Welcome to Talking Shop

Our first edition quarterly round up of news and views from retail property experts Chapman Consulting.

Albeit that these are difficult days for retail, it is great to see that there is still activity in the market.  In this issue of our quarterly Newsletter we hope to show how businesses are responding positively to the challenges by taking control of their property relationships.

To survive the coming months it is essential that landlords and retailers work together if we are to maintain a good retail provision to the buying customer.  By sensitive and sensible negotiation both parties can achieve a good outcome.

Landlords may have to be more realistic – reviewing their aspirations in terms of rental levels, lease lengths and possibly covenant strength; while retailers will have to respond with sensible approaches that positively manage their property commitments. Discussing options rather than breaching the contractual terms will be more likely to cement relationships for when the market improves.

I hope you enjoy reading our quarterly Newsletter and hearing our clients’ views.  The recent ‘Which?’ survey confirming Britain’s addiction to chocolate and coffee bodes well for our client Butlers’ Chocolate Cafes!

Mark Chapman BSc (Est Man) MRICS
Managing Director
Chapman Consulting
mark@chapmanconsulting.co.uk

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Butler’s Chocolate Cafes choose Chapman Consulting for UK expansion

Butlers Chocolate Cafés have instructed Mark Chapman of Chapman Consulting to act as their sole agent for their continued expansion into the UK.  Having successfully opened in Westfield London in November 2008, they are seeking a number of 500-800 sq.ft.  units in central London.

Speaking of the instruction, Dara O’Flynn  - International Retail Manager  says “We are delighted to be expanding our UK operation following our successes so far and confident in Chapman Consulting’s management of our search for the best possible locations.”

Butlers are Ireland’s premier luxury chocolatier with 14 outlets in Ireland. Butlers Chocolates are available in UK and international airports and have 2 franchise outlets  in New Zealand.

All enquiries to Mark Chapman tel: 020 7580 1278 or email: mark@chapmanconsulting.co.uk

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MIPIM – Cannes conference takes off.

The MIPIM conference at Cannes took place in March and Mark Chapman of Chapman Consulting was there meeting clients to discuss their retail property interests.

MIPIM is the world’s premier real estate summit. “We’ve been taking part in MIPIM for six years, “ said Mark Chapman.  “It’s been a valuable forum for meeting people who really know what is happening in the property market and we feed this knowledge and latest thinking into our work with our clients’ portfolios.  Many of our clients are from outside the UK, Pumpkin Patch are based in New Zealand and Butler’s Chocolate Cafes in Ireland.  By keeping our industry profile high and our UK market knowledge sharp we are well placed to get the best deals for them.”

If we missed you at MIPIM and you would like to meet up, please contact Mark Chapman on 07860 479860 or at mark@chapmanconsulting.co.uk

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What our clients say about us

“...Chapman Consulting have taken ownership of the entire process of identifying suitable retail sites, negotiating favourable lease terms and coordinating store fit-out prior to opening.”

Maurice Prendergast – Managing Director Pumpkin Patch.

Based in Auckland, New Zealand, Pumpkin Patch is the largest speciality childrenswear retailer in Australia and New Zealand.  With over 150 stores, they opened their first UK outlet in 2000.  Currently there are 35 retail outlets here in the UK.

Pumpkin Patch

Chapman Consulting have been exclusively retained to acquire UK sites and manage their portfolio.

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“Chapman Consulting’s experience saved us a fortune”

The benugo brand of food led coffee shops now stretches from their own award-winning high street stores to concessions within some of the world’s largest and most respected corporate organisations.
Mark Chapman has been exclusively retained to source and acquire new sites within the London market as part of benugo’s property strategy.

Benugo

“Chapman Consulting’s experience goes way beyond getting the right location; this became apparent when we acquired our first centre deli where on a cost benefit ratio they have saved us a fortune.” Ben Warner, co-founder benugo.

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Charity ride hits road in Zambian challenge

In May 2009, Mark Chapman will join cyclists in a gruelling ride across Zambia.  Covering more than 300 miles in five daysin support of African Revival – a UK based charity that works in southern and eastern Africa.  For more information about the challenge or to offer Mark Chapman your support, please contact.

mark@chapmanconsulting.co.uk

Click here for Mark's Just Giving Site

African Revival

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Chapman Consulting, 3 Wigmore Place, London, W1U 2LN +44 (0)20 7580 1278 Registered in England No. 4071060