Latest news with #Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield
Fashion Network
23-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Repair specialist SOJO makes move into France, adds two permanent hubs in London
It marks SOJO's permanent presence at both Westfield centres and 'introduces a modern, accessible solution for clothing repairs and alterations, right in the heart of the high street'. Shoppers at the two malls can visit the firm's Fix & Fit workshop for a free consultation, 'where expert tailors are on hand to take care of all alterations. Finished items can be collected in person or delivered to their door'. The company also continues to offer its services online. SOJO said that insights from Westfield's latest How We Shop: From Play To Purpose report reveal that 45% of Boomers and 31% of UK women are actively seeking more opportunities to repair or refill products – 'a clear sign of shifting values away from fast fashion and towards long-lasting, conscious consumption'. Katie Wyle, Director of Shopping Centre Management, Northern Europe at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: 'We're proud to be bringing SOJO to both of our centres – a move that reflects exactly what our customers are asking for: more sustainable, service-led retail experiences… Fix & Fit offers a smart and stylish solution to fashion longevity, perfectly aligned with Westfield's commitment to shaping a more conscious retail future. With 59% of UK consumers seeking more reuse and repair options over the next five years, this partnership is both timely and essential.'
Fashion Network
23-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Repair specialist SOJO makes move into France, adds two permanent hubs in London
It marks SOJO's permanent presence at both Westfield centres and 'introduces a modern, accessible solution for clothing repairs and alterations, right in the heart of the high street'. Shoppers at the two malls can visit the firm's Fix & Fit workshop for a free consultation, 'where expert tailors are on hand to take care of all alterations. Finished items can be collected in person or delivered to their door'. The company also continues to offer its services online. SOJO said that insights from Westfield's latest How We Shop: From Play To Purpose report reveal that 45% of Boomers and 31% of UK women are actively seeking more opportunities to repair or refill products – 'a clear sign of shifting values away from fast fashion and towards long-lasting, conscious consumption'. Katie Wyle, Director of Shopping Centre Management, Northern Europe at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: 'We're proud to be bringing SOJO to both of our centres – a move that reflects exactly what our customers are asking for: more sustainable, service-led retail experiences… Fix & Fit offers a smart and stylish solution to fashion longevity, perfectly aligned with Westfield's commitment to shaping a more conscious retail future. With 59% of UK consumers seeking more reuse and repair options over the next five years, this partnership is both timely and essential.'
Fashion Network
22-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Westfield claims almost £24m in 'social value' for its UK malls last year
Shopping centre performance isn't just about footfall and retail. Major London malls operator Westfield (part of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield) has reported £23.8 million in social value generated across its UK destinations in 2024. Its latest Social Value Impact Report, which focuses on the scale and scope of social investment (including job creation, youth engagement, biodiversity and community-led initiatives) covers three of its key London malls. Westfield Stratford City recorded the highest year-on-year increase in social value across the UK portfolio, rising by £3.6 million to reach £12.5 million in 2024. Community investment more than doubled to £6.7 million, bolstered by initiatives such as The Felix Project, which redistributed 2.6 million meals and prevented 1,430 tonnes of CO₂e from going to waste across the UK. Other highlights include £13,000 in bursaries for Newham students through the Birkbeck Student Fund and the Newham Music Hub welcoming over 10,000 visitors. Volunteering hours rose by nearly 50%, 'reflecting deeper local community engagement'. Westfield London social value contribution increased from £9.8 million in 2023 to £10.5 million in 2024, a 7% increase year-on-year. The report said local employment rose by more than 10% in 2024, reflecting strong job growth in the area, with work opportunities increasing by 60%, and community investment nearly doubling. Other key contributors include West London Retail Skills Hub which, since its launch, has engaged 126 employers, and West Youth Zone, which recorded 22,853 visits in its first year, offering affordable, high-impact programmes to over 2,400 young people. In its first year of reporting, Centrale & Whitgift Shopping Centres in Croydon generated £813,241 in social value. Key milestones included the unveiling of the Elianne Andam Memorial Mural, created in partnership with local organisations, and the impactful 'Cut It Out' football match at Crystal Palace — both aimed at promoting youth safety and community cohesion. Looking ahead, the centre plans to expand its reporting scope in 2025 to capture social value generated through its supply chain. Jacinta Rowsell, managing director, Customer & Retail Operations, Northern Europe, URW, said: 'The remarkable growth in social value across our UK centres highlights the transformative impact of sustained community investment, a core driver of our Better Places strategy. 'From job creation and youth engagement to environmental initiatives, these efforts reflect our commitment to fostering thriving, resilient communities. As we continue to expand our programmes, we remain dedicated to driving meaningful change that benefits both people and the planet.'
