A festive retail revival
Shoppers heading into the city centre today were greeted with not one but two major openings. Global footwear giant Skechers has launched its first dedicated Swansea store in the Quadrant Shopping Centre, while family‑run discount chain Boyes has taken over the empty Wilko unit on Singleton Street.
The timing couldn’t be better. With Christmas shopping in full swing, the arrivals bring fresh choice and energy to Swansea’s high street — and follow hot on the heels of other recent launches including Rituals and a new‑concept Holland & Barrett in the Quadrant.
Skechers steps in
Skechers’ new store sits opposite Boots in St Mary’s Arcade and offers the brand’s full range of comfort‑led footwear, from performance trainers to everyday lifestyle shoes.
Quadrant owners Centurion say the arrival shows growing confidence in Swansea city centre. Property Director Adam Gibbons told Swansea Bay News:
“We’re thrilled to officially welcome Skechers to the Quadrant. This is a much‑loved brand that brings something new to the centre and to our shoppers. Seeing a retailer of this size choose Swansea city centre is fantastic and reflects the confidence national and international brands have in the city as major redevelopments continue to reshape and revitalise Swansea.”
He added that the Quadrant has enjoyed a run of new arrivals in recent weeks:
“We have experienced exciting new openings over the past two months, with Rituals and Holland & Barrett drawing in new customers to the Quadrant. We are positive Skechers will thrive with us, particularly in the run up to Christmas and we’re looking forward to what 2026 will bring for the Centre.”
Boyes makes it two for Wales
Just a short walk away, Boyes has opened its doors in the former Wilko site — its second Welsh store after Llanelli’s St Elli Shopping Centre, which has been thriving since opening last year.
Founded in Scarborough in 1881, Boyes grew from a drapery selling remnants into a chain of more than 85 stores across the UK. Still family‑owned, it trades under the promise of “good value” and offers everything from household essentials and fashion to crafts, DIY and leisure.
The Swansea launch also answers a call from the public. In Swansea Bay News’ feature on the future of retail, readers named Boyes as one of the brands they wanted to see in the city centre. Today’s opening delivers exactly that, filling a prominent gap left by Wilko’s closure.
Double boost for the high street
Two major names opening on the same day is a rare win for any high street. For Swansea, it means fresh jobs, more footfall, and a shot of confidence for traders heading into Christmas. With Skechers, Rituals, Holland & Barrett and now Boyes all arriving within weeks, the city centre is enjoying a retail revival few predicted at the start of the year.
