New Next ‘flagship’ store spanning 132,000 sq ft opens in UK shopping centre this week – and it’s in old House of Fraser

A HUGE new Next store is set to open in a UK shopping centre this week. Shoppers will be able to explore the 132,000 sq ft flagship store in just days. Next is opening a huge megastore next week Credit: Bluewater Bluewater Shopping centre in Kent will be the home to the largest Next branch Credit: Alamy The retailer has confirmed its new Bluewater Shopping Centre branch in Kent will officially open on Thursday, July 30. The store will triple Next‘s presence at the shopping centre, making it the largest store in the retailer’s UK portfolio. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Terry Wetherell, store manager at Next, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be opening the largest store across the Next portfolio at Bluewater. “We can’t wait to showcase a broader range of our products and introduce new brands to the centre and our customers.” The new branch is taking over the former House of Fraser unit, which has stood empty since the department store closed at the end of 2024. Inside, shoppers will find expanded ranges across menswear, womenswear, children’s clothing and homeware, alongside an in-store Costa café. The move will also see Bath & Body Works relocate into a neighbouring 2,000 sq ft unit. Bluewater centre director James Waugh said there had been “huge anticipation” ahead of the opening. Most read in Money He added: “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.” To celebrate the launch, the shopping centre will host a weekend of family entertainment including face painting, a live DJ and appearances from Next’s mascot Hamish the Highland Cow. The first 150 customers through the doors will also receive an exclusive goody bag. Next operates more than 400 stores across the UK and stocks its own ranges alongside brands including Victoria’s Secret, Reiss and Joules. It has not yet been confirmed what will happen to the retailer’s existing Bluewater store once the new flagship opens. Comment now