Atria Watford, the vibrant shopping hub in Hertfordshire, is undergoing exciting transformations in its retail landscape. Spanish fashion giant Zara is set to expand its footprint with a significant upgrade. Zara’s new flagship store, spanning an impressive 43,000 square feet, marks a substantial expansion from its previous 18,000 square feet space at the mall.
With a commitment to a 15-year lease on this new unit, strategically located in the mall’s newer Charter Place, the expanded Zara store is slated to open its doors in early 2024. Shoppers can expect an extensive selection of fashion options for women, men, and children, spread across two floors, encompassing the upper mall and mezzanine.
Steve Gray, Head of European Retail Asset Management for Atria Watford’s management company, Global Mutual, underscores the rationale behind this expansion: «The decision reflects the robust performance of Zara’s existing store at the center, a beloved brand among our shoppers, poised to drive foot traffic into the new year.»
He adds, «Prime retail spaces, like ours, are in high demand, and our promising pipeline for the next year is a testament to this. Stay tuned for more positive updates in the months ahead.»
In an additional exciting development, Atria Watford welcomes Rituals, the luxury Dutch beauty and well-being brand, enhancing the mall’s offerings.
Gray also highlights the significance of Rituals’ arrival, noting, «The center already boasts several premium health and beauty brands. Rituals’ luxurious home and body products will elevate our offerings, making the new store an attractive destination for shoppers, especially as we approach the festive season.»
Penny Grivea, Managing Director for the UK & Ireland at Rituals, shares, «The new Rituals store empowers customers to achieve well-being by discovering products that balance the body, mind, and soul. This marks an exciting chapter for the brand as we expand our retail presence across the UK.