The new stores coming to Royal Exchange

High street fashion chain Mint Velvet is swapping King Street for The Royal Exchange, with its new store opening to the public on Saturday (September 16).

It is taking over the 3,260 sq ft unit formerly occupied by French Connection on St Ann’s Square. The news that the fashion chain is moving into The Royal Exchange comes as bosses at the grade-II listed shopping complex toast a quartet of new openings.

Joining Mint Velvet are Insomnia Cookies on Cross Street, Signet Jewellers on St Ann’s Square, and Pure Piercing inside The Royal Exchange Arcade.

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“We’re always delighted to welcome a new brand to The Royal Exchange,” said Georgia Orzel, assistant building manager, of the new openings. Signing up dessert shop Insomnia Cookies in particular has been considered as something of a coup for the complex, as it’s the American chain’s first UK outlet.

“We’re confident the brand will be popular with our shoppers, and those craving cookies even in the early hours of the morning,” Orzel added. It opened on August 29.

Pure Piercing opened in the arcade earlier this year to provide piercing services, as well as offering jewellery upgrades. Signet Jewellers will offer a similar product in its 2,106 sq ft store, which replaces Moss Bros, when it opens in the future.

The openings explain the growing confidence retailers are said to have in Manchester, with a slew of new shops coming to the nearby Arndale centre this year. Sunglasses Hut, Manchester City FC, Moss, Gilly Hicks, Nike, Clarks, Flying Tiger, MINISO, Tommy Hilfiger, Kick Game and Kurt Geiger have all moved into the mall recently.