Retail in Network Rail managed stations

Our team manages retail in 19 of the highest profile stations in Britain. Station retail is unique. It has guaranteed high footfall and is exceptionally fast paced. Due to this, trading in a station environment can be complex.

Experience in this market is highly desirable for potential retailers, and our team is on hand to help.

Minimum requirements to trade in our stations
  • Two trading units of the same type of business you propose to trade in our stations
  • Shops / units trading for a minimum of six months
London King's Cross
What we look for in our retailers
What we look for in our retailers
  • An acceptable credit check on your business by our accounts department
  • Trading history and business experience
  • A range of products or services to meet the needs of our passengers

How does leasing work?

Each station has a dedicated Portfolio Manager and Category Manager. When deciding on a new retailer, they review a number of factors to determine the best retail offer to suit the opportunity.

This includes:

  • Size of the unit;
  • The location;
  • The services available;
  • Existing station tenant mix;
  • Strategies for the station.

 

How to apply

  1. To start the process, please complete this enquiry form.
  2. If your enquiry meets the criteria set out above, then a member of the team will contact you within two weeks for a more in-depth discussion on suitability.
  3. The Category Manager will then arrange an initial meeting with you. In this meeting, they will discuss your business plan, audited accounts, view your operation, and your product range and services.
  4. Once this meeting has taken place, and if your business has passed the necessary financial checks, then you may be invited to tender, if a suitable opportunity arises.

Pop-up opportunities

If you are looking to introduce your brand to a new audience, or trial working in a station environment, pop-ups can be the perfect fit for your business.

Pop-ups are available from one month to one year, depending on the availability of space in our stations, and the full tender process is not required.

Our pop-ups do not have kitchen or drainage facilities, so are available for retail opportunities only.

Pop-up requirements

Frequently asked questions

How are rents calculated?

Rents are based on a percentage of turnover (sales), backed up by a Minimum Guaranteed Rent (MGR). The turnover rent percentage varies by category; reflecting the gross margin of the product.

To give a guide, our base rent is high compared to other retail environments, with an average base rent across all our stations of £180 per sq ft. This does not include all of our service charges, turnover percentage and utilities cost.

What requirements do I need to meet to let a station shop?

Retailers need at least two shops trading. Retailers must have been trading for at least six months in the category being proposed for the station (for example grocery, fashion, quick service restaurants). 

What if I want to let a shop in a station not listed?

Other stations are managed by train operating companies. To find out which companies manage which stations, visit National Rail Enquiries.

What if I want to let a shop or unit in a railway arch?

You can see our available properties here. For other locations, visit The Arch Company.

How long does the tender process take?

Once invited to tender for a unit, you will have 4-6 weeks to respond, depending on the nature of the unit and time of year.

The tender process will then take approximately 18 months from application to unit opening, depending on the nature of retail offering.

Which stations do Network Rail manage?

We manage the 19 destination stations in Great Britain. These are:

  • Birmingham New Street
  • Bristol Temple Meads
  • Clapham Junction
  • Edinburgh Waverley
  • Glasgow Central
  • Guildford
  • Leeds Central
  • Liverpool Lime Street
  • London Bridge
  • London Cannon Street
  • London Charing Cross
  • London Euston
  • London King’s Cross
  • London Liverpool Street
  • London Paddington
  • London Victoria and Victoria Place shopping center
  • London Waterloo
  • Manchester Piccadilly
  • Reading
Station self service vending machines

To enquire for a station self service vending machine, please visit our advertising and promotions page.

Mobile units

Mobile units are not part of our retail strategy, and therefore would not be considered for an application or tender.

This includes;

  • Carts;
  • Stalls;
  • Motorised / mobile catering;
  • Market stall concepts;
  • semi-permanent kiosks.