With footfall improving across 2023, many retailers are showing their faith in bricks-and-mortar by investing in new flagship stores.
Retail Gazette rounds up some of biggest new store openings to look forward to in 2024.
Ikea, Oxford Street
Ikea is set to unveil its highly anticipated Oxford Street flagship this autumn, which was original expected to open last year.
The Swedish giant said the delay was to “ensure optimal preservation” of the grade II listed former Topshop flagship it bought in 2021.
The new 82,000 sq ft store will span six floors and display around 6,000 products throughout the showroom and market-hall area, with more than half available to take-home that day.
Ikea UK boss Peter Jelkeby told Retail Gazette that he expects to see different shopping behaviours at that store and vowed to offer more inspiration.
He also said it plans to make is offer more seasonal as he expects shoppers to visit the Oxford Street store more frequently than its other outlets.
“You’re going to expect us to change the offer more regularly than we would if you came [to a store] in your car, two or three times a year,” he said.
Sephora, Manchester
Following the success of its two stores in London, Sephora is taking the brand up North.
The beauty giant is set to open a 5,382sq ft shop in Manchester’s Trafford Centre this summer, which it claims will “redefine the beauty landscape in the North”.
The store will stock its comprehensive beauty ranges and exclusive brands, such as Glossier and Makeup by Mario.
Frasers, Sheffield
Frasers Group is continuing the roll out of its Frasers department store concept in 2024, with its next location in Sheffield.
Opening this summer, the retail giant is set to unveil a 120,000sq ft flagship in Meadowhall, which will be divided into a 60,000sq ft Frasers on the ground floor and a 60,000sq ft Sports Direct on the first floor.
Chief executive Michael Murray said last summer the group was phasing out House of Fraser as it moved away from the traditional department store model in favour of a more premium model filled with the group’s own suite of brands.
Gymshark, Stratford City
Gymshark is opening its second UK store this summer following the success of its flagship on London’s Regent Street.
The activewear giant will move into a 7,000 sq ft unit in Westfield Stratford City, two years after it pushed into physical retail.
Founder Ben Francis said: “Whether it’s to come and train, join our Run Club or grab a new hoodie, our community have clearly told us that hanging out in real life is something they love.
“To be able to bring them a second destination in such a great location that so many people visit is just incredible. I can’t wait for the doors to open.”
There is scant detail on what Gymshark Westfield Stratford will look like, however, it is expected to replicate elements in its Regent Street store, which houses ‘The Sweat Room’ – a fitness studio that offers a rotating programme of classes for customers – and ‘The Pro Bench’ – a bar where its experts impart their fitness advice.
Nike, Leeds Trinity
Nike has secured a spot for its third UK ‘Nike Rise’ concept store at the former Victoria’s Secret site in Trinity Leeds shopping centre.
The flagship, measuring 10,000 sq ft, is expected to open in 2024 and will use innovative digital experiences and services aimed to “enliven the sporting pulse of the city”.
The store will feature a digitally powered “Footwear Fastlane” where footwear product information and stories will be shared with shoppers, as well as the brand’s personalisation service “Nike by You”.
H&M, Chelsea
H&M is set to open its new “fashion-forward” concept along one of London’s most fashionable high streets.
The fashion retailer is in the process of transforming the grade III listed building at 72 Kings Road in time for a spring opening.
H&M UK and Ireland country manager Henrik Nordvall has promised “personal services and interactive moments” in the store.
He said: “The King’s Road store will be a place for interactive moments, enabling customers to develop an affinity with our brand that goes beyond our products and really speaks to the fashion heritage of the local area.”
M&S, Dundee
M&S is set to unveil its latest megastore in Dundee, Scotland, this summer as it continues its store renewal programme across the UK.
The new full-line store in Gallagher Retail Park forms part of the retailer’s £30m investment into its Scottish stores.
The megastore will be followed by new openings in Largs and Aberdeen Union Square, which will be the retailers largest Scottish location when it opens in spring next year.
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