International fashion brand leads series of new openings at Bullring and Grand Central

Hammerson has announced that it will be increasing its presence at Bullring and Grand Central, as part of a repositioning of the shopping centres and the repurposing of the former Debenhams store space.

Swiss watchmakers Swatch, footwear brand Clarks, Mexican restaurant Zambrero and independent retail brand Pop Street will all be joining Zara.

In a move that completes the repurposing of the former Debenhams, Zara is taking the top floor above M&S and the highly anticipated TOCA Social, plus an adjacent two-storey unit on Bullring’s upper level. This will create over 51,000 sq ft of shopping space that will significantly elevate Zara’s presence in Birmingham.

The two new stores will showcase its full range of womenswear, menswear and childrenswear, and will feature an ‘Automated Collection Point’, self-service and dedicated refund tills to deliver a seamless customer experience. The renewed commitment follows the opening of Inditex brands Bershka and Pull&Bear - in a regional first - at Bullring last year.

Swatch, the Swiss watch brand synonymous with innovation and fashion, is to launch its debut standalone store in the city. Located on the upper mall of Bullring west next to the Lego store, the 800 sq ft store is set to host over 500 different watches on display, showcasing a selection of classic styles and contemporary options from a range of collections.

International footwear brand, Clarks, is relocating within Bullring to introduce its ‘modern workshop’ concept, occupying a new 4,500 sq ft unit on Bullring’s lower level. The new store, which will host a series of events and activations will embody the brand’s trademark craftmanship and industry leading innovation.

Additionally, independent Mexican grab and go restaurant, Zambrero is boosting its presence in the city with a new 580 sq ft location on Bullring’s middle level, and independent retail brand Pop Street is opening a 3,900 sq ft unit on Bullring’s lower level.

Toby Tait, director of Asset Management at Hammerson, commented: “The strategic repositioning of Bullring & Grand Central has seen us introduce key brands, new concepts and events to the destination. As a result, we have driven footfall and sales for our occupiers year-on-year and continue to attract best-in-class brands partners. Zara’s reinvestment alongside exciting new concept stores from Swatch and Clarks demonstrates the appeal of Bullring and endorses the success of our strategic focus.”

In parallel to the retail and entertainment offer, the focus on placemaking has been instrumental in changing the perception of Hammerson’s assets from places where customers come only to shop, to ‘destinations’ offering entertainment, leisure, social and lifestyle experiences.

Highlights include Late Night Out – a market first - which transformed Bullring into a late-night live entertainment venue, featuring celebrity performances, DJs and bars. A new Club Paradiso Ibiza themed summer pop-up bar and the return of the much-loved B Side Hip Hop Festival and Birmingham Weekender.