Zara set to upsize at Atria Watford in early 2024

Zara will open a 43,000 sq ft store in the Atria Watford retail and leisure destination in early 2024, replacing a smaller 18,000 sq ft store.

The new, larger store will house the Spanish retail giant's men's, women's and children's lines over two floors in Charter Place. Zara has signed a 15-year lease on the unit.

Atria Watford is owned by property company SGS and asset managed by Global Mutual. The destination covers 1.4 million sq ft in total and is home to a multitude of retailers large and small, including household names such as NEXT, Mango, Uniqlo and Hollister.

The upsized Zara is expected to be a big draw for shoppers. “We’re really excited that ZARA has decided to upsize and enhance its offer here at atria Watford. This is a brand our shoppers love – and it will act as a real footfall driver as we enter the new year," said Steve Gray, Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual.

“The decision reflects the strong performance of ZARA’s existing store at the centre, as well as the strong relationship we’ve built with the team. We look forward to seeing the doors open in 2024.

“Prime retail space like our own remains in high demand and our pipeline for next year is already looking healthy. We look forward to giving further positive updates in the months ahead," Gray added.