American fashion chain to open first UK store

AMERICAN fashion chain Forever 21 is opening its first UK store in Birmingham’s Bullring shopping centre.

The shop will occupy over 53,000 sq ft of retail space in the former Curry’s unit and is expected to be open by the end of the year.

Forever 21 executive vice-president Larry Meyer said: “Our business is primed for significant international growth this year.

“Bullring is an ideal location and we are looking forward to expanding our business into Birmingham and other parts of the UK.”

Bullring is owned by The Birmingham Alliance, a partnership between property developers and investors Hammerson plc, Future Fund and Henderson Global Investors Ltd, and is managed by Hammerson.

MD of Hammerson UK Retail Lawrence Hutchings added: “Forever 21’s decision to open their first store in Europe at Bullring reflects both the centre’s and the city’s appeal as a fashion destination.

“Bullring benefits from a young, trendy shopper base and I am certain that Forever 21, a proven, success worldwide, will flourish at the centre.”

The Bullring Forever 21 store will be a flagship location offering men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories.

Forever 21 has its headquarters in Los Angeles and operates over 480 stories in the US and Puerto Rico with other international sites in Canada, Korea and Japan.

It had previously planned to open a shop in Covent Garden but subsequently pulled out of the deal and is expected to launch a second store in Westfield Stratford City, London.