Harvey Norman Confirms Opening Date for Sutton Coldfield Department Store
Harvey Norman has officially announced the opening date for its new Sutton Coldfield store, marking a significant retail revival in the Gracechurch Centre. The Australian department store chain, often dubbed 'the Australian John Lewis,' will welcome customers for the first time on Thursday, April 2, following a multi-million-pound transformation of the former BHS premises.
Revitalising a Decade-Long Vacant Space
The new store occupies the former BHS building at the top end of the Parade, which has remained largely empty since BHS vacated on August 22, 2016. Over the past ten years, the site saw limited use, primarily by Direct Art Action, making this opening a major milestone for the town's retail landscape. Harvey Norman's venture is the first large-scale store to open in Sutton Coldfield in years, promising to inject new life into the area.
Grand Opening Festivities and Special Offers
To celebrate the launch, Harvey Norman is partnering with Silver Tree Bakery to offer free cupcakes to the first 200 shoppers through the doors, a gesture inspired by the CEO's fondness for the local bakery. The soft launch begins at 11am on April 2, with the store open from 11am to 6pm that day. Additionally, the King Brasstards band will perform outside the store at 11am, 12noon, 1pm, and 2pm, each performance lasting half an hour, organised by Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID.
Easter Weekend and Regular Opening Hours
The store will operate extended hours over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, opening from 9.30am to 6pm on Good Friday (April 3), 9am to 6pm on Easter Saturday, and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Easter Monday. It will be closed on Easter Sunday. Following the holiday, regular hours will be 9.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm on Saturdays, and 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Product Range and Store Significance
Harvey Norman's Sutton Coldfield store will offer a wide array of products, including:
- Beds, bedding, and mattresses
- Furniture such as sofas, armchairs, dining tables, and bedroom sets
- Homeware items
- Electrical equipment, from TVs and appliances to mobile phones, laptops, and cameras
This opening represents the firm's second store in England, complementing its existing location at the Merry Hill Shopping Centre in the West Midlands. The move signals a return to department store offerings in the suburb, enhancing shopping options for local residents.
