May 2022
GCW has secured two new stores for retailer Vinegar Hill. The independent business which sells a range of homeware, gifts, clothing, jewellery, and accessories from around the world, is expanding its reach in response to strong consumer demand. The latest phase has seen the business open new shops in Bishop’s Stortford and Witney.
Family-run retailer Vinegar Hill launched in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1997 and has since built a portfolio of 12 UK stores. The retailer is trading strongly post-lockdowns and GCW is supporting its ambitious expansion programme, helping secure prime sites in key towns.
In December 2021, Vinegar Hill opened in the former Joules store on Potter Street in Bishop’s Stortford. The unit on the front of Jackson Square is 1,156 sq ft on ground floor with a further 555 sq ft at first floor and has traded strongly since opening. This was followed in March 2022 with the opening of an additional shop at 30 High Street in Witney, Oxfordshire, in a move to expand into affluent market towns.
GCW is busy helping Vinegar Hill identify further opportunities in comparable market towns. The team is seeking high street units of 1,000 -1,500 sq ft ground sales and circa 500 sq ft ancillary space. It is looking to secure a pipeline of new openings throughout this year and into 2023.
GCW Associate Director, Archie Morriss, said: “Vinegar Hill is a growing brand with a unique and exciting product range. The new store in Bishops Stortford and Witney look great and we look forward to helping the retainer with their expansion.”