Deichmann springs into Touchwood as Lendlease announce new signing

Lend Lease Retail Partnership (LLRP), a fund managed by Lendlease, has announced the signing of Europe’s largest footwear retailer, Deichmann, at Touchwood Solihull, following the German brand declaring expansion plans to support British high streets amid the ongoing pandemic. 

The brand has traded for over a century, starting as a cobblers’ shop in Essen-Borbeck, west Germany, in 1913. Since then, it has established a presence in 30 countries with over 4,000 stores, and has to date sold more than 180 million shoes from internationally recognised brands such as adidas, Nike, Skechers, and Hush Puppies. 

Located opposite EE and Schuh on the Crescent Arcade, Deichmann will be launching the new 15,200 sq ft Touchwood store in late Spring, working towards the government’s roadmap announcement for non-essential re-openings. The unit will stock a complete array of footwear, from smart to casual, and covering men’s, women’s, and children’s lines.

Guy Thomas, Head of Retail at Lendlease, said:“Signing Deichmann is hopefully the first of more positive news as we move through 2021; securing them in this market is testament to what Touchwood has to offer. It has been a challenging 12 months, but deals have continued within the centre apace as we look to ensure Touchwood maintains its appeal when retail starts to re-open, and customers return in due course.”

Andy Underwood, Director for Deichmann, said: "We're delighted to have exchanged on Touchwood. Solihull is a great location, and we look forward to welcoming customers into our new store later this year. Our fantastic value-for-money footwear and accessories offer something for all the family. We're happy we can do our part to support British high streets and shopping centres in the current climate." 

CBRE and BNP Paribas acted for Touchwood, and Barker Proudlovere presented Deichmann.