In Pictures: ZARA unveils new 'high-tech' store concept in Manchester

ZARA, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has opened the doors to its new, relocated 32,291 sq ft flagship store at Manchester’s Trafford Centre.

It introduces the brand’s latest high-tech store concept, showcasing an extensive range of fashion across womenswear, menswear and kidswear, as well as new dedicated spaces for fragrances and special collections such as ZARA Origins and ZARA Athleticz.

The new store is described as "reinforcing ZARA's commitment to retail innovation" – offering customers a new destination where fashion, architecture, sustainability and advanced technology "come together to create an elevated shopping experience".

The interior features a sequence of interconnected rooms where each space takes on its own identity. Each section presents a unique entrance under a unifying portico, creating "a cohesive yet distinct store-in-store experience".

Differentiated areas are especially prominent in the women's shoes and bags area, with the welcoming hall adjacent to the fitting rooms, and also in the formal menswear area.

The ZARA Athleticz collection is prominently displayed near the window, drawing attention from the exterior. A "warm and refined atmosphere" is achieved through the use of wood, contrasting steel finishes, and other different materials, including surfaces made from a variety of minerals, such as ceramic and marble. Each section plays with different textures, tones and finishes to reinforce its character.

Meanwhile, lighting plays a central role in the store’s atmosphere, with "a new system that emphasises the collections and creates a comfortable ambience".

Innovation in customer service is also key, integrating the most advanced technology "to deliver a seamless, omnichannel shopping experience".

Customers can interact with the brand in-store or via the ZARA website or app, enabling real-time inventory browsing, quick product location and online order pick-up.

In-store, there are four assisted automated return stations for "faster and more convenient" returns, two additional automated drop-off points for online returns, a new assisted service table to improve customer experience with side-by-side assistance and faster service flow, as well as several assisted checkout zones across the store, including accessible payment stations.

In addition, the store features a cardboard collection point to invite customers to recycle online packaging. It also includes a used clothing collection container to extend the useful life of garments through ZARA's charity partner, as well as a repair booking service, which are complemented by the online ZARA pre-owned service for the resale of customers’ garments.