Member Article

FatFace next in line for Bluewater statement store after upsizing

Fashion retailer FatFace is to upsize its presence at Bluewater Shopping Centre creating another addition to the centre’s line-up of statement stores.

FatFace will move into a new 7,753 sq ft store at the upper Rose Gallery on 24 March, which is almost double the size of the UK clothing brand’s current premises.

It marks another statement store at the Kent shopping centre after H&M established its largest outlet in South East England at Bluewater last month, and follows similar upsizes by Next and Top Shop.

The shopping centre has also announced that American cosmetics brand Kehl’s, who have been part of Bluewater’s lineup since 2011, has also upsized into a 410 sq ft store.

Russell Loveland, Portfolio Director at Land Securities who co-own Bluewater, said: “The trend for many brands at Bluewater to upsize, such as FatFace and Kiehl’s, reflects Bluewater’s performance, which continues to set the standard in the industry.

“Larger stores create the opportunity for brands to deliver something special for our guests, which both retailers are doing.

“We have a very clear strategy to create a select number of what we describe as ‘statement stores’, which are the very best embodiments of the brand. This ensures Bluewater provides guests with an offer and experience that is unlike anywhere else in the UK, which plays a key role in driving Bluewater’s performance.”

Robert Moore, Acquisitions Manager at FatFace, added: “We are delighted to be doubling the size of our store at Bluewater. FatFace enjoys huge popularity at Bluewater, largely due to our brand being very closely aligned to Bluewater’s guests.

“Upsizing into a new statement store has therefore been a priority for some time, and we have worked closely with Land Securities to create the ideal store.”