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
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 its 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
5180/5600Sephora, the beauty store that’s well-known in London, is expanding up to the North with a 5,382sq ft shop in Manchester’s Trafford Centre set to open this summer. The store will offer a wide range of beauty products and exclusive brands like Glossier and Makeup by Mario.
Frasers Group is also continuing to introduce its Frasers department store concept in 2024, with the next location in Kent. The retail giant will close its 100,000 sq ft House of Fraser at Fremlin Walk in Maidstone and will reopen in the autumn as a multi-brand flagship, featuring Frasers, Flannels, and Sports Direct.
In addition, Gymshark is opening its second UK store this summer in Westfield Stratford City, following the success of its flagship store in London’s Regent Street. The activewear giant will move into a 7,000 sq ft unit in response to the community’s interest in experiencing the brand in person.“`html
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.
“`M&S is preparing to introduce its newest megastore in Dundee, Scotland, this summer as part of its ongoing store renewal initiative across the UK. The new full-line store at Gallagher Retail Park is part of the company’s £30m investment in its Scottish stores. Following this launch, new stores are also planned for Largs and Aberdeen Union Square, with the latter expected to be the retailer’s largest Scottish location upon its spring opening next year.
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