Postmark
Postmark opens stores in London’s busiest transport hubs
In 2023 we helped Postmark secure 4 new sites in the busiest train stations in London including Victoria, London Bridge, Waterloo and King’s Cross.
Background
Family-owned business, Postmark, opened its first store in Balham in the early 2000’s supplying locals with high end cards, gifts, and stationery. It established a foothold in South London by opening a further three stores over the next 10 years in East Dulwich, Chiswick and Greenwich.
Hatch first started working with Mark and Leona (the owners) in 2019 and in the years that followed, helped Postmark open new stores in Wimbledon Village, Blackheath and Richmond. It wasn’t until 2023 when a golden opportunity presented itself when a competitor, Paperchase, fell into administration meaning their stores may close.
Postmark has grown from 4 stores to now having 15 open and trading since it started working with Hatch.
What we did?
Upon the announcement that Paperchase was filing for administration, Hatch alerted Postmark via the Property Alert Service that its stores would potentially be closing. Should the stores close, landlords would look for new tenants and the market share previously held by Paperchase would be available for Postmark to secure. Also, the stores would come already fitted out as a card shop and therefore there would be huge savings on fit out costs.
Postmark were interested in the stores within transport hubs, particularly the ones in the overground stations. As passengers were often making longer distance trips to meet friends and family for special occasions and likely to need a card or gift. Dwell time is longer than in underground stations and national stations record the highest footfall. Victoria Station for example, has over 22 million in passenger footfall annually.
Hatch introduced Postmark to the landlord to discuss new leases on the sites, off market. Negotiations commenced and Hatch gave guidance on making 5 offers on 5 different sites as part of a wider tender process. The offers were accepted on the condition that Postmark were to be open and trading in all sites in a matter of weeks.
What we did?
Upon the announcement that Paperchase was filing for administration, Hatch alerted Postmark via the Property Alert Service that its stores would potentially be closing. Should the stores close, landlords would look for new tenants and the market share previously held by Paperchase would be available for Postmark to secure. Also, the stores would come already fitted out as a card shop and therefore there would be huge savings on fit out costs.
Postmark were interested in the stores within transport hubs, particularly the ones in the overground stations. As passengers were often making longer distance trips to meet friends and family for special occasions and likely to need a card or gift. Dwell time is longer than in underground stations and national stations record the highest footfall. Victoria Station for example, has over 22 million in passenger footfall annually.
Hatch introduced Postmark to the landlord to discuss new leases on the sites, off market. Negotiations commenced and Hatch gave guidance on making 5 offers on 5 different sites as part of a wider tender process. The offers were accepted on the condition that Postmark were to be open and trading in all sites in a matter of weeks.
The Outcome
Postmark secured the sites and opened them in late 2023. 1 year later their annual turnover had increased by over £4m pa.
With over 100 million passengers passing their stores annually, brand awareness rocketed, and opportunities came off the back of these openings. Postmark were subsequently offered at sites in Battersea Power Station, Marylebone within the Howard De Walden Estate, and in Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross.
Hatched advised on the subsequent opening in Battersea Power Station and Postmark continue to use Hatch to grow their business.
“Hatch has been instrumental to our growth and will continue to do so. Excellent market knowledge and insights help to make the right decisions every step of the way”