Fashion Network
22-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Westfield claims almost £24m in 'social value' for its UK malls last year
Shopping centre performance isn't just about footfall and retail. Major London malls operator Westfield (part of Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield) has reported £23.8 million in social value generated across its UK destinations in 2024. Its latest Social Value Impact Report, which focuses on the scale and scope of social investment (including job creation, youth engagement, biodiversity and community-led initiatives) covers three of its key London malls. Westfield Stratford City recorded the highest year-on-year increase in social value across the UK portfolio, rising by £3.6 million to reach £12.5 million in 2024. Community investment more than doubled to £6.7 million, bolstered by initiatives such as The Felix Project, which redistributed 2.6 million meals and prevented 1,430 tonnes of CO₂e from going to waste across the UK. Other highlights include £13,000 in bursaries for Newham students through the Birkbeck Student Fund and the Newham Music Hub welcoming over 10,000 visitors. Volunteering hours rose by nearly 50%, 'reflecting deeper local community engagement'. Westfield London social value contribution increased from £9.8 million in 2023 to £10.5 million in 2024, a 7% increase year-on-year. The report said local employment rose by more than 10% in 2024, reflecting strong job growth in the area, with work opportunities increasing by 60%, and community investment nearly doubling. Other key contributors include West London Retail Skills Hub which, since its launch, has engaged 126 employers, and West Youth Zone, which recorded 22,853 visits in its first year, offering affordable, high-impact programmes to over 2,400 young people. In its first year of reporting, Centrale & Whitgift Shopping Centres in Croydon generated £813,241 in social value. Key milestones included the unveiling of the Elianne Andam Memorial Mural, created in partnership with local organisations, and the impactful 'Cut It Out' football match at Crystal Palace — both aimed at promoting youth safety and community cohesion. Looking ahead, the centre plans to expand its reporting scope in 2025 to capture social value generated through its supply chain. Jacinta Rowsell, managing director, Customer & Retail Operations, Northern Europe, URW, said: 'The remarkable growth in social value across our UK centres highlights the transformative impact of sustained community investment, a core driver of our Better Places strategy. 'From job creation and youth engagement to environmental initiatives, these efforts reflect our commitment to fostering thriving, resilient communities. As we continue to expand our programmes, we remain dedicated to driving meaningful change that benefits both people and the planet.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TOCA Social to open third UK venue at Westfield London on 1 July
Interactive football and dining destination TOCA Social is to launch its third UK venue at Westfield London in Shepherds Bush on 1 July. The competitive socialising brand will occupy 30,000 sq ft of the former Debenhams department store space, hosting 24 game boxes and with a 1,000 standing capacity. TOCA Social White City will also offer virtual reality experience, Sandbox VR including the Squid Game Virtuals game created in collaboration with Netflix. TOCA Social opened its first site at The O2 in London in 2021 followed by the Bullring in Birmingham last year. Alex Harman, President of TOCA Social, said: 'There is a clear and accelerating trend of people wanting more experiential entertainment, particularly around the nation's favourite sport, football. TOCA Social White City will be our third UK venue and largest yet, although we feel we are still scratching the surface of demand for TOCA Social. 'We are delighted to be partnering with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield on this project and excited to be opening our doors in time for the Women's Euros in July." Andy Scanlon, co-founder and CEO of Sandbox VR UK & Ireland, said: 'We are excited to bring the future of entertainment with our groundbreaking virtual reality experiences to TOCA Social's biggest venue yet, Westfield White City. This is the start of an exciting collaboration and we look forward to immersing guests in a whole new world of interactive entertainment like never before.' Jacinta Rowsell, head of customer & retail operations, Northern Europe of Westfield's owner Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: 'The arrival of TOCA Social at Westfield London represents the future of destination-led retail – where world-class entertainment, dining, and technology come together under one roof. This partnership cements Westfield London as the capital's ultimate playground for the next generation of social experience.'
