Shopping malls around the world are experiencing tenant outflow, and even a major anchor tenant such as the Debenhams chain of department stores is partially closing down. But the British retailer Next decided to take advantage of this, and a new format of shopping spaces will open in the vacant premises, where customers will be offered premium health and beauty products. Shops based on the original concept will be opened in Hammerson, Birmingham, Reading, Lester, Glasgow, and Croydon.
These “beauty halls” will function separately from Next brand stores. The new concept will be complemented by the retailer’s online health and beauty business. The Next website already sells over 200 cosmetic brands, including Bvlgari, Estee Lauder, Burberry, Emporio Armani, Lancome, Yves Saint Laurent, and many others. The success of the online business prompted the retailer to try their hand at creating a new concept store chain and entering a relatively new market.
Representatives of Debenhams chain officially confirmed that department stores in those five locations would not open after the quarantine has been lifted because a rental agreement with the owner of Hammerson malls had not been reached. Next has already announced that it is looking for experienced employees for its new stores, and it is expected that the unemployed specialists from Debenhams will be able to move to the new stores of the retailer.
