The Junction’s Imperial Park in Bristol has been selected by new retailer, HomeSense to launch one of its first UK stores. The brand is the newest venture for TJX Companies Inc.

The Junction has leased a 10,000 sq ft unit to HomeSense on a 15 year lease at Imperial Park, Hartcliffe Way, adjacent to Next and the store officially opened on 15 May 2008.

John Gatley, Managing Director at The Junction commented: “The continued interest and ongoing letting activity is proof of the prosperity and popularity of Imperial Park. We are pleased to offer and accommodate HomeSense with the space required for one of their first UK stores. HomeSense provides a valuable addition to the park and comlements the existing retail mix.”

Earlier this year, a major development by The Junction increased the number of stores at Imperial Park from 10 to 12 with the potential for nine further outlets. HomeSense alone are creating 40 new jobs in an area of South Bristol where employment has historically been lower than the national average.

HomeSense has been retailing successfully in Canada for seven years offering high quality home interiors products. Nora Harley, European Vice President at HomeSense comments, “We believe that shoppers in the UK are hungry for a home concept that brings them both quality brands and value. HomeSense offers a unique retail experience and we are confident of the success of our new stores.”

Imperial Park covers an area of 337,548 sq ft of shopping space and includes 1,200 parking spaces. Retailers include B&Q, Woolworth’s, Tesco Home Pluc, Argos Extra and JJB Sports as well as a newly opened Next.

Pictured above are: The HomeSense sales team featuring Manager, Chris Roy and prize winner Liz Silcocks whose prize included officially opening the store.

The South Bristol Business Awards took place at The Tobacco Factory Theatre on 1 February 2008.

The awards recognised local businesses in Bristol and The Junction’s Imperial Park sponsored the “Best Retail Outlet” award and handed over a cheque for £1,000 to Lion Stores, a small DIY store which is viewed as an anchor of the community.

We are delighted to support a respected local store who have been successfully operating since 1897!

The Junction Imperial Park is proud to have secured its first local retailer on site with the opening of Pembury Cycles’ fourth outlet in November 2007.

The store sells bicycles and cycling equipment, and has an innovative indoor track where customers can test out their bikes before they buy.

The Junction is delighted that the store has been trading very successfully so far, and are pleased to have taken this first step in enhancing the mix of national and local retailers on the park.

Next have taken a 20,000 sq ft unit on Phase 4 at Imperial Park, Bristol. They opened for trading on 23 November 2007.

Phase 4 will provide a further 50,000 sq ft of predominantly A1 convenience and A3 units.

Retailers at Imperial Park include JJB Sports, B&Q, Allied Carpets, Woolworths, Peacocks, Argos, Tesco Home Plus, SCS, Carpetright and Pizza Hut.

We have been working alongside our retailers to ensure that their new store openings went with a bang! Tesco Home Plus at Bristol and M&S Outlet at Thurrock have both opened recently and hopefully achieved greater public awareness with on site entertainment and publicity. Both stores have reported good trading so if you’re in the area, pop in.

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