8 businesses that have opened in Watford this year

1. Wingstop

American chicken chain Wingstop continued its rapid UK expansion with a new opening in the former Honest Burger unit in Market Street on March 30.

Busy staff told the Watford Observer that they were “really happy” with the level of demand in the town, which has continued ever since.

The unit, which used to be a Post Office, had been occupied by burger chain Honest Burgers since April 2022, but closed on January 25 “due to a change in customer demand in the area”.

Wingstop in Watford. (Image: Wingstop)

2. Zara

Shoppers were wowed as Zara opened its new double-sized atria Watford store on February 22.

Zara closed on February 19 so that the business could move its stock from its previous unit to a new one twice the size, with atria owners Global Mutual, saying the expansion “reflects the strong performance of Zara’s existing store at the centre, as well as the strong relationship we’ve built with the team”.

The retailer has signed a 15-year lease on the unit, which spans across the upper mall and mezzanine floors, opposite H&M.

Zara opened in Watford back in February. (Image: PA)

3. Greggs

Greggs opened in the new £25 million Watford Business Park in April, much to the delight of sausage roll lovers.

Taking over Unit 1 at the Faraday Close site, the bakery is offering all the fan favourite, seven days a week.

Shop manager Peter Veres said: “We can’t wait to welcome both Greggs fans and new customers to our brand-new shop. We’ve got an amazing range of iconic savouries, Fairtrade hot drinks, hot food and healthier choices available for takeaway, sit-in or Click + Collect.”

Greggs opened in Watford Business Park. (Image: Greggs)

4. Hobbs

Hobbs London launched its 78th store in the atria in February.

The Watford shopping centre said the luxury womenswear brand is "known for their elegant and feminine designs of exceptional quality, pop in to discover their latest arrivals and outfitting solutions".

The opening was met joy from local shoppers, as one commented "been patiently waiting" while another said they "cannot wait" to visit the shop.

Hobbs. (Image: Watford BID)

5. Greyder

Turkish footwear business Greyder launched in atria Watford on February 20.

The business is not a household name in the UK but has recently undertaken a rapid expansion after 60 years in the Turkish market. It also has branches across the Balkan and Baltic regions.

If the Watford store is a success, it apparently could help inform a wider UK expansion.

Greyder in Watford. (Image: Greyder)

6. Photogenic Digital Studio

Photogenic Digital Studio opened in atria Watford on January 12.

The store offers wedding and model photography, as well as various photo printing services.

7. Wingers

Watford’s latest chicken shop, Wingers, officially opened on May 29.

Opening in The Parade, the new branch is serving wings, tenders, burgers, wraps, and loaded fries to High Street customers.

The chicken shop is in the unit previously occupied by Take a Wok, next to Wenzel’s the Bakers, and can seat 32 people. The family-run chain, which first launched in Lichfield in 2022, was set up by Amran and Dylan Sunner and dad Bill.

Wingers in Watford. (Image: WingersUK/Instagram)

8.  Peacocks and Bonmarché

A joint Peacocks and Bonmarché opened in a 10,000 square foot unit in atria Watford on June 13.

The store opened in the lower mall level was officially unveiled by Caprice Bourret, the former American supermodel turned entrepreneur to promote her new lingerie line, Loved By Caprice at Peacocks.

They are the latest stores to open in the former John Lewis, which was divided into individual units after it closed for good during the pandemic lockdowns in 2020.

Peacocks in Watford. (Image: Loved By Caprice at Peacocks/Newsquest)