York welcomes national retailers to heart of city centre in jobs boost

Two national retailers have announced they are opening stores in the heart of York’s retail area creating a number of new jobs.

Menkind, a gift and gadget retailer, and The American Candy Company, serving confectionary, will open stores on Coney Street in early October.

Menkind, which stocks items ranging from licensed products to personalised items and the latest tech, has taken 2,610 sq ft of space at the premises owned by property specialist Helmsley Group.

The American Candy Company, part of US confectionery giant Tootsie Roll Industries, has agreed an initial short-term lease on the 3,246 sq ft former Poundland shop from Helmsley.

George Baines, asset manager at Helmsley Group, said: “Menkind and The American Candy Company both taking space on Coney Street is a brilliant boost for the city centre, with a number of new jobs being created through these openings.

“As a proud York-based business we’re committed to helping the city to prosper now and in the future, and these lettings are further examples of the positive renaissance of Coney Street.

“We continue to work collaboratively with investors and stakeholders in taking proactive steps to help cement a positive future for retail alongside creating resilient high streets for the future in York and across the region.”

Mark Talbot, director at Menkind, commented: “We have continued to enjoy positive trading despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This latest store opening in York’s popular Coney Street forms part of our ongoing strategy of selecting high footfall, strong trading locations for our stores.”

Steve Henderson, director at property agency Savills, and James Bradley of law firm Langleys acted for Helmsley on both the Menkind and The American Candy Company lettings.