Vintage fashion retailer Blue Rinse to open second Leeds city centre store at Merrion Centre

A vintage fashion retailer is expanding its store portfolio as it aims to appeal to a new generation of shoppers.
By Greg Wright
Published 21st Mar 2023, 12:33 GMT

Blue Rinse is set to open its second city centre outlet at the Merrion Centre in the Arena Quarter of Leeds. The company was established in 1997 in Leeds by the brothers Mick and Jeff Barnett. The business went on to work with Urban Outfitters to develop vintage ranges and operate nationwide concessions with a number of household brands.

The latest 3,679 sq ft store at the Merrion Centre is earmarked to open at Easter. It will include a vintage collection including the “Remade in England “ range of repurposed vintage garments and feature exclusive reworked clothing lines and one-off pieces.

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Esme Briggs, Asset Manager at Town Centre Securities (TCS), owners of the Merrion Centre, said: “It’s great to welcome such a long established and popular vintage clothing brand to the Merrion Centre and to be part of their expansion journey.

Blue Rinse is set to open its second city centre outlet at the Merrion CentreBlue Rinse is set to open its second city centre outlet at the Merrion Centre
Blue Rinse is set to open its second city centre outlet at the Merrion Centre

"We are confident due to our close proximity to the ever growing student community of shoppers there will be a continued requirement in our catchment for sustainable, quality and retro fashion.“

Andy Swain, Director, Blue Rinse commented: “I’ve always had a soft spot for the Merrion Centre since shopping in the Merrion Market in the late 1990s.

"The Merrion Centre has always been a cultural hub and enjoys a special status in the Leeds music scene dating back to The Phono, The Basement and more recently with Key Club and Leeds institution Jumbo Records. We are super excited to opening our second Leeds store in the Merrion Centre and look forward to welcoming you all soon.”

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The Merrion Centre was designed and built in 1964 by TCS, the property investment and car parking operator.

More than £70m has been invested in the Merrion Centre in recent years, and it includes around 100 shops, cafés and restaurants as well as providing a bowling alley, gym, nightclubs and a hotel. The first direct Arena, which stands opposite the centre, has also played a significant role in attracting visitors to Leeds since it opened in 2013.

Related topics:LeedsMerrion CentreArena