Harvey Nichols Mailbox store finally reopens Friday

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Oct 23, 2020

Harvey Nichols is finally reopening its department store in Birmingham's Mailbox shopping centre, months after it closed due to the UK lockdown.

The Friday (October 23) opening comes just in time for the UK's half-term holiday and also as the country gears up for the Christmas shopping season.

The store has been closed since March and there's always a certain amount of nervousness when retailers still haven’t reopened physical shops months after they were allowed to. 

A number of big names have kept some of their stores closed once they were allowed to reopen and in some cases have later announced that they would close permanently.

While it wasn't seen as likely that Harvey Nichols would permanently shut what is one of its flagship locations, like other retailers, the company has struggled to attract shopper footfall in its wider business since reopening.

Importantly for the shopping centre itself and for Birmingham retail in general, the reopening is a sign of the company’s confidence in the city and the shop should add an extra attraction for consumers deciding whether or not to shop physically or online.

Birmingham has lost a number of physical shops in recent months and earlier John Lewis announced the closure of its Grand Central department store there.

Harvey Nichols COO Manju Malhotra said the company will now be “focusing on what we do best, which is providing a high level of personal service and an exceptional shopping experience, within a safe and comfortable environment”.

The store has long been a popular destination for Mailbox shoppers and it now adds to an upscale fashion offer there that includes Paul Smith, Gieves & Hawkes, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Boss and James Lakeland.

The mall is also expected to announce some new tenants soon.