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I wonder what world the Crown Estate really live in, a load of bureacrats who are only interested in theimselves. Is it preferable to have an empty shop which certainly does not look good for the area? I think NOT! - Crown Estates - open your eyes, get out of your cosy offices and visit the area. TK Maxx would be an ideal store. It would certainly bring more visitors to the area.

- Collette, Stourbridge, 14/05/2009 08:42
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What a load of rubbish, I can see no rhyme nor reason for the Crown to object. I'm sure that if the truth be known, the two princes have worn clothes purchased at TKMaxx. It would be healthy competition for the Jermyn Street retailers and bring extra customers to the whole area.

- Trumpetman, Twickenham, 07/05/2009 09:34
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What elitist claptrap from the Crown. Do they think that there is a long line of potential tenants for this location in the current market? And what is the problem with TK Maxx? If Zavvi was a good enough tenant then how can they argue that TK Maxx is unsuitable. The Crown is utterly out of touch with the real world

- Des, Manchester, 05/05/2009 11:07
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Having TK Maxx in Piccadilly Circus is entrirely appropriate. This store has been empty long enough - if the Crown has ideas as to which retailers would be more suitable, would actually pay a market rent and would add to the vitality of the location then they can surely provide the owners with a list of such companies!

- Alex Duncan, Richmond, Surrey, 05/05/2009 10:24
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There is no logic to the Crown Estates decision.

This busy, bustling corner location suits TK Maxx perfectly: the retailers that the Crown would prefer will never locate here!

Whether the Crown accept the above (which they should!!) noone can deny the dire economical straits we are in.

How can they stop a retailer from trading in an empty shop when accross the world, most retailers are fighting to keep their businesses going?

Crown - you are: 1) stopping shoppers from getting cheaper clothes that everyone needs/wants 2) stopping a retailer from boosting its business 3) stopping your leaseholder from boosting its business 4) as a result of 1,2.3 - stopping a vital cog in our economy from turning when we are desperate for it to turn

Sort it out!!

- James, London, 01/05/2009 13:44
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I am disappointed to hear of the Crown's refusal of TK Maxx as a tenant in the former Virgin Megastore's unit in Piccadilly. This has been empty for some time and such a letting would add a much needed boost to an area in real need of it. This is a tourist destination, it is not a thoroughbred retail pitch, is there anyone else out there to take this .. no! We are in the midst of the worst recession in most people's living memory, no-one saw it coming, no-one has the slightest clue when we will get out of it and the safe money is on it getting far worse before it gets better. The retail sector, more than any other, is on it's knees, it is not the right time to be turning such applications down.

- Tim Mardon, London, W1, 30/04/2009 16:04
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In Bond Street TK Maxx may not be regarded as high class retail but in Piccadilly it is in keeping with surrounding retail and should be acceptable to the Crown. The definition must vary depeding upon the location.

- Ian, London, London UK, 30/04/2009 13:51
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Funnily enough Louis Vuitton and Gucci don't want to be here and never will. This is a tourist location and TK Maxx will sit perfectly alongside Lillywhites.

Who is advising the Crown Estate . There seems to be an element of double standards here. The Crown will happily accept the likes of H and M
and Mango when it affects their own pocket on their lettings on Regent Street but refuses a great potential addition to the area like TK Maxx.

Whoever is advising them seems to understand very little about tenant mix or indeed the location. Should it sit empty for another four years!!

- Cameron Scott, London, 29/04/2009 17:00
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Perhaps Crown should take it upon themselves to find a suitable tenant for this space, if they think TK Maxx are not "good enough" In the meantime they could subsidise the surrounding area for the lack of footfall generated in the area due to lack of decent tenant mix. Considering Regent Street is mainly the Crown Estate, why have they allowed tenants such as McDonalds & NEXT!

In the current times this just shows how little the Crown care about how the people of this country fair. As long as they have enough to go hunting and keep their mansions warm they have nothing to worry about.

It almost makes me ashamed to be British.

- Ben Dover, London, 29/04/2009 14:37
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I was negatively surprised to hear this. TK Maxx is perceived as a very good brand and certainly much better than some of the surrounding shops in the area. So I'd say that it matches the Crown objective to smarten the area!
And not only me but all my friends (who I consider they are quite "chic" would go to Piccadilly to shop there and would be glad not to go further outside Westend to reach one of their favourites stores!!

