NEXT triples its footprint at Bluewater with new store

Leading retailer NEXT will significantly grow its presence at Bluewater, Kent, by tripling its footprint at the shopping centre. NEXT will relocate into one of its largest stores in the UK as brands increasingly look to invest in the best locations.

NEXT is upsizing from its existing 44,600 sq ft store into a 133,000 sq ft space currently occupied by House of Fraser. The expansion will allow NEXT to offer an enhanced product range to its customers.

The state-of-the-art store will support NEXT’s omnichannel strategy while enabling unique customer experiences and will feature men's, women’s and childrenswear alongside homeware and a café. NEXT will also relocate the American based global beauty brand, Bath and Body Works, into a 2,000 sq ft neighbouring store.

Bluewater has continually evolved to align with continued consumer demand for retail destinations that deliver the right combination of brands and experiences. The upsized NEXT follows 12 new lettings and five upsizes at the centre in the last six months, with brands including Sephora, Pull & Bear, Aesop and Bershka opening before the end of the year. Bluewater is jointly owned by Landsec, M&G, Royal London and Schroders.

The news follows half-year results from Landsec which showed continued momentum across its portfolio of best-in-class retail destinations. In the first half of the year, Landsec had signed or was in solicitors’ hands with £26m of lettings with occupancy now higher than pre-pandemic levels at 96%.

Pablo Sueiras, Head of Brand Account Management at Landsec said: “The best brands are investing in bigger, better stores in prime locations. NEXT is at the forefront of retail innovation which has made it one of the most in demand brands among consumers. NEXT’s new store will transform a department store into a new destination within Bluewater and enhance the shopping experience for the millions of guests who visit each year.”