Birmingham's Bullring welcomes six big retail stores and dining experiences since popular store closure

Birmingham’s premier shopping destination, is set to become even more vibrant with the addition of several high-profile brands.

Bullring & Grand Central in Birmingham is undergoing a significant transformation in 2024, with a host of new store openings, upcoming events - and recent closures.

The city centre asset is being repositioned, with the repurposing of a former department store space playing a key role in this change.

Zara, Swatch, Clarks, Zambrero, and Pop Street are all opening their doors, bringing a fresh wave of fashion, food, and fun to the heart of the city among other new changes. Here’s a closer look at the six new changes at the Bullring:

1) Zara: the international fashion powerhouse, is significantly expanding its presence. The brand is not just opening one, but two new stores within the Bullring, taking over the top floor above M&S and an adjacent two-storey unit on the upper level. This expansion will create over 51,000 sq ft of shopping space, featuring Zara’s full range of womenswear, menswear, and childrenswear.

2) Swatch: Joining the fashion giant is Swatch, the Swiss watch brand known for its innovative and stylish timepieces. Swatch is launching its debut standalone store in the city, located on Bullring’s Link Street. The 800 sq ft store will display over 500 different watches, offering both classic styles and contemporary options.

4) Clarks: the global footwear brand, is relocating within Bullring to introduce its ‘modern workshop’ concept. The new 4,500 sq ft store on the lower level will embody the brand’s trademark craftsmanship and industry-leading innovation3.

5) Zambrero: For food enthusiasts, Zambrero, the independent Mexican grab-and-go restaurant, is boosting its presence in the city with a new 580 sq ft location on the middle level of Bullring.

6) Pop Street: an independent retail brand, is opening a 3,900 sq ft unit on the lower level, adding to the eclectic mix of shopping options.

While these openings mark a new chapter for the Bullring, the shopping centre has also seen the departure of some stores. Notably, Victoria’s Secret is set to close its Birmingham flagship store after almost a decade and Ted Baker is also due to close it’s store.

The lingerie brand’s closure is part of a wider trend of retail adjustments, but the Bullring continues to attract new and exciting brands, ensuring that it remains a dynamic destination for shoppers and diners alike.

Toby Tait, Director of Asset Management at Hammerson, commented: “The strategic repositioning of Bullring & Grand Central has seen us introduce key brands, new concepts and events to the destination. As a result, we have driven footfall and sales for our occupiers year-on-year and continue to attract best-in-class brands partners.”

As the Bullring bids farewell to Victoria’s Secret, it welcomes these new stores with open arms, ready to offer an enhanced shopping and dining experience to all who visit.