Retro sweet shop and eyewear brand latest stores to open at Gloucester Quays

The openings follow the announcement of three new eateries at the shopping centre

A retro sweet shop and an eyewear brand are the latest stores to open at Gloucester Quays shopping centre. Confectioner Mr Simms has taken a central 2,117 sq ft unit – it’s third branch in the South West – while Brand Eyewear has opened 505 sq ft store.

Mr Simms, which was founded in 2004 in Leek, sells traditional and contemporary sweets, and has around 60 branches around the UK.

Brand Eyewear, meanwhile, sells a range of designs from brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Ralph Lauren, Georgio Armani, and DKNY. It also offers a ‘lens bar’ for shoppers to test lens colour, reflection coating and frame materials.

Paul Carter, asset director at Peel Retail & Leisure, said: “The openings of Mr Simms Sweet Shop and Brand Eyewear signal the broad offer Gloucester Quays has become known for.

“Being a crossover outlet means catering to every want and need, and every visit purpose. These additions highlight our commitment to delivering that, securing exciting retail, elevating the experiences of our guests, and creating that full day-out environment alongside the huge variety of F&B and leisure.”

Renee Broughton Johnson, founder of Brand Eyewear, added: “Opening my first store at Gloucester Quays was a milestone moment for Brand Eyewear. Location is vitally important when debuting new concepts, and I knew on first viewing that Gloucester Quays was a prime destination to showcase Brand Eyewear’s excellent customer service and good value products, with its quality retail offerings. We already feel at home here in Gloucester’s leading outlet destination.”

The openings follow the announcement of three new eateries for Gloucester Quays this year: Banchina Italian; French fusion restaurant Muse Brasserie; and COSMO Restaurant Group’s Umami, which will open this summer.

It also comes after the opening of Clip ‘n Climb – a family-friendly climbing attraction – at the shopping centre in February. Located on the upper deck, the venue features 19 climbing walls alongside challenges such as the colourful ‘Tree Trunk’, designed to simulate climbing a real tree, and the ‘Speed Climb’ for competitive climbers.

The venue also includes Play Den, a four-level soft play area for younger visitors, alongside the on-site South Ridge Café.

Last year, Gloucester Quays welcomed a plethora of new brands including Søstrene Grene, Ben Sherman, Label Yard, and Men Kind.