The Hut Group to open multi-brand retail destination in Manchester

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Jun 27, 2019

The Hut Group has acquired a 12,000 sq. ft. unit in a Grade II listed building in Manchester city centre to build a ‘World of THG’ where it can showcase its health and beauty brands. 

The owner of online destinations like Lookfantastic.com and beauty brands including Espa, is increasingly amplifying its investment in premium retail space. Earlier this year, the company announced a £50 million purchase of the King Street Townhouse and Great John Street Hotel, and works are now underway to build a global content creation studio at Icon Manchester Airport.

The Hut Group’s latest investment proves its strategy is now shifting towards offering even more experiences. The new acquisition is a ground floor and basement space in a building that originally housed the Midland Bank. Designed in 1928 by renowned British architect Edwin Lutyens, 100 King Street’s ground floor used to be a banking hall, and later became home to a Jamie’s Italian restaurant. 

The Hut Group has also acquired the basement, which still comprises the original banking vault and safety deposit boxes. These original features will remain in place, with a significant refurbishment programme working around them to create a contemporary retail and experiential marketing space.

Matthew Moulding, founder and chief executive officer of The Hut Group, commented: “THG is continuously looking at original ways to deliver the most engaging retail and wellbeing experience. The acquisition of the iconic 100 King Street site further expands our innovative marketing infrastructure. The development programme to create the World of THG will provide a new and innovative environment for customers and influencers to discover and fully experience our prestigious brands.”

One of the UK’s fastest-growing private companies, The Hut Group also plans to build a massive business campus in Manchester that will be home to up to 10,000 jobs to support its growth.