NEXT opening

13 November 2007

NEXT's Mega 22,000 Sq Ft Store Opening Soon At QueensmereObservatory

Criterion Capital has handed possession of the new flagship store at Queensmere, Slough to NEXT. Fitting out of the new 22,000 sq ft store has started in earnest with every effort being made to deliver a Christmas opening.

Savvy shoppers will be flocking to this fabulous new concept NEXT store, located in the heart of the Queensmere Centre on Curzon Mall close to Debenhams, HMV and New Look. Gorgeous styles and fantastic clothes will be on offer over three floors. The store will sell womenswear and childrenswear at ground floor level, with menswear and homewear located at the lower ground level.

"NEXT's excellent new store will be whipping up a frenzy in Slough. This is what we've all been waiting for", said Kevin Smith, Marketing Director at QueensmereObservatory.

A NEXT spokesperson said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for NEXT to bring our brand new concept to Slough."

The fresh look store encompasses a striking contemporary interior design. Stunning mirror-finish chrome and pale limestone ceramic tiling off sets stylish ranges for women, men and children and everything for the well-dressed home. Graphics create drama through large scale fashion images throughout the store.

NEXT is relocating from its 3,500 sq ft High Street store. The new flagship store at Queensmere was signed up by Criterion between exchange and completion at purchase in March 2007. Since then Criterion's Development team has worked tirelessly to create the shell unit from what was the old Littlewoods shop. Criterion has invested £5m of enabling works to ensure that the unit has been delivered but also to pave the way for new units to the high street.

"This is the first part of the revitalisation of the old Littlewoods block which has stood empty for a long time," says Robert Hoadley, Head of Asset Management for Criterion. "We are continuing our drive to improve the centres and the next phase of this will be the expansion of the frontages of this block to the High street to deliver a vibrant modern frontage with large, well serviced units. Slough has fantastic potential, a huge resident catchment population with great demographics. What it has lacked is a landlord in the town centre with the vision to commit capital speculatively to the town.

"The delivery of the shell unit to NEXT has been a mile stone in this process and our plans for the QueensmereObservatory. Now that we have the momentum going we will be working hard to maintain this and ensure the centre, as well as Slough, reaches its full potential. This is the start of a process we have instigated to bring local shoppers back to Slough by offering them a diverse and modern tenant mix."