The existing Primark store will be substantially expanded to take over the entire ground floor of the empty unit opposite which had housed the BHS store until it closed and which has remained empty for over a year. By taking over the former BHS store, Primark will be able to expand their current retail space by approximately 70%.
The plans will include the removal of an escalator and is the latest part of a major investment in Merry Hill which has already seen the expansion of stores such as River Island, Topshop and JD Sports.
The regional director of Merry Hill owners INTU, Nick Round, has welcomed the Primark expansion plans and stated that it will enable Primark to display their entire range in the store. He added that the provision of approximately 60,00 square feet of shopping space was designed to enhance the customer experience of shopping at Primark.
This was particularly important for a brand such as Primark which relies on sales from its stores and not from customers buying online.
The plan to expand Primark is the culmination of talks between the brand and Merry Hill management that have been going on since 2014. Nick Round has called their decision to go ahead with the expansion into the BHS store site a vote of confidence in the future of Merry Hill.
The centre is undergoing an ambitious £100 million expansion and investment programme which includes the creation of new restaurants and a new cinema as well as the expansion of many of the main stores. Nick Round stated that retailers are now showing their confidence in Merry Hill as a prime shopping destination where they can invest and their brand will flourish.
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