Oakberry Confirms Permanent Bullring Closure, Eyes Bigger Birmingham Venue
The popular acai smoothie bowl specialist Oakberry has officially confirmed the permanent closure of its kiosk within Birmingham's Bullring shopping centre. The outlet, which had been serving its signature £10.50 bowls since September 2014, shut its doors in November last year. Initially listed as 'temporarily closed' on Google, the Bullring management has now verified that the unit will not reopen.
Operational Issues Lead to Shutdown, But New Plans Emerge
In a response to a local enquiry via Instagram, Oakberry cited operational issues as the reason for the permanent closure of its Bullring location. The kiosk was situated on the lower ground floor, in the space between the two halves of the shopping complex. It now stands vacant adjacent to the new Hollister store, which opened just before the Christmas period.
However, the brand has delivered promising news for its Birmingham customer base. Oakberry has announced that it is actively searching for a larger and better site within the city. The planned new venue aims to offer an enhanced experience, including dedicated seating areas and a cosy, inviting atmosphere for patrons to enjoy their acai bowls.
Bullring Sees Recent Retail Changes Amid Future Openings
The departure of Oakberry is part of a broader shift in the Bullring's retail landscape. In recent weeks, two neighbouring stores on the ground floor have also closed:
- SDMN, the clothing store launched by the YouTube group Sidemen.
- Three, the mobile network provider, which has exited the shopping centre.
Despite these closures, the Bullring has indicated that a flurry of new openings is scheduled for 2026, suggesting ongoing evolution within the centre's tenant mix.
What's Next for Oakberry in Birmingham?
Oakberry has emphasised its commitment to the Birmingham market, stating it is aiming to reopen as soon as possible in a new location. The move to a bigger premises with seating reflects a strategic shift towards creating a more substantial dine-in experience, moving beyond the previous kiosk model.
This development highlights the dynamic nature of city centre retail, where brands adapt their physical presence in response to operational needs and consumer demand. Fans of Oakberry's acai bowls will be watching closely for announcements regarding the brand's next chapter in Birmingham.
