Fashion retailer Next is to rollout 9,300 sq m (100,000 sq ft) superstores across the UK as part of plans to beef up its high street presence.
The strategy – which is bolder than had been anticipated – is understood to follow the success of a Liverpool store with a 3,720 sq m (40,000 sq ft) sales area and a gross floor area of around 10,000 sq m (105,00 sq ft).
The chain is understood to be looking for sites in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Bluewater in Kent, Lakeside in Thurrock in Essex and two in Manchester – one in the city centre, the other at the Trafford Centre.
Last month, Next revealed expansion plans after announcing a hike in first half sales. Pre-tax profits were also up to £93m from £80.7m. Next had been expected to open smaller stores of around 1,860 sq m (20,000 sq ft).
An insider said: “Next want to replicate the success of the Liverpool store and are looking is six or seven locations. The requirement is immediate. The Liverpool store is working well and we expect the next stores to be bigger, with sales areas of around 60,000 sq ft.”
In Manchester speculation is focusing on Prudentials Arndale North extension and on the potential to create a Next superstore within a re-organised Royal Exchange shopping centre.
EGi News 16/10/01
