Miele has selected Touchwood shopping centre in Solihull as the location for its latest store. The German premium domestic appliance manufacturer has taken 2,000ft² on a new ten-year lease. The store takes the form of an ‘Experience Centre’ showcasing Miele’s most popular and sustainable appliances, and opened this week following a high-quality fit-out.
Miele’s arrival is in line with the strategy, developed by Touchwood owner The Ardent Companies UK and appointed asset manager Sovereign Centros, to diversify the centre’s retailer offer and attract premium brands to the scheme. Notable additions this year already include luxury watch brand Tag Heuer and electric car manufacturer Polestar, existing major retailers including John Lewis, Zara, Next and River Island.
Ardent UK acquired Touchwood in July 2021, the first major shopping centre acquisition since the onset of the pandemic, following which the centre’s performance has continuously improved, with occupancy hitting 95%.
Andrew Hilston, Managing Director at Ardent, commented: “Miele is renowned for the quality of its products, and as such is an ideal addition to Touchwood’s roster of leading retailers. As the centre expands and diversifies its offer, and Solihull gears up for its major role in the hosting of the Commonwealth Games, 2022 is a hugely exciting year for Touchwood and the wider community.”
Simon Phipps – Asset Manager, Sovereign Centros added: “The strategy has always been to provide customers with the widest retail offer possible, and as such Miele’s arrival is the perfect match for Touchwood. We look forward to welcoming even more brands to Touchwood in the coming months.”
John Pickering, Managing Director for Miele GB, said: “We are thrilled to be opening a Miele store within Touchwood. Miele’s mission is to create quality products that improve our customers’ lives, that are designed, built and tested to last – many for up to 20 years. Our own Miele Experience Centres epitomise the superior quality of the Miele brand and provide the opportunity for our customers to feel, touch and see the value of our appliances. We are looking forward to welcoming customers from across the West Midlands and helping them make informed decisions about buying new sustainable appliances and ensuring they get the absolute most out of them.”
