Encouraged by strong sales growth and a thriving third-party brand offering, apparel retailer Next plans to triple the size of its store at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in UK, from 44,600 sq ft to a state-of-the-art 133,000 sq ft space, currently occupied by House of Fraser.

Featuring an extensive range of own-brand and third-party menswear, womenswear, and childrenswear, the store will offer enhanced facilities to support Next’s omnichannel strategy. This expansion will align with the retailer’s focus to create immersive shopping experiences for its customers. Additionally, Next will also relocate its global beauty brand Bath and Body Work to further enrich Bluewater’s retail offering.

Pablo Sueiras, Head -Brand Account Management, Landsec, avers, leading the way in retail innovation, Next continues to transform traditional department store spaces into vibrant destinations. Their new store at Bluewater will elevate the shopping experience for millions of visitors.

The announcement comes amid a period of growth for Bluewater, which has secured 12 new lettings and five store expansions in the past six months. Recent additions include fashion labels such as Pull & Bear and Bershka, which further solidify Bluewater’s reputation as a premier shopping destination.

Next recently also upgraded its profit forecast for the third time in as many months. Lord Simon Wolfson, CEO attributes these robust results to strong performance in key locations and favorable weather conditions, which saw colder temperatures arrive earlier than usual. The retailer is also on track to surpass £1 billion in annual profits, a testament to its strategic investments and ability to adapt to evolving consumer demands.