Fashion retailer confirms plans for new multi-million store at Merry Hill

How the new Next at Merry Hill will look

Fashion retailer Next is to invest in a new multi-million pound store at the Merry Hill Centre, it has announced.

The retailer, which already has two stores at the centre, has confirmed it will take over the large unit formerly occupied by Sainsbury’s.

The supermarket gave up the store at the end of last year in a move which saw staff made redundant or found jobs in other stores nearby.

The new-look store will be one of the largest Next outlets in the UK, encompassing 75,680 sq ft.

Centre owner intu has worked closely with Next on plans to convert the former supermarket. The unit has been stripped back to its steel frame and a new mezzanine level will be installed.

Once the refurbishment is complete next spring, the new store will incorporate a Lipsy, full homeware offer and coffee shop.

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.”

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.”

While not confirmed, the retailer is likely to close its two existing stores at the centre, one of which is a dedicated Home store.

A number of other brands have invested in new space at the shopping centre 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.

However, it has yet to find a new tenant for its large BHS unit, which has been vacant since the collapse of the retailer last year.

The decision by Next is also likely to mean it has to find occupants for two of the centre’s larger units, although only the clothing store is in the main mall.

Intu’s plans to invest more than £100m into the site over the next few years includes a range of new dining and leisure outlets, although there is no word yet on operators.

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