A large new shop is about to open on Coney Street in York.
Popular national gift and gadget retailer Menkind is now fitting out the store formerly occupied by Dorothy Perkins and Burtons, and more recently home to the Created In York pop-up gallery.
Stocking quirky gifts and tech, Menkind is “all about fun, geeking out and embracing your inner child,” according to its website.
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Items already in the window include board games, a gaming microphone kit, a cyborg hand and various items from the Marvel Universe.
Menkind has taken 2,610 sq ft of space at the premises – 29-31 Coney Street – which is owned by property specialist Helmsley Group. It will open within the next few days.
It is the second retail deal done by the group on the street in recent weeks. The American Candy Company, part of US confectionery giant Tootsie Roll Industries, opened its doors in August offering a full range of sugary treats.
The American Candy Company has agreed an initial short-term lease on the 3,246 sq ft former Poundland shop from Helmsley.
New jobs created
George Baines, asset manager at Helmsley Group, said: “Menkind and The American Candy Company both taking space on Coney Street is a brilliant boost for the city centre, with a number of new jobs being created through these openings.
“As a proud York-based business we’re committed to helping the city to prosper now and in the future, and these lettings are further examples of the positive renaissance of Coney Street.”
Mark Talbot, director at Menkind, said: “We have continued to enjoy positive trading despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This latest store opening in York’s popular Coney Street forms part of our ongoing strategy of selecting high footfall, strong trading locations for our stores.
“We are delighted to be opening in York and are really excited to welcome people to our new Coney Street store.”
Both lettings follow York-based Helmsley’s recent acquisition of units three to seven on Coney Street and form part of its ongoing strategy to invest in the area for the benefit of the wider city and economy.
The units, whose current occupiers include JD Sports, Lush, Mango, and the vacant unit previously occupied by Joe’s Kitchen, were recently purchased by Helmsley off market for an undisclosed sum from London-based M&G.
Helmsley also recently acquired the unit housing Ernest Jones, to add to a Coney Street portfolio that already included units 39-43, which are currently let to Boots and W H Smith.
Steve Henderson, director at property agency Savills, and James Bradley of law firm Langleys, acted for Helmsley on both the Menkind and The American Candy Company lettings.
Mr Henderson said: “It’s great to see these well-known brands opening in the heart of York’s retail core in Coney Street.
“As more and more people return to the city centre, I’m sure both The American Candy Company and Menkind will prove popular destinations for people of all ages over the coming months.”