James Rayner named new retail lead for King’s Cross

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Sep 17, 2019

London-based developer Argent has appointed a retail lead for its flagship project, King’s Cross, and announced that new brand arrivals are on the cards for the next few months.

The area is undergoing a revamp with the debut of the new Coal Drops Yard, which is home to independent brands and boutiques such as Wolf & Badger and Rains and the opening of new offices for the likes of YouTube, Google, PRS for Music, Camden Council and Universal Music.

James Rayner will take up the role of retail lead in October. He was most recently leasing executive at Capital & Regional, an owner of malls.

“We are delighted to have James on board. King’s Cross is one of the most exciting new
neighbourhoods in Europe and the 500,000 square feet of retail, including 50 brands in Coal Drops Yard and a great mix of eating and drinking offers, is central to its success. James’ skill and experience will help us evolve the retail proposition moving forwards as we build out the rest of the scheme,” said Anthea Harries, head of assets at Argent.

Rayner has previously managed new and existing retail at Broadgate for British Land, and before that was with Marks & Spencer. He said: “Retail is one of the defining elements of a place; the thoughtful curation of the King’s Cross offer has helped create an estate which appeals to a wide variety of visitors. 

"I’m looking forward to the challenge of cementing its reputation with shoppers and diners, as well as to developing relationships with the existing tenant family and to welcoming some exciting new brands in the next few months.”

Some of the brands that have opened flagship stores and large outlets in the neighbourhood include & Other Stories, Jigsaw, Fred Perry, Nike, Paul Smith, Sweaty Betty and Superga. Luxury beauty labels such as Aesop, Space NK and Miller Harris also have a presence there.