The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, announced that plans to pedestrianise a section of the street, from Great Portland Street to Orchard Street, have been approved.
This represents a significant step forward in the street’s regeneration, with works expected to start later this summer. We look forward to working closely with the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC), Westminster City Council, our members and the broader West End community to help shape a vibrant, world-class future for Oxford Street and the wider West End. We know how important it is that local businesses have a voice as the programme moves forward, which is why we are shaping up a programme of direct engagement in the coming months. Further details on this will be shared in due course.
This month also marked the launch of our annual West End Turnover Report, which brings together nearly 100 million monthly data points, collected across the year, to give businesses the definitive assessment of the district’s 2025 performance.
Members were given an exclusive first look at our Insights Breakfast Briefing. Headline trends for annual footfall, dwell time and transaction volumes demonstrated strong year-on-year growth, but continued pressure on domestic consumers and geopolitical uncertainty drove a slight dip of -1% on overall spend. Similar trends were observed in other benchmark locations, signalling a broader shift in consumer confidence.
Helen Brocklebank, CEO of Walpole, delivered an insightful guest keynote on London’s luxury market, and what the wider retail sector can learn from its resilience. Brands that have performed best are those who cater to a new “value-sensitive” customer – one for whom craft, storytelling, and experience have the biggest impact, no matter the price point.
The forward projections point to steady performance, with the West End expected to maintain consistent annual growth of +2.9% on average over the next ten years. Key drivers behind this positive outlook include the strength of London’s economy, with the capital’s GDP projected to grow by +19.7% by 2035, alongside consumer expenditure anticipated to increase at an average annual rate of +2% over the next decade. This will be further supported by London’s global appeal, with the city forecast to welcome 32% more international visitors by 2035. The opportunity now for local businesses is to tap into these trends.
This month, I welcomed this month’s announcement that the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) will invest £4.5 million in a major crackdown on phone theft across London. Central to this is the proposal to establish a dedicated Command Cell to coordinate intelligence and crimes including phone theft and robbery in the West End – a direct outcome of the West End Strategic Taskforce, of which New West End Company is a founding member.
Building on our commitment to welcome offices to the New West End Company community from April, we look forward to hosting our inaugural Office Working Group meeting on 17 March. This will be a great opportunity to connect with our new office members, share our key initiatives for 2026/27, and hear views on how we can collaborate in the new BID term.
As we move through 2026 New West End Company’s role remains clear: to champion the West End, support our businesses, and ensure the district continues to lead in experience, innovation, and global appeal.
Warmest regards,
Dee Corsi, Chief Executive
SECURITY & OPERATIONS
In February, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime reinforced its commitment to keeping the West End safe with a proposal to create a dedicated Command Cell focused on partnership working and intelligence sharing, to tackle phone theft and robbery in the district.
This initiative is supported by the West End Strategic Taskforce – a multi-agency group established to problem solve and remove barriers to deter crime, of which New West End Company is a founding member. Once established, we look forward to working closely with the Command Cell, the wider police force, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, and other key stakeholders to drive positive change for visitors, workers, and residents alike.
New West End Company continues to monitor recent ram-raid incidents across Bond Street and Mayfair and is taking proactive steps to support our members. Our Security team has been in regular contact with affected businesses, providing updates and guidance, while working closely with the the Metropolitan Police, including the Specialist Crime unit, to support investigations and share intelligence. We were pleased that these efforts contributed directly to the arrest of two individuals involved in the incidents, and investigations into related activities are ongoing. If you have any concerns, please contact our Head of Security & Operations, Jamie Conroy, at [email protected].
Following a multi-year campaign, New West End Company welcomed Transport for London’s announcement on 18 February that formal regulations will be introduced to establish clear standards for pedicabs and ensure customer safety. Our Chief Operating Officer, Lucy Mitchell, met with Siwan Hayward, Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement at Transport for London (TfL), raising members’ concerns whilst hearing more about TfL’s commitment to regulating pedicabs and ensuring they remain a safe mode of transport.
