Retailer set to create 100 jobs at Merry Hill

Sovereign Centros has announced lifestyle, technology and entertainment retailer Harvey Norman is set to move into Merry Hill.

The company has taken 57,000 sq ft of the former Debenhams and will create 100 jobs

Harvey Norman Merry Hill will offer luxury furniture, including sofas, dining sets, as well as outdoor furniture. A range of homeware products will also be on offer, including home appliances, audio visual and technology products.

Graeme Jones, director at Sovereign Centros, said: “Attracting an international retail giant like Harvey Norman to Merry Hill, alongside a UK debut for fitness operator Xtrafit, provides Merry Hill with a comprehensive solution for the former Debenhams, one that no other destination in the country has. Harvey Norman will bring dedicated visits and benefit from our engaged and loyal catchment, and we look forward to introducing its accessible, high-quality offer, within a brand experience completely unique to Merry Hill.”

Katie Page, Harvey Norman CEO, said: “With its exceptional connectivity and a population around the same size as New Zealand – where we have 42 stores – it’s clear that the West Midlands represents a significant growth opportunity for Harvey Norman. We have been in the UK for many years with two stores in Northern Ireland, so we look forward to opening our new Flagship store in Merry Hill later this year.”

Harvey Norman is set to take a significant portion of the former Debenhams, where it will join German fitness operator, Xtrafit. Due to open in the summer, Xtrafit will take 40,000 sq ft of the first floor.

JLL, Time Retail Partners, and Font Real Estate represent Merry Hill. Colliers and Blake & Coates represent Harvey Norman.