Retail and Leisure
Discover Retail & Leisure businesses in Oxford and just beyond, from independent shops and high-street brands to shopping destinations, leisure venues, new openings and sector developments.
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Salon Privé 2025 Saturday tickets sell out in record time and Sunday set to follow
Salon Privé 2025 has announced its first-ever early sell-out, with Saturday’s Supercar Saturday now closed after selling over 8,000 tickets. Sunday, featuring Richard Hammond and the Concours de Vente, is expected to follow fast as the event heads for a total sell-out.
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Salon Privé 2025 to showcase two historic royal vehicles at Blenheim Palace
Salon Privé will celebrate its 20th anniversary at Blenheim Palace with a rare double act of Royal vehicles – King George VI’s 1939 Daimler and HRH The Princess Royal’s Middlebridge Scimitar – offering visitors a unique glimpse into eight decades of royal motoring history.
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Huge automotive glass gallery rises at Blenheim Palace for Salon Privé 2025
Salon Privé 2025 will debut its most ambitious centrepiece yet: a monumental glass Automotive Gallery at Blenheim Palace. Built from 1,206 panes of glass, the structure will house 44 cars and 2,000 guests, marking a world-first for outdoor automotive events.
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Salon Privé unveils stunning green collection to celebrate its emerald anniversary
Salon Privé has unveiled a spectacular Green Collection, bringing together rare and bespoke supercars, hypercars, and classics. From Bentleys to Bugatti, these striking green automotive icons will take centre stage at Blenheim Palace for its Emerald Anniversary.
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Tanni Grey-Thompson backs Oxford United’s new stadium plans for accessibility
Former British Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson has endorsed Oxford United’s proposed 16,000-capacity stadium, which will include 130 wheelchair spaces, raised viewing platforms, step-free access, sensory rooms, Changing Places toilets, and accessible hotel rooms.
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A first look at Bentley’s iconic Heritage Collection competing at Salon Privé 2025
Bentley Motors will make history at Salon Privé 2025 by entering two of its most coveted Heritage Collection models — the 1953 R Type Continental and 1961 S2 Drophead Coupe — into the Concours judging for the very first time.
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‘ART and PLAY’ brings bold creativity and joyful interaction to the heart of Westgate Oxford
Whether you’re pausing mid-shop or exploring with little ones, Westgate Oxford’s new installation ART and PLAY — tucked into the open-air space of Leiden Square — doesn’t whisper for your attention. It shouts, joyfully, in bold colours and sweeping shapes.
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Dennis Pisarenco named Director of Operations at voco Oxford Spires
voco Oxford Spires has appointed Dennis Pisarenco as its new Director of Operations. With over ten years of hospitality experience across the UK, Dennis previously led the launch and rebranding of hotel properties, including one to voco.
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Oxford Bus Company backs Oxford United’s new stadium plans
Oxford Bus Company, Oxfordshire’s largest bus operator and part of the Go-Ahead Group, has officially supported Oxford United’s proposed 16,000-seat stadium north of the city. Highlighting sustainable travel, the company praised plans for 90% of matchday attendees to use public transport, cycling, or walking.
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Ten must-see luxury cars at Salon Privé Concours 2025 in Blenheim Palace
A spectacular line-up of rare and iconic cars are heading to Blenheim Palace for the 20th Anniversary Concours at Salon Privé. From historic Le Mans racers to Hollywood-owned classics, here are ten must-see entries set to steal the show this August.
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Templars Square Shopping Centre announces free summer events for families
Templars Square Shopping Centre has launched a vibrant summer programme packed with free, family-friendly events and community-focused initiatives. Highlights include a visit from Bluey, a returning classic car display, and the Templeton’s Road Trip Trail for children.
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Westgate Oxford unveils interactive 3D installation ‘ART and PLAY’ on Leiden Square
Westgate Oxford has unveiled a dynamic new interactive 3D installation on Leiden Square named ‘ART and PLAY’, which aims to transform the traditional shopping experience into an interactive world of imagination.
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Oxford city centre ranks third lowest in UK high street vacancy rates
Oxford city centre has the third-lowest high street vacancy rate among the UK’s 63 largest cities, according to new data from the Centre for Cities. The report highlights Oxford’s resilience, with a 9% vacancy rate and a strong retail presence supported by a small catchment area and robust visitor economy.
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Westgate Oxford reveals summer 2025 meet and greet schedule for children’s characters
Westgate Oxford is offering free summer fun for families with a series of character meet and greets featuring Bluey, Paddington™, Gabby’s Dollhouse, and the first-ever appearance of baby pig Evie.
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Oxford United’s new stadium to deliver jobs and local growth
Cycas Hospitality which will operate a 180-room Radisson hotel at Oxford United’s proposed new stadium has voiced strong support for the project citing its potential to create up to 80 permanent hotel jobs and benefit the local economy.
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Barton Leisure Centre hosts Big Open Day with free activities and gym access
On Saturday, 12 July, Barton Leisure Centre will host a Big Open Day packed with free activities for all ages. Highlights include swimming taster sessions led by qualified instructors, family fun swims, and inflatable pool courses.