CAMPAIGNING AND ADVOCACY
This month, Nabeel Khan, CEO, and Scott Parsons, Chair of the Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC), joined our Oxford Street Advisory Board for their first formal stakeholder engagement together since taking up their new roles. They set out their immediate strategic priorities, with a clear commitment to maintaining open, ongoing dialogue with businesses and stakeholders across Oxford Street. For New West End Company members, this offers direct access to the senior decision-makers leading the transformation scheme, creating a valuable opportunity to share priorities and shape how the programme supports trading, footfall and long-term growth.
Tourism, both domestic and international, is a key driver of the UK economy and a priority for our members. Any intervention affecting visitor demand must be carefully considered – a point we highlighted in our response to the public consultation on the Overnight Visitor Levy. To inform our submission, we engaged with our hoteliers across the West End, drawing on the experience of those operating at the centre of London’s visitor economy. If a levy were to be introduced, we have called for it to be structured in a way that supports local economic growth, strengthens the visitor experience, and maintains London’s competitiveness as a global destination.
Also in February, we responded to a public consultation on the use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) and similar technologies by police forces. We support the Government’s ambition to establish a legal framework for the use of biometric and recognition technologies in law enforcement. We believe such a framework can help the Metropolitan Police Service prevent and detect serious crime, disrupt organised offending, and improve public safety outcomes. For our members, this means a safer environment for visitors, workers, and businesses.
New West End Company responded to the Government’s recent Call for Evidence on Business Rates, which sought input on how the current rates system affects investment decisions. We highlighted the significant impact that twin increases to multipliers and rateable values has had on our hotel operators in particular, who have seen rates liabilities rise sharply. We are calling for interim support for hotels, similar to the approach taken for pubs, through a time-limited rates freeze or targeted relief. We also continue to call for a sector-specific exemption for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses captured by the higher multiplier, due to take effect from April 2026. Looking ahead, we need a fairer, simpler system that supports growth, provides stability, and strengthens the UK’s global competitiveness.
In early February, New West End Company attended High Streets UK’s fourth quarterly forum in Leeds – convening senior business representatives, investors and local partners to discuss practical ideas for growth and inward investment in flagship destinations. Conversations explored how the visitor economy underpins confidence, where policy and cost pressures are constraining delivery, and how tools such as business rates and the Overnight Visitor Levy interact with long-term investment decisions.
The Forum was strengthened by contributions from Leeds-based businesses and institutions, including Farkhanda Hussain-Butt, Business Board Member at the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Ed Whiting, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, alongside investor and cultural perspectives from Landsec, Pinsent Masons and the Royal Armouries Museum. Their contributions to the discussions underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable growth, aligning investment priorities, and creating an environment where both businesses and local communities can thrive.
INNOVATION & INSIGHTS
On 11 February, our Associate Director of Marketing and Insights, Rachel McCulloch, presented the 2025 West End Turnover Report at New West End Company’s annual Insights Breakfast. The session brought together members and partners to explore what the latest data tells us about visitor behaviour and the evolving landscape in the West End.
The findings highlight the district’s continued strength. Annual spend totalled £8.9bn, with Jewellery and Giftware emerging as a standout category, recording highest growth category in seven months during 2025. Overall, footfall increased +3.4%, accompanied by a +2.1% hike in the number of transactions. It is notable that, even as international travel into London declined -3.1%, the West End’s appeal as a global destination remains remarkably strong, with international footfall up 11.8% year-on-year in 2025. Visitor sentiment also remains strong: 93% said the West End experience is equal to or better than other benchmark destinations, with 92% citing retail as the main reason for visitation.
Last month, we also published the results of our bi-annual Visitor Insights survey. Designed to help our members better understand visitor motivations, preferred activities, and average dwell time, the survey drew on over 1k on-street interviews conducted in December 2025. Key findings revealed that the average number of stores visited per trip increased from 1.8 to 2.8 – a 56% rise since our previous survey in June 2025. Visitors also spend 34% more in retail for every additional hour they spend in the area. Finally, for international visitors, Culture & Leisure continues to be the main reason for their visit. Together, these insights help our members tailor experiences that encourage longer visits, higher spending, and stronger engagement from both domestic and international audiences.
If you’re a member and want access to the full reports, visit our West End Insights Portal here.
DESTINATION MARKETING
Oxford Street’s website received a makeover this half term, as businesses on the street pulled out all the stops to surprise and delight visitors. Those searching for family-friendly ideas could easily access a curated shortlist of activities featured on the homepage throughout February. From the immersive art experience at Frameless to Selfridges’ skate bowl and crazy golf at Swingers, there was something to keep every member of the family entertained – reinforcing Oxford Street’s appeal as a dynamic, all-day destination.
