Next opens largest UK store at Bluewater

Next has opened its largest UK store at the Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent. The 132,000sq ft space, with 83,000sq ft of trading area, was designed by the global strategy and design studio Dalziel & Pow.

This opening is the latest in a series of store relaunches for Next designed by Dalziel & Pow. It follows successful openings in Eldon Square, Newcastle, Canterbury, and Ripon throughout 2025, and the Stratford City relaunch in 2024.

Design Philosophy and Customer Journey

At the core of the design is a promise to make shopping effortless. Dalziel & Pow created a dynamic and adaptable environment aimed at helping customers discover, collect, and purchase with ease. The design seeks to balance efficiency with a premium aesthetic.

Mark Frankland, Creative Director of Environments at Dalziel & Pow, explained the approach. "With this design, we used materials that would make people feel comfortable and that they might even use at home," he said. "The store has a premium feel, but is designed to be welcoming, putting customers at their ease."

Department Layout and Material Palette

The two-floor store consolidates Women’s, Men’s, Children’s and Home departments under one roof. Each area has a distinct identity within a cohesive overall design. A calm, neutral palette forms the backdrop, accented by signature colours for navigation.

Glazed finishes add depth and a subtle sense of luxury throughout the space. A limited material palette is intended to make customers feel at home. This is contrasted with textures and tones in the architecture to give each department a unique character.

Expanded Home and Destination Features

The Home department has been significantly expanded to showcase a broader furniture offering. It features direct access to the rear car park to facilitate transporting larger purchases. The store is conceived as a destination beyond mere retail.

It incorporates a Costa café for customers to pause. A dedicated Bath & Body Works concession with its own independent entrance is also included, broadening the store's appeal.

The Role of Light and Architecture

Lighting is a defining element of the concept. Carefully layered ambient and accent lighting is integrated into the architecture, ceiling details, and visual merchandising fixtures. Expansive atrium skylights flood the space with natural daylight.

This use of light aims to create warmth, depth, and a sense of calm. It enhances the premium feel and brings the merchandise in every department to life.

Dalziel & Pow has been a design partner for Next for over 19 years. Frankland noted the studio's role in supporting the retailer's expansion. "We are proud to be launching this new store as Next continues its transformation from its presence on the UK high street to retail powerhouse," he said.