In Pictures: NEXT opens largest UK store at Bluewater
NEXT has opened its largest UK store at Bluewater in Kent, expanding its presence at the shopping centre to a 132,000 sq ft unit, including 83,000 sq ft of trading space.
Spanning two floors, the new Bluewater store brings together the retailer's womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and home ranges. Each department has its own design identity while following a consistent overall aesthetic.
The interior uses a neutral colour palette with department-specific accents to aid navigation. Soft aqua is used in menswear, blush pink in womenswear and grey tones in the home department, alongside glazed finishes throughout the space.
The home department has been expanded to accommodate a wider furniture range, with direct access to the rear car park to support customers collecting larger purchases.
The store also includes a Costa café and a dedicated Bath & Body Works concession with its own entrance.
The Bluewater opening builds on a series of major store investments by NEXT, following new stores in Eldon Square, Newcastle, Canterbury and Ripon during 2025, as well as the relaunch of its Stratford City store in 2024.
The launch comes as NEXT continues to outperform expectations. The retail giant recently upgraded its profit forecast after stronger-than-expected trading in the second quarter, driven by warm weather and the release of pent-up consumer demand in the Middle East.
Total full-price sales, which excludes discounts and clearance items, increased by 9.2% over the 13 weeks to 1 August 2026, compared with the same period last year.
