The Sting hits Piccadilly Circus

  Standard Life Investments confirmed today that Dutch fashion retailer, The Sting, is to make its UK debut at Piccadilly Circus, W1.   The Sting will open in Tower Records’ former 33,900 sq ft store at the gateway to Regent Street where the quoting rent was £1.95m pa.   The shop became Virgin Megastore in 2004 and Zavvi in 2007, before the retailer went in administration and left the site last January.   David Paine, investment director at Standard Life Investments, said: “We have had a considerable amount of interest in the site since it became available and along with freeholder, The Crown Estate, have been determined to secure a special retailer for what is one of the very best retail locations in London.   “The Sting more than meets the criteria that we set and we are delighted that they have chosen to launch their brand with us.”   David Shaw, head of Regent Street portfolio at The Crown Estate, said: “We are delighted to welcome the arrival of the first Dutch retailer to Regent Street’s line-up of internationally renowned brands.   “The Sting is an exciting and dynamic retailer and its approach, which will be brought to life by its first UK flagship store, is closely aligned with our strategy.”   Peter Mace, head of central London retail at Cushman & Wakefield, said: “This is an unbeatable location in the heart of, arguably, the most fashion-conscious city in the world.   “The Sting will appeal both to Londoners and the millions of tourists that flock to Regent Street every year.”   Cushman & Wakefield and Nash Bond advised Standard Life; Harper Dennis Hobbs advised The Sting.   annabel.dixon@rbi.co.uk