Zara and River Island have announced major expansion plans at intu Lakeside as owner intu moves forward its multi-million-pound transformation of the centre.
River Island is doubling its current footprint and Zara is taking three times more space to create two new flagship stores that will complement intu Lakeside’s extensive mall refurbishment. At 21,000 sq ft and 35,000 sq ft respectively, the shops will be among the largest in River Island’s and Zara’s portfolios.
They are the latest retailers to invest in flagship stores at intu Lakeside since H&M doubled the size of its store to 36,000 sq ft and Next opened an expanded 70,000 sq ft store in Spring 2017. In total, intu Lakeside’s occupiers spent £13 million on new stores, refits and refurbishments last year.
intu will embark on a full mall refurbishment programme this summer to enhance the centre’s existing entrances, lighting, seating and signs. Work is also well underway on a £72 million, 175,000 sq ft development for incoming leisure brands like Nickelodeon, Hollywood Bowl and new mini-golf operator Puttshack who will open at intu Lakeside early next year.
Rebecca Ryman, regional managing director at intu, said: “Zara and River Island’s investment in bigger and better space is a huge vote of confidence for the exciting future of intu Lakeside and this is mirrored by the number of fantastic brands also joining our line-up for the first time.
“Retailers like Zara and River Island have seen great success since opening with us and they clearly recognise the opportunities that lie ahead for intu Lakeside as a major retail and leisure destination.”
A River Island spokesperson said: “River Island is excited to double the size of its current retail space at intu Lakeside. The combination of a loyal and high spending customer base, vibrant retail mix and the enhanced leisure offer make it the perfect location to be creating an even bigger store.”
Beauty brand Jo Malone is also moving from a pop-up to a permanent space at intu Lakeside and bed manufacturer Silent Night has chosen the centre for its second flagship showroom.
