Primark takes over former BHS unit at Intu Merry Hill for expanded store

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Dec 3, 2018

Primark has increased the size of its Intu Merry Hill flagship store by more than 70% after taking over a unit previously occupied by the collapsed BHS business.

The Irish retail giant launched the expanded store on Saturday 29 November, unveiling two floors of fashion, accessories, beauty and homeware over 60,000 square feet of space.

The new design and layout builds on the company’s latest shop fit and features improved fitting rooms and cash desks, access to free Wifi and seating areas where customers can recharge their phones and take a break.

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There has been a raft of expansions at the shopping centre in the last year, following a wider trend seen across the country as retailers increase their presence in key malls and cut their exposure to the high street crisis.

Topshop, River Island and JD Sports have also upsized their stores at Intu Merry Hill, as well as Next, which opened one of its biggest UK stores at the shopping destination earlier this year.

Nick Round, regional managing director at Intu, said: “Primark is a fantastic example of how we’re repositioning underperforming retail space to bring in new and exciting brands or alternatives. At a time when retail is suffering from negative sentiment, this significant investment by Primark demonstrates not only their commitment to Intu Merry Hill but also to physical retail.”

The shopping centre welcomes 18 million visitors a year, and its line-up will receive another boost when Footlocker, Sports Direct and Flannels open there in the coming weeks.