Next to take space in ailing Debenhams stores as beauty shops
Next, traditionally a clothing retailer, said it is likely that many of the former Debenhams’ beauty staff will get a job at their shops
London — British clothing retailer Next said on Thursday that it plans to open its first, stand-alone beauty shops by taking space in five former Debenhams stores, seeking to diversify its offer into faster growing markets.
The move is a departure for Next, which has traditionally sold clothes, homeware and beauty products altogether in its stores. It’s also a sign that retailers with robust finances can take advantage of opportunities for future growth while weaker rivals battle to survive during the coronavirus pandemic.
Struggling department store chain Debenhams said on Wednesday that it would not reopen five stores leased from landlord Hammerson after failing to agree rent terms with the mall operator.
All Debenhams and Next stores in Britain are currently closed as part of the country’s lockdown.
Next said it has signed new flexible leases with Hammerson for the space in sites that include Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham, and Highcross in Leicester, as well as Silverburn Glasgow in Scotland.
Next will trade the space as “The Beauty Hall from NEXT”.
“This is another example of how we are repurposing department store space,” said Hammerson CEO David Atkins.
Next CEO Simon Wolfson said the deal is an opportunity to “create a new force in beauty retailing”.
Next said it aims to create a premium retail environment for beauty to complement its existing online beauty business, which sells more than 200 beauty brands, including Estée Lauder, Clinique and GHD.
Next said it is in talks to add a small number of further sites.
It said it is likely that many of the former Debenhams’ beauty staff will get a job at Next.
Last month, Next sold property, suspended share buybacks and dividends, and delivered higher cost savings to shore up its finances. Its first quarter sales plunged 41%.
Shares in Next, down 33% so far this year, were up 0.9% at 9.54am GMT, while Hammerson was down 6.3% near all-time lows. The mall operator’s shares have fallen more than 80% since December.
Reuters