clothing for men, women and children, also bolstering King’s Cross’ reputation as a family-friendly retail destination.
James Rayner, head of retail at King’s Cross, said: “It is no secret that we’ve been working with UNIQLO for some time to find the right opportunity in the right location, so we’re delighted to finally be welcoming this much-loved high street brand to Coal Drops Yard this autumn.
“By its own definition, UNIQLO is ‘made for everyone, everywhere’ and that is an ethos which really resonates with us. This deal supports our retail strategy and cements King’s Cross as somewhere that everyone can come to and enjoy a mix of well-known and affordable brands, as well as some other less known but equally pioneering independent brands.
“Our ambition at King’s Cross is to deliver the best of the British high street and the best of the British side street all in one place – and we think this latest deal does just that.”
Anthea Harries, asset management director at King’s Cross, added: “Like Coal Drops Yard itself, UNIQLO is a highly respected design-led brand. It is testament to our reputation as a globally recognised retail, leisure and F&B destination that this popular fashion retailer has chosen to open its latest London store in King’s Cross and we can’t wait to see it open its doors to customers in the summer.
“Our retail strategy is underpinned by our customers who tell us they want to see more accessible brands like UNIQLO on the estate. For UNIQLO, it is these customers that makes Coal Drops Yard so attractive. We are surrounded by some of the world’s largest office occupiers, including Google, Meta, Universal and Nike, and we are enjoying year-on-year sales and footfall growth, making King’s Cross a unique proposition for the business.”
Alessandro Dudech, COO of UNIQLO UK, added: “We are excited to be opening in Coal Drops Yard, the bustling, family-friendly, design-led retail destination, offering us the opportunity to bring LifeWear to even more Londoners and visitors to the city.”
The opening of UNIQLO in the autumn will follow several new retail openings at King’s Cross this summer. East London’s much-loved Mare Street Market will open in mid-June, while Danish homewares and lifestyle retailer, Søstrene Grene has recently opened its newest location in King’s Cross.
King’s Cross offers 500,000 sq ft. of retail, leisure and hospitality space where the diverse range of passionate, pioneering brands draw visitors in search of things they can’t find elsewhere – as well as the things they love and expect from established retail destinations. UNIQLO will join a roster of other recognisable fashion retailers such as & Other Stories, Paul Smith, ba&sh, Beyond Retro and Cos, with demand for space continuing from both independent and established brands.
King’s Cross’ evolving leasing strategy will also see a new grab-and-go food offer, leisure space for competitive socialising and neighbourhood dining arrive on the estate over the next 12 months, as well as more everyday amenities which provide practical services for those who live and work in the area.
The strategy also includes new plans for the northern part of the estate, known as Parkside East and Parkside West. With around 17 new ground floor spaces to lease over the next 18-24 months, these units will ensure the continued appeal of King’s Cross as a diverse and welcoming retail destination. There are also three units available at Author King’s Cross, the build-to-rent scheme on York Way which is already more than 85% let.
King’s Cross is managed by Related Argent following the news that Argent LLP, the asset manager since 2008, has been absorbed by the business.