Our special giveaway on Oxford Street’s Instagram account, celebrating the milestone of 100k followers, closed on 17 February. The competition featured six exceptional prizes, generously provided by The BoTree, Berners Tavern, Puma, Frameless and Rituals. The celebratory post delivered strong engagement, generating more than 2,500 likes and almost 9,000 comments, and showcasing our members’ offers to a wide and highly engaged social audience.
In February, we welcomed 241 new members to our loyalty programme, West End Club. Throughout the month, 631 redemptions were made, following 2k visits by users. Our most recent offers include Twist Museum, Lumi Spa, Rituals, and Biogena. To have your offer added to the app, make sure to contact our Loyalty & Partnerships Project Manager, Sharon Salawu, at [email protected].
EVENTS
We were delighted to welcome members at the Treehouse hotel on 26 February for a fascinating breakfast briefing on circular retail strategies with Selfridges, By Rotation and Mastercard. Organised in partnership with Westminster City Council, the session was brilliantly moderated by former Vogue Retail Editor, Ginnie Chadwick-Healey, and explored how circularity can drive footfall, deepen customer loyalty and deliver value for brands. It was great to see so many of our members in attendance. The event forms part of an exciting programme of member engagements we have planned for 2026 – we will be sharing more details in due course.
On 5 February, our Chief Executive, Dee Corsi, joined Rachel Blake and fellow business leaders for a roundtable to discuss the headwinds and opportunities facing the hospitality sector. The session provided a valuable opportunity to highlight our concerns about the cumulative impact of recent policy changes, including new business rates multipliers and valuations introduced in last Autumn’s Budget, the proposed Overnight Visitor Levy, and increases in the National Living Wage, and how these pressures are affecting confidence, investment and growth across the sector.
Also in February, Dee Corsi attended the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Patron Lunch, hosted by LCCI’s Chief Executive Officer, Karim Fatehi OBE. Howard Dawber, London’s Deputy Mayor for Business and Growth, joined as special guest and was keen to hear directly from businesses about their concerns around rising costs, safety and competitiveness.
On 26 February, Dee Corsi joined representatives from the Greater London Authority (GLA), London and Partners, UKHospitality, CBI and other London BIDs for the London Business Forum, hosted by BusinessLDN. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Mayor Howard Dawber OBE and revolved around ideas on economic growth for London, one year on from the launch of the London Growth Plan.
The Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) held its second Board meeting on 27 February, where a Planning Committee was formally established, chaired by Dr Margaret Casely Hayford CBE. The Committee will begin determining planning applications once powers are formally transferred to the OSDC through the required parliamentary process. The Board also approved the establishment of three non-statutory Working Groups to enable sustained focus and Board members’ engagement on key aspects of the OSDC programme of activities. These include a Design and Place Making Working Group; a Commercial and Events Working Group; and a Stakeholder Engagement Working Group.
IN THE DISTRICT
In February, we were delighted to welcome back Topshop to Oxford Street, through a nationwide partnership with John Lewis that brings one of Britain’s most influential fashion brands back into physical retail. The collection features a curated edit of Topshop’s most in-demand pieces, from cult denim and statement jackets to trend-driven wardrobe staples. Visitors to the John Lewis Oxford Street could enjoy a complimentary matcha, while browsing the latest styles in the “Topshop Times” newspaper.
Selfridges has unveiled the final stage of its London Beauty Hall renovation with the reopening of its restored Fragrance Hall, designed as a destination for both new and established niche fragrance brands.
Four new countertops have been introduced, and the chandeliers by French designer Christian Liaigre have been refurbished. The Fragrance Hall now serves as a gateway to the redesigned Information Desk beneath an Eduardo Paolozzi sculpture of Josephine Baker.
The Fragrance Hall completes the two year renovation of the London Beauty Hall, a city centric destination welcoming global beauty brands and customers, offering exclusivity, innovation and newness across fragrance, colour and skincare. The space is complemented by an evolving range of more than 200 services, from quick on counter treatments to full colour consultations, engraving and personalisation, as well as clinical residencies with leading experts.
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