NEXT closes Westfield Stratford location

NEXT has closed its retail location in East London's Westfield Stratford shopping centre.

The retail location has been closed since Friday 17 February, with newly installed store signage informing customers that they can still shop with the brand online. TheIndustry.fashion can confirm work has already begun to remove interior fittings at the store.

Meanwhile, fashion giant Zara is to expand its presence at Westfield Stratford and open another unit, TheIndustry.fashion can reveal. The new store will be located on the first floor, next door to Primark and the upcoming Giulio store.

The new store will be located directly below the current Zara store. It is not yet known if the stores will connect or operate independently, such as the JD Sports in Westfield Stratford.

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, owners of Westfield Shopping Centres, saw 2022 tenant sales reach 103% compared in pre-pandemic 2019 levels, citing the "end of any COVID effect" on its business.

Speaking last year about brands increasing their footprint at Westfield locations, Kate Orwin, Leasing Director at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield UK, said: “Brands are choosing to upsize in the best locations, as we have seen with the Nike Rise store and the expansion of Gucci at The Village Westfield London, representing a broader trend among retailers.

“As these retailers invest in integrated digital and physical experiences, their focus has shifted from pure sales generation to creating a sense of community and connection for consumers which ultimately drives brand loyalty.”

TheIndustry.fashion has reached out to Next for comment.