Next is upsizing its Bluewater shopping centre store in a bid to offer an enhanced product range to its customers.
The high street giant is moving from its 44,600sq ft store into a 133,000sq ft site currently occupied by House of Fraser, making it one of its largest UK stores.
The store will support the brand’s omnichannel strategy, featuring men’s, women’s and childrenswear alongside homeware and a café.
Next will also be relocating the US-based beauty brand Bath and Body Works into a 2,000 sq ft neighbouring store.
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The upsize follows 12 new lettings and five upsizes at the Kent-based shopping centre, with brands including Sephora, Pull & Bear, Aesop and Bershka opening before the end of the year.
Head of brand account management at Landsec, which jointly owns Bluewater, Pablo Sueiras 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.”
He continued: “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.”
The move comes after Next upped its profit guidance for the year again in October, as sales jumped in its third quarter due to the early cold snap.
Sales at the retailer rose 7.6% from last year for the 13 weeks to 26 October, 2.6% above its guidance for the quarter.
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