Zara’s upsized store at Birmingham’s Bullring set to complete repurposing of former Debenhams

Zara is “significantly upsizing” its store at Birmingham’s Bullring & Grand Central shopping centre to create 51,000 sq ft of shopping space which will complete the repurposing of the former Debenhams department store.

The Inditex-owned fashion retailer is taking the top floor above M&S, plus an adjacent two-story unit on the Bullring’s upper level. The new store will showcase its full range of womenswear, menswear and childrenswear. It will also feature an ‘Automated Collection Point’, as well as self-service and dedicated refund tills “to deliver a seamless customer experience”.

The renewed commitment follows the opening of Inditex brands Bershka and Pull&Bear – in a regional first – at the Bullring last year.

Zara will also be joined at the Bullring by Swiss watchmakers Swatch - set to open its debut standalone store in the city. Located on Bullring’s Link Street, the 800 sq ft store will have over 500 different watches on display, showcasing a selection of classic styles and contemporary options from a range of collections.

Clarks is also set for an upgrade at Bullring

Additionally, Clarks is relocating within the Bullring to introduce its ‘modern workshop’ concept, occupying a new 4,500 sq ft unit on the lower level of the centre. The new store, which will host a series of events and activations, “will embody the brand’s trademark craftmanship and industry leading innovation”.

Toby Tait, Director of Asset Management at Bullring & Grand Central owner Hammerson, commented: “The strategic repositioning of Bullring & Grand Central has seen us introduce key brands, new concepts and events to the destination.

“As a result, we have driven footfall and sales for our occupiers year-on-year and continue to attract best in class brands partners. Zara’s reinvestment, alongside exciting new concept stores from Swatch and Clarks, demonstrates the appeal of Bullring and endorses the success of our strategic focus.”

This latest move is in lie with Zara's global flagship store strategy, which sees it focusing its store roll-out on fewer, larger, tech-enabled stores in prime retail locations. Last week the brand announced a major upsize of its store at Liverpool ONE, which will open later this year.