The UK high street, having weathered a challenging few years, is poised for a revitalization in 2025 with a wave of exciting new store openings. This resurgence is driven by both international and domestic brands, offering a diverse range of retail experiences. US fast-food giants, including Chick-fil-A and Velvet Taco, are making their UK debuts, following in the footsteps of recent arrivals like Dave’s Hot Chicken, Wingstop, and Popeyes. This influx of American culinary offerings signals a growing appetite for international flavors and diverse dining experiences among UK consumers.
Chick-fil-A, known for its popular chicken sandwiches, plans to open two restaurants in Belfast and individual locations in Leeds, Liverpool, and London over the next two years. This expansion follows a successful temporary pop-up in Reading in 2019, indicating strong consumer interest. Alongside Chick-fil-A, Dave’s Hot Chicken, a rapidly growing American fried chicken brand, is also expanding its UK presence after opening its first store in London in late 2024. With plans for 60 UK and Ireland locations, Dave’s Hot Chicken caters to spice enthusiasts with a range of heat levels, from mild to the extreme “Reaper.” Tex-Mex chain Velvet Taco is also set to launch its first UK restaurant in Piccadilly Circus in spring 2025, with plans for further expansion. Known for its unique taco creations and decadent red velvet cake, Velvet Taco will undoubtedly add a vibrant flavor to the UK dining scene.
Beyond the fast-food arena, UK-based brands are also contributing to the high street’s revitalization. Loungers, an all-day bar café brand, plans to open seven new branches in early 2025, expanding its UK presence to 249 locations. Loungers’ diverse portfolio of uniquely named and styled branches allows them to maintain a relatively low profile while simultaneously achieving significant market penetration. Supermarkets are also playing a key role in this high street revival. German discounters Lidl and Aldi are both expanding their UK footprints, with Lidl planning to open approximately 50 new stores in the coming year and Aldi aiming to reach a network of 1,500 stores across the UK. This expansion reflects the continued demand for budget-friendly grocery options in the current economic climate.
Further bolstering the retail landscape are expansions from established brands. Mountain Warehouse, capitalizing on the growing demand for outdoor clothing, plans to open 50 new stores across the UK. Health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett is also investing in its high street presence with plans for up to 50 new stores in 2025. Sephora, the French makeup giant, continues its UK resurgence with a new Liverpool store planned for spring 2025. Hobbycraft, catering to the arts and crafts market, is set to open seven new UK stores, while Ikea confirms its Oxford Street store opening for spring 2025 and eyes further expansion in Brighton. Primark continues its steady growth with new stores planned for Newbury and Epsom. Even WHSmith, while implementing cost-cutting measures, is planning to open new shops in travel hubs across the UK.
Discount retailer B&M, focusing on bargain-hunting consumers, has also announced its first three store openings for 2025. With a long-term goal of 950 UK stores, B&M’s expansion underscores the enduring appeal of value-driven retail. This diverse range of retail newcomers and expanding brands paints a picture of a dynamic and evolving high street, offering consumers a wider choice of shopping and dining experiences. This resurgence is a welcome sign of resilience and adaptability in the face of recent economic challenges.
Despite these positive developments, the retail sector still faces significant challenges. The lingering effects of the pandemic, coupled with the cost of living crisis, have forced consumers to cut back on spending. High energy costs and the shift towards online shopping also continue to impact brick-and-mortar retailers. The high street has witnessed numerous closures in recent years, and job losses in the retail sector, while declining, remain substantial. These challenges highlight the ongoing need for adaptation and innovation within the retail industry. While the influx of new openings in 2025 offers a glimmer of hope, the long-term success of the high street will depend on retailers’ ability to navigate these ongoing pressures and meet the evolving needs of consumers.
