Bookseller Foyles confirmed as latest retailer for Grand Central

FAMOUS bookseller Foyles is to open a new branch at the Grand Central Birmingham shopping centre when it officially opens to the public in September.

Foyles Grand Central Birmingham will be the second bookshop outside of London to be opened by the family-owned business in recent years, following the opening of Foyles Bristol Cabot Circus in March 2011.

At around 4,300 sq ft, including space for goods-in, it will be similar in size and style to existing Foyles branches in Westfield Stratford City, London Waterloo Station and Royal Festival Hall. Retail Operations Director Siôn Hamilton will be in overall charge of the store.
 
Sam Husain, CEO of Foyles, said: “Grand Central Birmingham fulfils all of our criteria for a new store – a landmark retail destination with high footfall and a quality retail mix, including our neighbours John Lewis. We look forward to selling books to new customers in the West Midlands, whether they are local residents, visitors to Grand Central Birmingham or travellers passing through New Street Station.”

Keith Stone, Leasing Director for Grand Central Birmingham said: “We are delighted that Foyles has chosen to open its Birmingham store at Grand Central joining an exciting array of premium retailers, restaurants and cafes already signed up.  
 
“Foyles will be a major attraction for shoppers and commuters using the new world class station and will broaden the retail offering of Grand Central beyond fashion and accessories.”
 
The opening of Foyles Grand Central Birmingham will bring the total number of Foyles bookshops back up to six, following the closure of Foyles Westfield London (White City) in January, with four branches in London, one in Bristol and one in Birmingham.
 
Sitting above the newly transformed New Street Station, Grand Central Birmingham is owned by Birmingham City Council and set to open this September. The 500,000 sq ft development, anchored by a 250,000 sq ft John Lewis department store, is expected to attract around 50m visitors per year.

It is claimed the £600m transformation of New Street Station will reinforce the hub’s position as the busiest train station in Britain outside of London, providing better connectivity from Birmingham and the rest of the country.