FatFace Altrincham Store Opens in Stamford Quarter 2026

Key Points

• Fashion brand FatFace opened its new Altrincham store on Thursday 29th October 2026, at Stamford Quarter.
• The store will be located at 13 George Street and occupies the corner part of the former Wilko and Poundland stores.
• The 1,550 sq. ft store has generated six job opportunities with more to follow.
• The store will sell FatFace’s classic clothing lines and the current winter line, which includes knitwear, nightwear, occasionwear, and gifts.
• FatFace’s Store Director Karen Johnston stated that the combination of independent and well-known brands makes Altrincham a good choice for the brand.
• The unit was developed after the proposal from Bruntwood and Trafford Council for dividing the existing large-scale retail unit into three smaller stores.
• The opening of the new store comes after the opening of Crew Clothing and Mountain Warehouse on George Street.
• The Stamford Quarter regeneration project involves the Foundation development area, which accommodates Nell’s Pizza, Yum Cha, Lane7, and Starbucks, as well as the first physical concept store of LOOKFANTASTASTIC.
• FatFace was launched in 1988 and was bought by Next in 2023 for £115 million. It runs 172 stores in the UK and seven in the Republic of Ireland.

Altrincham (Manchester Mirror) October 29, 2026 — FatFace opened its first store in the town on, adding another national retailer to the Stamford Quarter as the area’s redevelopment continues. The 1,550 sq ft shop at 13 George Street has created six roles so far, with further recruitment already under way.

What Has FatFace Opened in Altrincham?

FatFace has opened a new lifestyle and clothing store in the Stamford Quarter, bringing its core clothing range and seasonal winter collection to Altrincham town centre. As reported by Altrincham Today News, the range includes seasonal knitwear, nightwear, occasionwear and gifts, as well as a collaboration with the Victoria and Albert Museum inspired by the world of Wonderland.

The store occupies the corner section of the former Wilko and Poundland premises at 13 George Street. Wilko closed in September 2023 after entering administration, while Poundland traded from the site between October 2023 and June 2024 before closing when new lease terms could not be agreed.

Why Has FatFace Chosen Altrincham?

FatFace’s Stores Director, Karen Johnston, said the company was “excited to be opening our new store in Greater Manchester”. As quoted by Altrincham Today News, she said: “Altrincham has a thriving retail environment with mix of independent and established brands, making it a great fit for FatFace.”

Johnston added: “We’re looking forward to becoming part of the local community and welcoming customers through our doors.”

The opening follows plans submitted earlier in 2026. In June, Altrincham Today News reported that FatFace had applied to Trafford Council for advertising consent for two internally illuminated fascia signs and two internally illuminated projecting signs at 13 George Street. At that stage, the publication reported that contracts had not yet been exchanged and that the retailer was targeting an autumn opening.

How Does the Store Fit the Stamford Quarter Redevelopment?

The new FatFace unit forms part of a wider effort by Bruntwood and Trafford Council to redevelop the former large retail premises into three smaller shops. Bruntwood said in May 2025 that the 7,000 sq ft former Poundland space would be divided into three retail units as part of the Stamford Quarter regeneration.

Trafford Council’s performance update states that Stamford Quarter LLP was formed in 2019 as an equal partnership between the council and Bruntwood Holdings Ltd. It says the completed Foundation redevelopment has increased footfall and created jobs, including more than 100 in new retail units.

The former Poundland unit’s redevelopment also enabled Oliver Bonas to open on George Street in December 2025. Trafford Council says two further refurbished units were being marketed for new tenants, while work continues to bring the remaining vacant Sunningdale and Kingfisher building into use.

Which Retailers Have Joined George Street?

FatFace’s opening strengthens a growing cluster of clothing and outdoor retailers on George Street, following the arrivals of Crew Clothing and Mountain Warehouse.

Altrincham Today News separately reported that coffee company 200 Degrees is set to take the last remaining unit created from the former Poundland store, at 3 George Street. That report said Oliver Bonas opened first, in December 2025, while FatFace subsequently announced plans for another unit.

Elsewhere in the Stamford Quarter, the Foundation development is now home to Nell’s Pizza, Yum Cha, Lane7 and Starbucks, alongside LOOKFANTASTIC’s first physical concept store.

What Does the Opening Mean for FatFace?

FatFace currently operates 172 stores across the UK and seven in the Republic of Ireland, with an international online presence through NEXT Label and Zalando.

The company was founded in 1988 and acquired by Next in 2023 for £115 million. Altrincham Today News reports that FatFace had previously said trading was stronger in physical stores as customers returned to the high street.

FatFace’s own recruitment listings had identified Altrincham as a new store opening in October 2026, including a full-time Store Manager role advertised in August. A part-time Retail Crew listing also described the Altrincham position as a permanent role covering weekday and weekend shifts at the new store.

Background of the Development

The Stamford Quarter sits at the centre of Altrincham town centre and is part of a long-running regeneration programme led through the joint venture between Trafford Council and Bruntwood. The council says the area supports wider plans for the town and has already seen the former Rackhams building redeveloped as Foundation, a workspace and leisure destination.

Bruntwood says Foundation includes a 375 sq m living biophilic wall and hosts independent and national hospitality brands including Nell’s Pizza, Yum Cha, Lane 7 and Starbucks. In January 2026, Bruntwood said its 2025 work had included redeveloping former units such as the former Poundland store, which was pre-let to Oliver Bonas, and that further announcements were expected on remaining space.

The arrival of FatFace therefore follows a sequence of retail lettings on George Street: Oliver Bonas, FatFace and, according to Altrincham Today News, 200 Degrees in the final remaining subdivided unit.

Prediction: How Will This Affect Shoppers and Local Businesses?

For Altrincham shoppers, the opening adds another established national clothing brand within walking distance of the town’s existing independent and hospitality offer. The store’s winter-focused range may give residents a further local option for seasonal clothing and gifts during the autumn and Christmas trading period.

For nearby businesses, FatFace’s arrival may support the developing retail cluster on George Street, particularly alongside Crew Clothing, Mountain Warehouse and Oliver Bonas. The council’s own reporting links the completed Foundation redevelopment with increased footfall and new retail jobs, suggesting that further lettings could continue to shape visitor patterns in the Stamford Quarter.

For jobseekers, the initial six roles and continuing recruitment provide new retail employment opportunities, although the long-term effect will depend on trading performance and the pace of the remaining Stamford Quarter redevelopment.