Two major units at Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre have boarded over their spaces for refurbishment, continuing a trend of established retailers revamping their premises. Nando's, on the lower ground floor, and H&M Home, on the upper level, have both temporarily closed their doors, with signage hinting at significant changes to come.
Nando's Bullring restaurant undergoes 'glow up'
The Nando's restaurant, which has been a fixture at the Bullring since the shopping centre first opened in 2003, is now completely boarded over. Signage on the windows reads: "We're having a glow up!" adding that it would be 'back soon' and that it was 'no bull'. The exact reopening date has not yet been revealed.
While the Bullring branch is closed, the Grand Central Nando's remains unaffected by the temporary closure. In fact, that branch is about to gain a new restaurant neighbour, with Korean street food joint Bunsk set to open 'soon' nearby.
H&M Home unit closes with 'something new' promised
On the upper level of the Bullring, on the Marks and Spencer side, H&M Home has closed its large unit, covering the windows with scarlet hoarding. The signage tells shoppers 'something new is coming', adding: "Renovation in progress". Its units on the lower and middle levels remain open while customers wait to learn what the renovation will look like.
While little has been officially shared so far, rumours have begun circulating that the upper level may feature less homeware when it reopens, with womenswear potentially taking its place. More details are expected as the renovation progresses.
Other changes at the Bullring and Grand Central
Earlier this month, Bullring owner Hammerson's half year results revealed that Canadian fashion brand Garage has been signed to the shopping centre. An exact location has not yet been confirmed, with speculation that it could take up a unit in Grand Central rather than the Bullring itself.
In recent weeks, a new clothes shop has opened in Grand Central - Birmingham Hospice launched a charity shop on the top floor, near where Karen's Diner used to be. The boutique has been stocking designer items, including Valentino shoes and other precious designer pieces in its cabinets. All money raised goes towards helping those receiving end of life care and their families in the region.
These changes follow a pattern of major retailers at the Bullring closing their old units to move into overhauled new ones. Claire's Accessories and AllSaints have recently done the same, joining JD Sports and Lovisa in relocating to renovated spaces. Mainstays like Schuh and Skechers have also undergone temporary closures while their units were renovated, reopening with new looks.
