New Look to open a new concept store in major shopping centre

The retailer is opening a new 12,120 sq ft concept store at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, located on the Upper Thames Walk.

Opening on April 3, it will feature New Look’s first omni-hub space that integrates new initiatives to “streamline the customer journey”, such as digital inspiration, showrooms and displays.

The space follows the retailer’s £3m investment into its Manchester stores, where it trialled new designs to improve product merchandising and enhanced the shopfloor to make it better fit with the brand’s identity. 

A dedicated service hub will also be in store to improve collections and returns for a seamless shopping experience. 

The new store will offer customers an extensive range of womenswear and accessories, as well as a menswear showroom. A mezzanine floor houses New Look’s 915 collection, which offers a range of casual clothing, sportswear and accessories for girls aged 9-15. 

From April 3 to April 5, New Look will offer the first 200 customers goody bags to spend in store, while surprise gift cards will be hidden around the shop. 

New Look retail director Elaine Cartwright 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.”

The news arrives one month after New Look revealed it would be exiting its Ireland market, reportedly driven by years of challenging market conditions, rising costs and weakened consumer demand.