- Massimo, UK, 29/04/2009 12:07
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It looks unbelievable a decision like this in current times.
I never perceived TK Maxx as very cheap. Yes it's an outlet but a good one and attract not only poor but rich and so in line with the Crown to smarten the area. Where is the conflict then? On the other side, does the Crown know the recession that UK is going through? Decisions like this increase the unemployment rate in a time where we all need everything to survive! TK Maxx will not be able to employ the people for the store, and at the same time the Landlord might have more trouble in the current more than challenging period!
I hope that not only mine, but all the comments related to this are listened and open the eyes of whom took this decision. We all hope that they'll rectify soon.

- Maria, London, 29/04/2009 12:04
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There's nothing worse than seeing empty stores in the high street.

There is a recession on guys! Your not helping this country get back on it's feet with this snobby atittude.
TK Maxx is a very popular store with the young and old of this country. It provides designer lables for those people who can't afford the overpriced items of your other tenants. Designer brands at reasonable prices is exactly what everyone needs at the moment. Not to mention the new jobs that will be created.

Lets have a bit of COMMON sense for a change!

- Tony, Battersea, London, 29/04/2009 11:28
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TK Max is a quality chain and should be given the opportunity to serve the assorted community of the areas and the visiting world.

- Mohsin Ayub, London UK, 29/04/2009 10:28
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Please please please Crown let TK Maxx come to Piccadilly Circus - I want to shop 'til I drop & the only shops within the Piccadilly area at the moment are souvenir shops & I don't have time to walk up Regent Street & Oxford Street in my lunch hour for quality clothing!

Please reconsider Crown...you know you want to!

- Tk Maxx Lover, London, 29/04/2009 09:49
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The Crown Estate should be approving TK Max immediately as tenants in this world renowned Piccadilly location !! Piccadilly is renowned for its appeal to the masses with its diverse trades and entertainment units. TK Max is just what it needs.

They are reputable, extremely popular and sell a full range of designer and 'up market' clothing at affordable prices - that's why they are so popular. It's a travesty to describe them as not being 'up market enough' - ridiiculous. They are not a down market traider at all.
As said before 'if it's good enough for the probable next queen of England' then its good enough for everyone.

The Crown Estate ought to immediately reconsider their views and opinion on this transaction, reverse their decision and approve this trader before they go elsewhere and leave Piccadilly worse off without them.

It makes sense to have them there. Perfect for the location with its mixed uses and will improve the area just by being there. Surely the Crown Estate should be showing the way to other landlords to encourage large retail lettings at this very difficult time in the market place.

TK Max clearly will be invest a considerable sum in employment and shop fitting which again can only be a benefit to the economy. Their presence will definitely have a benefit to the other traders around them as more customers will come to the area. Definitely TK Max is just what it needs.

- De Bradshaw, London UK, 29/04/2009 09:45
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Does the Crown not realise we are in a recession surely the opening of any shop would be better than having them vacant. We should be supporting our retailers, towns & high streets not try to block shops from opening.

- Sharon, London, 29/04/2009 09:30
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TK Maxx is a practical and attractive user for this location that the majority of the public would be extremely pleased with. It is ridiculous that the Crown would block consent for TK Maxx to occupy the store in favour of the shop remaining vacant or more poor temporary occupiers, especially in the midst of the deepest recession since WWII. Whats more, in the current market with no signs of improvement the store could remain without a recognised occupier for many years to come.

- Alex, London, 29/04/2009 09:02
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How ridiculous. TK Maxx will take Piccadilly Circus up market, not down. The Circus is a tourist destionation, not high class shopping; there's enough of that in Regent Street. Odd that, in the current climate, a shop that has been empty for years has finally found a decent occupier yet The Crown refuses its consent. What's their agenda?

- Lloyd Evans, Brighton UK, 29/04/2009 08:46
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I always thought that in this country we had "Freedome of choice". Surely in a democratic society it should still mean "the interests of the common people". TK Maxx gives us that choice. The choice to choose which "brands" we wish to buy, it gives us the choice of good quality brands at a cheaper price. The Retail Industry is finding things tough enough without having to bow down to the Crown Estate's branding!!! Would the Crown Estate prefer a vacant unit which give an even poorer perception of Piccadily Circus.

