Next is to invest in a multi-million pound state-of-the-art new store at intu Merry Hill as part of the shopping destination’s transformation programme.
Owner intu has worked closely with Next on plans to convert a former Sainsbury’s at the centre into a 75,680 sq ft store which will be one of Next’s biggest in the UK and incorporate a Lipsy, full homeware offer and coffee shop when it opens next spring.
A number of other brands have invested in new space at intu Merry Hill since intu took full ownership of the centre last year. JD Sports, Topshop and River Island have all increased the size of their stores while TAG Heuer, Five Guys and Virgin Holidays are among brands to have opened in recent months.
The centre is set to welcome a range of new dining and leisure outlets and will also be fully refurbished under intu’s plans to spend £100 million to further enhance its retail and leisure mix.
Nick Round, regional director at intu, said: “We will be working closely with Next to build a fantastic space for what will be one of their biggest UK stores.
“Next’s significant investment at intu Merry Hill reflects our own long term commitment to the centre and the confidence that exists in it as a destination where brands can really flourish. Our plans are to attract even more great brands and create compelling experiences for customers across the West Midlands.”
At 1.4m sq ft and just 10 miles from Birmingham, intu Merry Hill is already a major shopping and leisure destination for the West Midlands, attracting 22 million visitors a year.
A spokesperson for Next said: “We’re excited to have secured this fantastic space within the prime retail destination of intu Merry Hill as the site of our next West Midlands store.”
