There’ll be a new name in beauty appearing at shopping centres after the lockdown ends.
Next has snapped up space in five former Debenhams stores to extend its online Beauty concept to bricks and mortar.
The retail fashion chain launched its beauty business in 2018 and now offers 200 different brands online.
“We’re creating a new force in beauty retailing,” said Next boss Simon Wolfson.
The new stores will open up in five Hammerson shopping centres.
The stores will be located at Bullring & Grand Central, Birmingham, The Oracle, Reading, Highcross, Leicester, Silverburn, Glasgow and Centrale in Croydon.
Next said it is also in discussions for a “small number” of further sites, as it continues to grow its beauty business.
Replacing Debenhams
The beauty halls from Next will replace Debenhams’ beauty halls in Hammerson’s centres while the property owner looks at opportunities to fill the other empty floors of the former department stores.
Next said the stores would be adapted to ensure that, when they open, they adhere to government social distancing guidelines and are safe for customers and staff.
“This is an exciting opportunity to bring our online business to life,” said Mr Wolfson.