LAKESIDE, one of the UK’s most popular retail and leisure destinations, owned by property company SGS, is pleased to announce that H&M has signed on a new unit at the centre, as part of an expansion and re-model, which will see the launch of H&M HOME.
The new H&M HOME unit, adjacent and linked to H&M’s existing site, will cover 8,000 sq ft, bringing the total H&M space to over 40,000 sq ft. It will stock H&M’s popular home range – with an extensive selection of furniture, textiles and decorative pieces. The existing store, which is also being re-modelled, will continue to stock a wide selection of apparel, footwear and accessories for women, men and kids, as well as its ‘Divided’ range for young adults.
Both the new and re-modelled existing space will open on 29th September 2022, significantly increasing H&M’s presence and prominence in the centre.
The new design and offer will be developed in line with H&M’s intention to lead the transition to circular, climate-positive fashion. H&M’s Garment Collection and Recycling service will be offered. Launched in 2013, this scheme allows customers to donate any unwanted clothes and textiles, by any brand, whilst shopping in-store. All items are recycled with 0% going to landfill. The store will also stock a lower volume of products overall, but with more emphasis on inspirational display.
The site will also place customer experience as its heart – boasting a new, bespoke interior, with an emphasis on creating a warmer, more welcoming and relaxed environment for shoppers to enjoy.
Founded in Sweden in 1947, H&M opened its first UK store in 1976. Over forty years later, its UK and Ireland portfolio has grown to include more than 240 stores.
Lakeside is a leading retail and leisure destination, situated in Essex, covering 1.6m sq ft. The centre sees millions of shopper visits per year and is home to over 250 shops in total, with leading brands such as M&S and Zara also holding space.
Steve Gray, Head of European Retail Asset Management at Global Mutual, comments:
“We are incredibly excited that H&M has decided to expand here at Lakeside and also to invest in its existing offer – ensuring it remains compelling and up-to-date – in line with the latest retailing trends and innovation. The brand is a valued partner and long-standing tenant, with a loyal customer base.
“The extension will increase H&M’s prominence within the centre and the new emphasis on sustainability and customer experience – alongside the launch of H&M HOME – will provide a real draw for shoppers.
“The expansion is indicative of continued confidence across the market. We are seeing sustained interest in prime retail space – like our own here at Lakeside – where a strong tenant mix, good transport connections and a supporting leisure offer continues to attract customers.”
Henrik Nordvall, Country Manager for H&M U.K. & Ireland, comments:
“We can’t wait to re-open our Lakeside store this month. It is always our aim to offer our customers a modern and meaningful shopping experience and by introducing H&M HOME, along with our Ladies, Mens, Divided, Kids and Accessories ranges, we are confident that our new Lakeside store will offer exactly this. We cannot wait to welcome our Lakeside customers on the 29th!”