- Sharon Golding, Surrey UK, 29/04/2009 08:46
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It is shocking that we are in the middle of the deepest recession since WWII, yet "The Crown" is denying the British public the opportunity to shop in a discount store, in favour of designer brands. Surely "the Crown" and ultimately the British tax payer would benefit financially from TK Max's rental payment, so conversely by objecting to this letting and leaving the store vacant the taxpayer must be losing money. Whichever way I look at it I cannot see the logic of the Crown's position!

- Neil, Surbiton, 28/04/2009 22:24
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Why do so many people love to travel to London? Shopping, dining, entertainment, etc. and Piccadilly Circus is a prime destination. Keeping out an attractive retailer such as TK Maxx in favor of a vacancy sign not only harms local business, it is a missed opportunity for the millions who travel there.

- Dustin P, Traveler, 28/04/2009 21:19
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Its amazing that in this day and age a big brand like TK Maxx is seen as too common to occupy a location like this yet Burger King is Fine. The Crown Estate are clearly out of touch with todays shopper who want affordable prices, even for designer brands. Crown Estate wake up and fill up what has and is an eyesore and is today a far poorer reflection on the Crown Estate's brand!!!

- Paul C, London, 28/04/2009 21:11
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The site has been vacant for 5 years. We need to generate buisness to create jobs. What is the point in having the one shop that is the absolute focus of central London sitting VACANT?

- Raymond F, W1, 28/04/2009 18:53
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TK Maxx is a good store. If it is good enough for Royals and Kate Middleton, why isn’t it good enough for Crown Estate employees?

- Carl Barlow, Marylebone, London, 28/04/2009 18:47
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The Crown Estate should wake up. Piccadilly Circus is not Bond Street and it never will be, it is not known as a prime shopping destination but TK Max will increase its profile by drawing shoppers there.

- Paul, Wimbledon, 28/04/2009 18:37
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This shop has sat empty for ages and the Crowns refusal just shows how out of touch with reality they really are!

Designer brands at reasonable prices is exactly what everyone needs at the moment, especially seen as the government are intent to increases taxes and squeeze everyone while William and Harry are off galivanting around the world in RAF helicopters!

- Fred, London, England, 28/04/2009 18:23
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I cannot believe that the Crown are not going to let this through!! The shop has been empty for as long as I can remember and TK Maxx are a great brand, who are extremely popular with everyone - probably more so than Virgin, who were the last occupier.

TK Maxx will clearly need a substantial amount of staff to operate and therefore will create jobs at a time when unemployment is rising. They are a good deal better than Lillywhites, and I do not see them being kicked out!!

- Charlie, London, 28/04/2009 18:21
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At last Mr Clifford is trying to do something for true Londoners. No doubt those that be at the Crown Estate have not actually been in a TKMaxx. Just because a garment doesn't cost £100, doesnt mean its down market Perhaps they just wanted TKMaxx for themselves .

- Sharon, London, 28/04/2009 18:20
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TK Maxx would be a brillant user for this store. The store has been vacant for as long as I have lived in London and it would be excellent to see this building brought back to life with a retailer that appeals to all markets. They are definitely within the same defintion as Zavvi in terms of quality! How can the Crown refuse, particularly when you consider the market conditions?

- Kelly, Clapham London, 28/04/2009 18:19
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Times are tight! Londoners need designer kit at bargain prices. Get real Crown Estate. I say TK Maxx should be there.

- Peter D, London, 28/04/2009 18:17
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How can an empty store be more attractive for an area than a busy TK Maxx?

- Rob, London, 28/04/2009 18:16
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Are the Crown in the real world - this store has been vacant for over 4 years. I think TK Maxx should be given a Royal Warrant for sticking their hand up to take on the challenge of rejuvinating this run down area.

- Mark, London, 28/04/2009 18:16
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How can the Crown justify this ? How out of touch with the british public and strength of feeling over such snobbery in the face of the recession whcih is affecting us all ? TKmaxx offer value, quality and style. If the pitch as so Key for the crown why has it stood empty for 5 years ? Or rather , why dont the crown take the shop and put their money where their mouth is if they have a better proposal to make perhaps ?

- Jim Digritz, Purley - England, 28/04/2009 18:00
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Oxford Street is a dump I am surprised TK Maxx want to open there at all. They would certainly raise the tone.

- Squiz, Islington, 28/04/2009 16:46
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I hope the Crown Estate were not responsible for the awful dump that LillyWhites on the opposite corner has become. If they are - then this is very hypocritical. TK Maxx is upmarket by comparison with LillyWhites now.

- Julia, London, 28/04/2009 13:57
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