Eighty-one and counting. Space NK is to open its first new store of 2025 at the major Landsec-operated Bluewater mall in Kent.
The premium beauty retailer has chosen a trading space totalling 2,760 sq ft and it debuts before its 82nd store, set to open this summer at the equally massive Hammerson-operated Birmingham Bullring. That will be its largest store (5,500 sq ft) outside of London.
Number 83 could be another major flagship location… at London’s Oxford Circus, adjacent to the new Ikea store, although that is yet to be officially confirmed.
Back to Bluewater, and the store will feature “over 100 of the world’s most coveted beauty brands”.
As with the Bullring,the store has been “designed with the customer experience in mind [with a] truly sensorial experience in which customers can rely on receiving unbiased advice and expert curation of the world’s best beauty brands, alongside an experience that provides space for customers to stay and play in a retail concept that has bespoke spaces”.
This store also marks a return to Bluewater for SpaceNK, with the original store, which had a much smaller footprint, closing in 2012.
Charlie Evans, head of retail at Space NK, said: “With its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional visitor experience, Bluewater is the ideal location for us to connect with even more customers and showcase our unique offerings in the heart of Kent. This opening marks an important step in expanding our presence in the region.”
Pablo Sueiras, Head of Brand Account Management at Landsec added: “We continue to see strong growth from the best in beauty retail and Space NK’s exceptional curation makes them the destination for luxury beauty discovery. Space NK’s new store promises an unparalleled shopping experience for the millions of Bluewater guests who visit each year.”
Recent beauty developments at Bluewater have included the opening of Sephora and Superdrug moving into a larger space. The closure of House of Frasers there, which had a large prestige beauty department, has also opened up opportunities for other retailers to fill the gap left behind.
