York’s popularity as a successful location for everything from independent retailers and growing businesses to long-established international brands has been demonstrated in city centre property deals overseen by the Garness Jones team.
As a thriving tourism and shopping destination, our Associate Director George Schofield says a look back over recent leases and sales reflects the city’s continuing success and appeal to business owners of all sizes.
“York continues to offer a thriving city centre to business owners which really makes it a place in which many want to secure premises,” he said.
“The city has high levels of footfall pretty much constantly throughout the year given the many seasonal events which are held, and it being both a popular tourist and shopping destination.
“We have business owners who come to us and say they are specifically looking to open in York, and they are often prepared to wait for a certain location or street, as they know the value being based there will bring to their business.”
Businesses choosing York for expansion
Amongst those helped to move into York by the team at Garness Jones in recent times have been Phenix Salon Suites, which created a space for 26 salon suites for local hairdressers, beauticians and wellness experts at No. 1 Micklegate, following a three-month revamp and £1m makeover of the property.
The space was designed and fitted out to enable professionals, including barbers, tattooists and nail technicians, to rent their own space and be independent within a creative community.
York became the sixth Phenix Salon Suites’ site to open in UK, adding Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool and Derby.
Now well-established in the city also is expanding sports brand INOV8, which opened a new store and coffee shop in High Ousegate last year.
Selling branded shoes, clothing and equipment for runners, hikers and gym enthusiasts, the business was founded in the Lake District in 2003 and trades in more than 50 countries worldwide.
York became its second city store to Sheffield, with other UK stores in Staveley (Lake District), Crook (County Durham) and Bakewell (Peak District).
In St Sampson’s Square, one of York's busiest public spaces, 3,104 sq ft of retail space, which was formerly the home of a T M Lewin store was purchased to become the new home of the international fast-food chain Wendy’s.
Then, right at the other end of the size spectrum, a small, three storey-property in Goodramgate, close to the Shambles and York Minster, proved the ideal location for fledgling business Nox.
The owners, from Nottinghamshire, chose to open in York, selling products in their ‘gothic boutique’ including jewellery, cushions, sculpture candles, wax melts, and perfumes, as they felt it was the perfect city for their first retail store, having previously only traded online and at festivals and events.
Also enjoying success in York has been children’s country clothing brand Eleanor Charles, which chose a property in Grape Lane to open its first UK store last September, and has since opened a second in Harrogate last month on the back of its success.
Expert advice on properties in York city centre
“The deals our team at Garness Jones has completed in York over the past 18 months for properties in the city centre demonstrate its appeal and suitability for a wide range of businesses,” added Mr Schofield.
“The unit which was purchased for Wendy’s was a large, three-storey Grade II listed property in the heart of the city centre, close to where a variety of markets and entertainment are held throughout the year, so it was a great opportunity for the right business.
“However, we knew we’d have to identify it for a well-established, larger business as it needed significant investment for refurbishment, which of course Wendy’s were able to commit to. Many of the other, smaller premises have been ideal for growing retail businesses which will benefit from being in such a busy city centre.
“This is all part of the work we do, in that we know the businesses which are looking at York, the types of premises they need, and which may be best suited to them given their budget, products and customer base.
“Equally, we remain in contact with many businesses who have asked us to alert them to opportunities. We have a property which is becoming available on Stonegate soon, one of the busiest and most popular streets in the city, and already, prior to it even being placed on the market, we have a list of interested parties.
“It’s great to see York thriving, new investment being put into properties, and those properties helping businesses to enjoy success.”
With offices in Hull and York, and operating across Yorkshire and the Humber, Garness Jones will mark 30 years in business in 2026.
