Shoppers in Birmingham have spoken, revealing a diverse and surprising list of retailers they hope to see arrive at the Bullring in 2026. The city centre shopping complex took to social media to canvas public opinion on future openings, sparking a huge response from the public.
Building on a Busy Year for Bullring Retail
The call for ideas follows a significant year of expansion for the Bullring in 2025. A total of 27 new shops opened their doors at the centre last year, welcoming major brands including Uniqlo, Space NK, All Saints, and Hollister. This momentum is set to continue into the new year, with openings already confirmed for jewellery chain Lovisa, eatery SushiDog, and lingerie giant Victoria's Secret.
Shoppers' Surprising and Varied 2026 Requests
The social media post attracted more than 200 suggestions, creating a fascinating snapshot of local consumer desires. While high-street fashion and lifestyle brands featured heavily, some of the most notable requests were for value retailers and the return of a beloved family favourite.
The list of requested stores is extensive and varied, highlighting the broad demographic the Bullring serves. Key requests from shoppers include:
- Value Retailers: Aldi, B&M, Home Bargains, Savers, The Range.
- Fashion & Lifestyle: Flat Iron, Stradivarius, Anthropology, &Other Stories, Lucy & Yak, Brandy Melville, Gymshark, Mint Velvet.
- Returning Favourites: A strong call for the Disney Store to make a comeback, alongside requests for New Look, Topshop, Karen Millen, and Ted Baker.
- Home & Speciality: Zara Home, Ikea, John Lewis, Mamas & Papas, Lindt, Jellycat.
- Food & Fitness: Wendy's, Lululemon, Holland & Cooper, Abercrombie & Fitch.
What the Wishlist Tells Us About Birmingham Shoppers
The breadth of the responses underscores the Bullring's role as a regional retail hub catering to a wide range of needs and budgets. The notable appetite for a discount supermarket like Aldi within a major city-centre mall suggests a growing demand for convenient, value-led grocery options alongside fashion and leisure.
Similarly, the nostalgic plea for the Disney Store's return points to a gap in the market for dedicated family-friendly retail experiences. While the Bullring has not yet confirmed which, if any, of these requested stores will actually open, the exercise provides invaluable direct feedback from its customer base as it plans its future tenant mix.
The coming months will reveal how the shopping centre's management responds to this clear public demand as they shape the Bullring's evolution through 2026 and beyond.
