New Entrants Drive Demand for London Retail and Leisure Space
Demand for retail and leisure space in London rose sharply in January 2026, according to Colliers' latest Central London Demand Tracker. Enquiries from brands new to the capital, across retail, food and drink and leisure including gyms and wellbeing operators, more than doubled year on year, rising 108% from 12 to 25.
Total requirements reached 136 in January, compared with 127 a year earlier. Food and beverage operators accounted for 57, leisure operators 27 and fashion and accessories brands 13.
Overseas interest remained strong, with the USA (6), the UAE (5) and South Korea (4) the most active countries. Sara Simpson, co-head of London Retail at Colliers, noted that it was the first time South Korea had appeared in the top origins, reflecting a wave of K-beauty brands expanding in London, including PURESEOUL, Moida and Skin Cupid, which has opened a flagship in Soho.
The strong start follows a busy 2025, when requirements rose 37.9% on 2024, from 898 to 1,238, driven especially by leisure operators (up 60.1%) and fashion and accessories brands (up 53.6%). Simpson said demand had been noticeably higher at the end of last year, with limited prime supply creating strong competition for the best space.
