Retail and Leisure
Our Retail and Leisure category brings together the places, products and experiences that shape how we shop, stay, unwind and explore. From independent boutiques and high-street favourites to standout hotels and leisure destinations, discover what’s new, what’s worth your time, and what’s making an impact across the sector.
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Debenhams set to close putting jobs at risk and changing town centre landscape
The chain’s 124 shops will cease trading over the coming months unless administrators are able to do a deal for all or parts of the business as the process unfolds.
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North Oxford’s Phoenix Picturehouse temporarily closing its doors
North Oxford’s Phoenix Picturehouse on Walton Street in Jericho has announced it would temporarily be closing its doors.
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New Starbucks Drive-Thru opens in Bicester
A new Starbucks store has opened on Oxford Road in Bicester, opposite the Bicester Village shopping centre.
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Proposals to transform Boswells building into 4-star boutique hotel unveiled
Oxford’s iconic Boswells store building site could be transformed into a 4-star boutique hotel under proposals unveiled by developer Reef Group, and Oxford City Council.
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Much-loved Woodstock Bookshop is up for sale as a going concern
This popular and well-loved bookshop is up for sale as a going concern, as owner Rachel Phipps made the decision to sell the business and put it on the market.
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GAME set to close 40 stores across the UK
Console and videogame retailer GAME has revealed plans to close 40 stores across the UK as it too faces a challenging retail market.
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Debenhams store in Witney is to close on 15 January
Debenhams store in Witney is to close on 15 January as part of plans that will see 50 of its worst-performing stores close over the next three years.
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Bicester Motion announces plans for aviation expansion
Bicester Motion announces plans for aviation expansion following successful preservation of former RAF Bicester’s Technical Site as ‘Bicester Heritage’.
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Oxford shoppers to go ‘green’ this December as research from Visa reveals
Oxford shoppers to go ‘green’ this December as new research from Visa reveals, with almost half (47%) of residents planning a more ethical Christmas this year.
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Oxford’s oldest department store, Boswell & Co, set to close next year
Oxford’s oldest department store, Boswell & Co, is set to close next year after trading for almost 300 years.
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In Pictures: A festive day out shopping at Oxford’s Covered Market
What to do when one doesn’t want to be indoors, but it’s muggy and raining outside? A wonderful festive shopping day out at the Covered Market.
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AJ Capital Partners Acquires Oxford’s Macdonald Randolph Hotel
The new owners plan to debut the hotel as Graduate Oxford and it follows the announcement in July 2019 of the forthcoming Graduate Cambridge.
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Oxford United agrees long-term lease of Oxford Sports Park
Oxford United agrees long-term lease of Oxford Sports Park from Oxford City Council to secure a training base for the club and community sports activities.
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Oxford has 4th best city centre in the UK for specialist attractions
A new report by the Centre for Cities has found Oxford has the 4th best city centre in the UK for specialist attractions such as museums, galleries, theatres, bars and restaurants.
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New figures show Oxford city centre has fewer empty shops
New figures from Oxford City Council shows Oxford city centre has fewer empty shops and the number of vacant retail units looks set for a significant fall.
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City Council submits funding bid to transform Oxford Covered Market
The £2m funding bid to Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone fund could help unlock a multi-million-pound investment to transform Oxford Covered Market.