NEXT upsizes in-demand Bath & Body Works store at Bluewater

Since bolstering its third-party offering, NEXT has been on the up and up. After announcing it is on track to reach £1 billion in revenue, the retailer has revealed plans to triple its existing store at Kent's Bluewater shopping centre as well as its Bath & Body Works store.

NEXT is upsizing its existing 44,600 sq ft store to a new 133,000 sq ft space. It will also relocate and upsize the American-based global beauty brand, Bath & Body Works, into a 2,000 sq ft neighbouring store.

For over 20 years, Bath & Body Works has been dedicated to creating covetable candles and indulgent bath and body formulas, quickly becoming a shopping centre staple in the US.

In April, the retailer opened its first standalone store in Westfield London having previously only been available in the UK via NEXT.com and in-store concessions. The 2,357 sq ft space features the brand’s premium range of beauty products, from bath and bodycare to candles. The Bluewater store revamp solidifies Bath & Body Works commitment to the UK market.

Bluewater Shopping Centre

Pablo Sueiras, Head of Brand Account Management at Landsec, said: "The best brands are investing in bigger, better stores in prime locations. NEXT is at the forefront of retail innovation which has made it one of the most in-demand brands among consumers."

This follows 12 new lettings and five upsizes at the centre in the last six months, with beauty brands including Sephora and Aesop and fashion brands including Pull & Bear and Bershka.