Zara, the international fashion powerhouse under the Inditex umbrella, is set to significantly increase its presence at Bullring & Grand Central. This move is part of the ongoing transformation of the Birmingham city centre destination, spearheaded by property management firm Hammerson. The expansion not only marks a significant upgrade for Zara but also heralds the arrival of several new brands to the centre, including the Swiss watchmaker Swatch, global footwear icon Clarks, the Mexican food chain Zambrero, and the niche retail brand Pop Street.
Occupying a strategic position above M&S and the eagerly awaited TOCA Social, plus an adjoining two-storey space on the upper level, Zara’s new flagship store will encompass over 51,000 sq ft. This expansion will significantly bolster its offering in Birmingham, showcasing a comprehensive range of womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear. Innovations such as an ‘Automated Collection Point’ and self-service tills are set to enhance the customer shopping experience. This development follows the regional debut of Inditex’s Bershka and Pull&Bear at Bullring last year, signalling a continued commitment to the Birmingham market.
Swatch is poised to open its inaugural standalone store in the city within Bullring’s Link Street. The boutique, spanning 800 sq ft, will feature a diverse array of over 500 watches, blending classic and contemporary designs from its extensive collections.
In a nod to evolving retail trends, Clarks will relocate within Bullring to debut its ‘modern workshop’ store concept in a 4,500 sq ft space. This initiative promises a fusion of the brand’s traditional craftsmanship with industry-leading innovation, complemented by a series of events and activations.
Additionally, the independent Mexican restaurant Zambrero plans to increase its footprint with a 580 sq ft site on Bullring’s middle level. Independent retail brand Pop Street will also make its mark with a 3,900 sq ft unit, enhancing the centre’s lower-level retail mix.
Toby Tait, Director of Asset Management at Hammerson, commented on the retail evolution: “The strategic repositioning of Bullring & Grand Central has introduced key brands and new concepts to the destination, driving footfall and sales year-on-year. The reinvestment by Zara, coupled with the introduction of new concept stores from Swatch and Clarks, underscores Bullring’s appeal and validates our strategic direction.”
This wave of openings is part of Hammerson’s wider strategy to transform its assets from traditional shopping venues into dynamic ‘destinations’ that offer a rich mix of entertainment, leisure, and lifestyle experiences. Efforts to reimagine the space have included innovative events like Late Night Out, transforming Bullring into a late-night venue with live entertainment, alongside a Club Paradiso Ibiza-themed summer pop-up bar and the return of the B Side Hip Hop Festival and Birmingham Weekender, further diversifying the centre’s appeal.