HUNDREDS of shoppers queued to get a first look at Next’s brand new “anchor store” yesterday, as it opened to the public.
Taking over a former House of Fraser, the store is located in a major shopping mall in the UK.
A brand new Next in Kent’s Bluewater Shopping Centre has opened to the public Credit: Cover Images
Shoppers were seen queueing outside to get a first look at the massive 132,000 sq ft shop Credit: Cover Images
A brand-new Next megastore has opened its doors at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, attracting a host of excited shoppers.
The store now triples the retailer’s presence in the centre, spanning 132,000 sq ft and becoming the largest ever Next store.
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Yesterday, hundreds of excited customers queued to look around the huge new store, with the first 150 shoppers getting an exclusive goody bag on arrival.
A DJ was also on site to entertain customers, with some arriving as early as 7am to be the first to get inside.
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Store manager at Next in Bluewater, Terry Wetherell, told KentOnline that customers were “super excited” to see the shop, continuing that “it’s something Bluewater has been waiting for for years.”
“We’ve been in our old store for 26 years, it was tired it was old and it just needed a refresh. And this is what we’ve made today it’s incredible.”
Taking over an empty former House of Fraser, Bluewater’s new Next store spans over two floors in the shopping centre.
Inside, shoppers will find an expanded range of items across menswear, womenswear, children’s clothing and homeware.
Inside, the store has upgraded menswear and womenswear sections Credit: Cover Images
There is also a neighbouring Bath & Body Works for shoppers to enjoy Credit: Cover Images
An in-store Costa Coffee will also feature on-site, as well as a neighbouring 2,000 sq ft Bath & Body Works unit.
Shoppers have shared their delight at the new store opening, with one saying: “I’ve come here because the clothing is quality and it’s the best place to come and I love it” and “I can’t wait to get in there now”.
James Waugh, the centre director at Bluewater, said: “This opening has been years in the making, so it’s incredibly exciting to finally see Next open its doors.
“It’s been fantastic to watch the new store take shape, and we can’t wait to see our guests discover everything it has to offer over the opening weekend and for years to come.”
Bluewater Shopping Centre’s new Next store is now officially open to the public, but the retailer has not yet confirmed what will happen to the old location.
