Institutional landlord Landsec has unveiled a new leasing strategy aimed at luring new “digitally native” brands and meeting the “rapidly evolving” needs of traditional retailers.

Bluewater

The new leasing strategy will be rolled out at Bluewater in the summer

New and existing occupiers will be offered four new products designed to offer shorter and more flexible lease lengths, reduced upfront fit-out costs for taking a unit, and access to customer insight and footfall data from its centres. 

The offer is made up of four packages: home; platform; platform-plus; and spotlight. 

The home package is for more traditional retail occupiers and includes “bespoke fit-outs in the most compelling destinations” with leases starting at 18-plus months. 

Platform also includes bespoke fit-outs for would-be occupiers but on shorter lease terms of between three and 18 months. 

Platform-plus is designed to lure digital brands into taking physical space at Landsec shopping centres with “highly flexible” lease terms ranging between two days and three months. 

Spotlight will be for brands “in the common domain” and range from anywhere between one day to three years. 

Landsec said it had successfully trialed the new strategy in its Trinity Leeds centre with luxury trainer retailer Kick Game and gift store Curated Makers. The new leasing strategy will now be rolled out to Bluewater, Kent, in the summer and St David’s, Cardiff, in the autumn.

Head of retail brand management Nik Porter said: “It’s no secret the retail and leisure industry has witnessed deep-rooted structural shifts in recent years and the requirements for physical space have changed dramatically. A traditional, one-size-fits-all leasing model is no longer fit for purpose. Our new products reflect this new reality. There is something for brands of all shapes and sizes – from digital natives looking to test the waters to large, established names wanting to inject new energy into their brand experience. 

“The product launch supports one of Landsec’s core objectives – to focus on major retail destinations, keeping the in-centre offer fresh and relevant for guests, as well as brands. It’s also in line with our new partnership, insight-led approach to retail; built on closer, more collaborative relationships with retailers and leisure providers, ensuring we create value for everyone.”

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