Next to launch new beauty hall concept in former Debenhams stores

Next says it plans to employ former Debenhams staff

(PA)

Next has secured a deal to transform five former Debenhams beauty departments into its own new beauty hall concept.

The retailer says it has agreed on a deal with landlord Hammerson for the new concept sites and is in discussions to open a “small number” of further sites.

The sites – which will trade under the name The Beauty Hall from Next - will include Bullring & Grand Central Birmingham, Silverburn Glasgow, and Highcross Leicester.

Next says it plans to hire staff with beauty retail experience and is therefore “likely” to offer positions to former Debenhams staff.

The retailer added that it is working with its retail teams and brand partners to ensure its stores adhere to government social distancing guidelines and are safe for customers and staff when they open.

Announcing the move, Simon Wolfson, Next chief executive, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to work with existing and new beauty brand partners to create a new force in beauty retailing – bringing our online business to life through premium store environments in some of the UK’s most important retail locations.”

Last year, the high street giant acquired the Fabled beauty brand from Ocado, after an initial online collaboration in the previous year.

David Atkins, Hammerson’s chief executive, said: “This is a really challenging time for all of us, so it’s really encouraging to see strong, innovative brands like Next work with us to plan for the future.

“This is another example of how we are re-purposing department store space and improving the shopping experience for consumers.

“The Beauty Hall from Next is a great concept and it’s a real vote of confidence in our flagship destinations that Next has chosen these locations to launch its new offer.”

The deal is set to give a boost to shopping centre owner Hammerson, which saw its £400 million deal to sell seven UK retail parks collapse on Wednesday.

It comes as struggling retailer Debenhams announced on Wednesday that it was to permanently close five more stories in the UK.

The permanent closures could result in up 1,000 staff losing their jobs.

Debenhams had struck deals with landlords to keep most of its 142 stores open after it fell into administration for the second time last month.