Irish luxury retailer Brown Thomas is set to open a flagship store in Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin, which the retailer said will mix “physical and digital” space.

Set to open in the first half of 2021, the store will be 63,000 sq ft and will trade over two floors with a net retail sales space of 45,000 sq ft following “a complete refit” of the existing space – which is currently occupied by House of Fraser.

Brown Thomas currently operates a smaller format BT2 outlet in Dundrum, which focuses on beauty and accessories, but is looking to expand its presence on the site. The retailer also operates a 120,000-plus sq ft store on Grafton Street, north of Dundrum. 

Hammerson, which part-owns the Dundrum site, said the store would “complement the already successful brand mix” in the centre – which includes Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss and Kurt Geiger.

Hammerson UK and Ireland managing director Mark Bourgeois said: “Across our portfolio, we’re proactively shifting the brand mix and repurposing department store space to ensure our destinations are as attractive and engaging as possible.

“We’re really focusing on the world’s leading brands and experiences, and today’s announcement is a great example of that strategy in action, as Brown Thomas is one of Ireland’s most iconic and successful retail brands.”

Brown Thomas managing director Donald McDonald said: “We are delighted to have secured a new enlarged store at Dundrum – one of Ireland’s leading shopping centres. We have been looking for a larger space in the centre for a number of years to enable us to deliver a more enhanced customer experience, and in particular, to help grow our successful BT2 business there.”

Hammerson has also recently received planning approval to build 107 rental apartments at Dundrum Town Centre as part of its ongoing City Quarters concept.