High street fashion chain with 48 UK stores opens in iconic shopping centre
A popular high street brand is opening yet another UK location, adding to the 48 stores it already has across the country. As several high street brands announce the closure of a number of their stores, including River Island and New Look, others are expanding across the country, such as Hollister. The fashion brand, which is a retail brand owned by Abercrombie & Fitch, is opening a brand new store in Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex, which is one of the largest shopping destinations in the country.
The brand specialises in men's and women's apparel as well as fragrances and accessories. The store originates in North America but opened its first store in the UK in 2009, when it opened in Brent Cross, London. The new store comes as Lakeside invests millions in a redevelopment which aims to modernise the centre and offer more to visitors. The fashion brand has grown significantly in the UK, opening a slew of stores across the country in locations such as Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester.
Lakeside Shopping Centre is owned by SGS UK Retail and asset managed by Pradera Lateral. Rob Jewell, managing director of asset management at Pradera Lateral, told Completely Retail News: "From premium names like The White Company, who are set to open at the centre in 2026, to ten lakefront restaurants and leading entertainment operators, Lakeside is redefining what guests can expect from a modern retail destination.
"The arrival of Hollister is a key part of that transformation, further strengthening our fashion line-up and appeal to a broader audience."
A slew of other new stores are coming to Lakeside. For example, it was announced last year that Spanish retailer Bershka would open in the Essex shopping centre.
Meanwhile, recently opened stores include JD Sports and Next. Lakeside Shopping Centre already has more than 250 stores spread across approximately 133,000 square metres.
Excitement has grown around the new arrival at Lakeside as shoppers began spotting Hollister signage in the previously empty retail unit.
Hollister has become known for its surf-inspired attire such as t-shirts, shorts and jeans. The new store is set to be the brand's second in Essex, as it already has a store in Braintree.
Other staple stores in Lakeside Shopping Centre include Ann Summers, Calvin Klein, Clark's, Dune London, Foot Locker, H&M, Lacoste and M&S. No opening date for Hollister has been revealed.