Next is set to open a massive 132,000-square-foot flagship store at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent later this month, tripling the size of its existing outlet in the complex. The new store will officially open its doors on Thursday, July 30, and will offer a broader range of products, including men's, women's, children's and homeware items, alongside an in-store Costa café.
Landmark Expansion for Bluewater
James Waugh, the Bluewater centre director, described the opening as a landmark moment. "There has been huge anticipation around the opening of Next's new store, so we're delighted to confirm that it will be opening its doors later this month," he said. "As our first new anchor store since Bluewater launched in 1999, this expansion is a landmark moment for us. We look forward to welcoming guests across the opening weekend and beyond."
The new store will take over a former House of Fraser unit that has been empty since the end of 2024. Next currently operates over 400 stores in the UK and partners with brands such as Victoria's Secret, Reiss and Joules.
Opening Weekend Celebrations
To mark the opening, Next has planned entertainment for the family, including face-painting, a DJ, and an appearance from Hamish the Highland Cow, the Next mascot. The first 150 customers to enter the store will also receive an exclusive goody bag.
"We're incredibly excited to be opening the largest store across the Next portfolio at Bluewater," said Terry Wetherell, store manager at Next. "We can't wait to showcase a broader range of our products and introduce new brands to the centre and our customers."
It is currently unclear what will happen to the existing Next building on the site.
