The Lexicon has announced a trio of high profile new lettings, after reporting rising footfall levels and increased consumer spending during 2023 across Bracknell town centre’s retail destination.
The Lexicon will welcome three new occupiers to Bracknell, who have signed leases for a combined 6,600 sq ft of space, as it increases its mix of retail, leisure, and eatery operators.
Nationwide bar and cafes chain Lounges, known for its eclectic interior decoration and relaxed atmosphere, will occupy a 3,400 sq ft space.
Meanwhile, Amorino, the international gelato and dessert brand with stores in London, Paris, Rome, and Qatar, will also be coming to The Lexicon, alongside growing specialist kitchen and dining ware brand ProCook, which will also be expanding into Bracknell.
Beaverbrooks, who have been located in Bracknell since the opening of The Lexicon in 2017, are also in the process of upsizing, taking an additional 1,650 sq ft of space.
This will create a new 3,350 sq ft flagship store for the jeweller, located on The Avenue that will be opening later this year.
These leases will bring the centre to over 95% let, as The Lexicon bucks the trend compared to many other retail destinations who have reported reduced occupancy during the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.
It also follows a 2023 characterised by new occupiers opening at The Lexicon. These included the popular Thai eatery Giggling Squid who opened a new 4,750 sq ft outlet during the summer, as well as growing Danish retail chain Søstrene Grene and well-known home store Robert Dyas.
Elsewhere, Five Guys, the iconic American burger chain, opened a 3,500 sq ft outlet on Braccan Walk – the chain’s first restaurant within Berkshire.
Meanwhile, ChopStix, a quick-service Pan-Asian eatery, opened its first destination in Bracknell – signing a 10-year lease for a 2,000 sq ft unit at The Lexicon.
German Doner Kebab have also opened a new 2,000 sq ft store on the high street next to Santander, while Tortilla has opened a new 700 sq ft outlet – bringing a new Mexican offering to The Lexicon.
This flurry of leasing activity helped bring in over 13.6 million visitors to The Lexicon over the course of 2023: an increase of almost 20% on 2022.
In December, The Lexicon welcomed 1.6 million visitors and more than 20,000 bookings were taken for the main festive activities.
This growth in footfall has benefited The Lexicon’s occupiers, with average consumer spend among retailers who report turnover figures up 24% compared to 2022.
This is particularly the case for larger units, many of whom have reported their best results since opening, and the centre’s F&B portfolio who have experienced renewed levels of bookings.
Rob Morris, general manager of The Lexicon, said: “We’re delighted that The Lexicon’s diverse range of retail, leisure, and dining operators, supported by our award-winning events programme, has resulted in impressive footfall across 2023.
“It’s been great seeing new visitors, young and old, coming to the centre this year, and we hope to build on this success in 2024 with the arrival of more new retailers and further events throughout the next 12 months.”
