Andrew Benson, DTZ Debenham Tie Leung Freelance

Retail overview: the benefit of retail development is felt throughout the region

24 March 2000

National trends have recently been visible in the West Midlands. The leisure and retail markets have continued to converge with the development of mixed-use schemes such as the Mailbox in Birmingham and Priory Place in Coventry.Gap has agreed terms with the Bull Ring and has recently opened a store in Sutton Coldfield. Meanwhile, large middle-ground fashion groups have been forced to retrench, just as C&A has done in Walsall. The retail market in Birmingham city centre is still awaitin