King Street, Manchester
King Street is one of Manchester’s most recognisable retail and leisure destinations, known for its historic architecture and premium brands. DS.Emotion was appointed to reposition the street through a cohesive placemakingThe process of designing, managing and marketing public spaces to create successful, attractive and functional communities that reflect local culture and enhanc, brand and marketing strategyA marketing strategy is your roadmap for making a place successful. It's the overarching plan that defines who you're talking to, what you're saying, and how yo, helping re-establish King Street as the city’s landmark retail and hospitality destination.
Redefining a Landmark
Despite its heritage and strong location, King Street faced declining perception, fragmented ownership and multiple vacancies. Working with majority landlord DTZ Investors and other stakeholders, the project aimed to rebuild confidence, attract premium occupiers and restore the street’s status within Manchester’s evolving retail landscape.
Strategy Built Around Place
Our strategy focused on defining a clear proposition, uniting stakeholders and establishing reasons to visit. Research, workshops and audience analysis shaped a placemakingThe process of designing, managing and marketing public spaces to create successful, attractive and functional communities that reflect local culture and enhanc approach centred on community engagement, coordinated marketing and destination-wide initiatives designed to support tenants while attracting new brands and visitors.
A Manchester Original
The new brand draws inspiration from Manchester’s industrial heritage, combining historic architecture with graphic references to textile patterns and craftsmanship. This distinctive identity gave King Street a confident voice and visual language, reinforcing its position as a refined yet authentic Manchester destination.
A programme of events, partnerships and campaigns activated the street throughout the year. From Pride celebrations to innovative experiences such as influencer-led events and hospitality campaigns, activations encouraged exploration between venues while generating strong digital engagement and new audiences for the destination.
The strategy helped reposition King Street as a leading retail and leisure destination. Campaigns generated significant digital engagement, press coverage and influencer reach, while experiential activations increased footfall, strengthened tenant relationships and renewed interest from prospective occupiers.
The results for 2025 speak for themselves. With a staggering 739% year-on-year increase in social media impressions and six new major openings, King Street has re-established itself as the city’s premier destination. Our focus on influencer partnerships and tenant-landlord collaboration proved that when the street and the feed connect, the impact is undeniable.
- 3.5M Social Media Impressions (+739% YoY)
- 289% Increase in Social Media Engagements
- 104K Website Actions (+739% YoY)
- 6 New Openings in 2025
- Nominate for multiple awards
The project included:
Diamonds, designers and doormen: The renaissance of ‘Manchester’s Mayfair’
“Only three years ago we reported on the amount of empty shop units there, but today the street is near paved with gold”
Manchester Evening News
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Whether you’re launching something new or repositioning anrnexisting place, let’s discuss how we can help you stand out and succeed.