Australian retailer makes grand entrance into English market

Harvey Norman, the Australian lifestyle, technology and home appliance retailer, has made its long-awaited debut in England with the opening of a flagship store at the Merry Hill shopping centre in the West Midlands.

The 57,000 square foot store showcases a wide range of luxury furniture, including sofas, dining sets, bedroom suites and mattresses, alongside smaller household items such as kitchenware. The space also features home appliances, technology, and entertainment products from renowned brands like Dyson, Shark, Apple, Samsung, LG, Miele and Sage.

Lachlan Roach, managing director of Harvey Norman UK, expressed enthusiasm about the company's expansion, stating, "With over 300 stores in eight countries across the globe, it will be no surprise that we have been wanting to make our entrance to the English market for a while. The opportunity we had to open in a key national destination like Merry Hill was not one to miss, and it makes for the perfect home for our flagship location."

The store boasts dedicated areas for each product category, including a cooking appliance centre specifically designed for Merry Hill. This customer-centric approach aligns with the retailer's global reputation for exceptional service.

The arrival of Harvey Norman at Merry Hill follows the recent one-year anniversary celebration of Hollywood Bowl at the centre. Since its opening, Hollywood Bowl has contributed to the formation of a new leisure quarter, boosting footfall by 43 per cent.

Graeme Jones, executive director at Sovereign Centros from CBRE, representing Merry Hill, commented on the significance of Harvey Norman's arrival: "The arrival of Harvey Norman exemplifies the transformation of Merry Hill over a number of years, going from a centre struggling with vacancy to one that is thriving. We went after Harvey Norman because they align perfectly with our catchment, and the West Midlands deserves a unique store of this calibre."

This expansion marks Harvey Norman's first venture into England, complementing its existing presence in Northern Ireland where it operates two stores. The move signifies the retailer's commitment to establishing a strong foothold in the UK market, bringing its extensive range of lifestyle, technology, and entertainment products to English consumers.



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