Bullring & Grand Central, a prominent retail destination in Birmingham, recently celebrated a significant milestone with several new store openings, marking a pivotal moment in the city center’s retail evolution. This development aligns with Hammerson’s strategy to diversify the tenant mix, introducing new brands and unique shopping experiences to the area.
Nike, Bershka, Pull&Bear, and M&S are among the latest additions, strategically launching their stores in anticipation of the peak shopping season. This expansion has added approximately 115,000 sq ft of new retail space to the area.
The introduction of Nike’s innovative ‘Nike Rise’ concept store is a notable highlight. Positioned near the iconic steel ‘Bull’ at the entrance to Bullring, the 13,000 sq ft store offers a blend of digital experiences and services. Key features include Footwear Fastlane, Nike by You for product customization, and a new section dedicated to women’s athletic wear.
Inditex’s urban fashion brands, Bershka and Pull&Bear, have also established their regional presence at Bullring. Following the lead of Zara, these stores occupy a combined space of 36,000 sq ft. Bershka showcases its Bershka, BSK, and Man lines, while Pull&Bear offers an extensive range of menswear and womenswear.
M&S has also joined the retail lineup with a 65,000 sq ft store. This new addition includes a market-style Foodhall and expansive departments for Clothing, Home, and Beauty. M&S’s investment in Bullring is part of its broader national initiative, reflecting a commitment to the local economy and job creation.
In addition to these retail openings, Bullring & Grand Central hosted the iconic Coca-Cola truck as part of its Christmas activations. The truck’s return, after a seven-year hiatus, is part of a UK-wide tour and complements the Après Ski Bar, enhancing the seasonal festivities and community engagement.
Toby Tait, Director of Asset Management at Hammerson, expressed enthusiasm about the recent developments. “2023 has been a transformational year for Bullring & Grand Central. With 12 major brands opening in the last three months, we’ve revitalized the destination by introducing new entertainment and leisure concepts, high-profile brands, and market firsts,” he stated. Tait highlighted the influx of prominent brands as evidence of a ‘flight to quality’ trend and expressed confidence in the continued appeal of in-store experiences in prime city center locations.
