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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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.
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Rest, prep, and recover with Mollie’s Restival for summer festival-goers
Mollie’s has unveiled its new Restival at Mollie’s range, designed to support festival-goers with stylish essentials for pre- and post-event comfort – available from 17 July 2025 at its Oxfordshire and Bristol locations.
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Richard Hammond to judge Salon Privé Concours de Vente at 20th-anniversary event
Salon Privé will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a thrilling new Supercar Sunday & Lifestyle Club Trophy Day at Blenheim Palace on 31 August and motoring icon Richard Hammond will judge the prestigious Concours de Vente and present the Lifestyle Club Trophy.
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Jade Dixon appointed General Manager at Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa
Oxford Belfry Hotel & Spa has named Jade Dixon as its new General Manager. She previously led Cambridge Belfry to success and will now focus on transforming operations and enhancing the guest journey in Oxfordshire.
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Oxford United backs Dorchester-on-Thames cricket club through Dreaming Spires initiative
Dorchester-on-Thames Cricket Club has received a £1,000 boost from Oxford United’s Dreaming Spires initiative to enhance its 50-year-old clubhouse and support grassroots cricket. In partnership with the ECB, the club is rolling out the All Stars programme for children and creating access to matches for local schools without pitches.
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Salon Privé reveals first of its highly anticipated entries for 2025 concours at Blenheim Palace
Salon Privé is returning to Blenheim Palace this August for its 20th Anniversary, and has unveiled its first headline entries: a rare Duesenberg Model SJ, Romy Schneider’s 300 SL Roadster, and a Le Mans-winning Alpine M64.
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Waterstones Oxford to move from historic Cornmarket home to Queen Street
Waterstones has served its final customers at its landmark Oxford city centre bookshop, marking the end of a 25-year chapter at the iconic William Baker House on the corner of Cornmarket and Broad Street.
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Salon Privé partners with Qatar Executive for 2025 luxury showcase
Salon Privé, the UK’s premier luxury automotive event, has partnered with Qatar Executive, the private jet arm of Qatar Airways, for its 20th anniversary celebration in 2025. The prestigious event will be held in August at Blenheim Palace.
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Beauty giant Sephora set to open at Westgate Oxford in late autumn
The announcement forms part of the brand’s nationwide expansion this year, following the launch of its Liverpool ONE store in May and upcoming sites in Sheffield, Manchester, and Cardiff.
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Oxford United launches Fan Advisory Board to replace Supporters Panel
The Oxford United Supporters Panel (OUSP) will be succeeded by a newly established Fan Advisory Board (FAB), as part of changes to the Club’s supporter engagement approach aimed at strengthening its relationship with fans.
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Queer Oxford: The LGBTQIA+ nightlife venues in Oxford
Welcome to your invaluable guide to the LGBTQIA+ nightlife venues – bars, nightclubs and such – in Oxford.
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Oxford United secures short-term extension at Kassam Stadium
Oxford United and the Firoka Group have signed a short-term extension to their licence agreement, allowing the Club to remain at the Kassam Stadium for up to two additional seasons.