New Look to open 'new concept' store at Bluewater

New Look is relocating to a new 12,120 sq ft ‘new concept’ store at the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent – set to open on the Upper Thames Walk on 3 April 2025.

The new store will feature New Look’s first ‘omni-hub’ space, "integrating new initiatives to streamline the customer journey", including digital inspiration, showrooms and displays.

The upgraded Bluewater space follows New Look’s £3 million investment into its Manchester stores, where it trialled new store designs to improve product merchandising and better align the shopfloor to New Look’s brand identity.

At the new store, customers will be able to make use of a dedicated Service Hub to improve collections and returns "for a seamless shopping experience".

The new store will showcase an extensive range of womenswear, menswear and accessories, and the entire mezzanine floor will be dedicated to New Look’s 915 collection, which features a range of casual clothing, sportswear and accessories for girls aged 9-15.

Elaine Cartwright, Retail Director at New Look, said: "Our decision to relocate and re-design our Bluewater store demonstrates our commitment to bricks and mortar retailing in the UK and the important part stores play in our communities.

"Bluewater has been a major retail destination for some time, so showing up in this location with purpose and credibility is an important element of our retail portfolio strategy.

"Our new store will bring to life our omni-hub space, where digital and physical customer journeys will come together in real life. We have a fantastic loyal team and customer base in Bluewater, that I’m very proud of.
“I’m confident that an excellent customer experience will be at the forefront of what our team deliver in our new space."

James Waugh, Centre Director at Bluewater, added: "Here at Bluewater, we are always looking for ways to elevate our offering so that we remain in step with the ever evolving retail landscape.

"We are excited to announce the relocation of New Look’s new concept store on the bustling Upper Thames Walk. Their relocation exemplifies the brand’s commitment providing Bluewater’s guests with the best possible shopping experience.

"We encourage guests to visit the store on opening day to experience the array of exclusive deals on offer."

To celebrate the opening, New Look will be offering the first 200 customers goody bags for spending in store. Surprise gift cards will also be hidden around the store and a DJ will perform for shoppers to enjoy while browsing. Free treats will be provided with every purchase including coffee, bubble tea, and pink hot chocolate.

Customers who spend £50 will also be in for a chance to win prizes from the in-store claw machine.
Additionally, New Look will be offering customers a chance for a ‘gifted haul’, as one customer per day will be chosen at random to win their shopping bag.

Following the Autumn Budget 2024, in early January 2025 it was reported that New Look was ramping up store closures ahead of the tax increases coming in April. Approximately a quarter of the retailer's 364 stores nationwide are reportedly at risk when leases expire.

New Look has revised its store estate twice in the past six years and downsized its portfolio by almost half from 600 stores in 2018.

However, having recently invested £3 million in its stores in Greater Manchester, Bluewater will be the latest of a further 17 New Look stores to be upgraded across the UK as it focuses on maximising the potential of its best performing locations.