Zara, River Island sign up for flagship space at Intu Lakeside

By

Barbara Santamaria

Published
Mar 20, 2018

Two of the UK’s most popular fashion chains are investing in more space at Intu Lakeside ahead of an extensive refurbishment taking place at the Essex shopping centre this summer.

Zara and River Island are both expanding their current presence to create two new flagship stores. River Island will double its current footprint to open a 21,000 sq ft store, and Zara is taking three times more space for a 35,000 sq ft shop, resulting in two flagship stores that will be among the largest in their portfolios.

They follow H&M, which doubled the size of its store to 36,000 sq ft, and Next, which opened an expanded 70,000 sq ft store, in spring 2017. In total, retailers at Intu Lakeside spent £13 million on new stores, refits and refurbishments last year. 

Rebecca Ryman, regional managing director at Intu, commented: “Zara and River Island’s investment in bigger and better space is a huge vote of confidence for the exciting future of Intu Lakeside and this is mirrored by the number of fantastic brands also joining our line-up for the first time.”

The announcement comes ahead of a full mall refurbishment programme to enhance the centre’s existing entrances, lighting, seating and signs. Intu Lakeside is also working on a 75,000 sq ft development for incoming leisure brands like Nickelodeon, Hollywood Bowl and new mini-golf operator Puttshack.

Meanwhile, Jo Malone is opening a permanent store at the centre following a successful pop-up, and bed manufacturer Silent Night has chosen the centre for its second flagship showroom.