Zara Unveils Expansive Store at Trafford Centre with Innovations

A new, expansive Zara store has officially opened at the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester, showcasing a range of innovative features and offerings unique to the UK market. The store, which takes over a revamped section of the shopping centre, covers over 3,000 square metres of retail space on a single level and introduces several firsts for the global fashion retailer.

Zara has relocated from its former dual-unit location on Peel Avenue to this larger store, which is positioned adjacent to John Lewis. The new shop includes four distinct entrances, each designed to lead customers to specific sections of the store, enhancing the overall shopping experience. Inside, shoppers will find a variety of fashion collections for women, men, and children, along with dedicated areas for fragrances and special collections like Zara Origins and Zara Athleticz.

One of the standout features of this new store is the introduction of a “baby boutique,” which caters to new parents by offering a comprehensive selection of newborn and babywear. Additionally, the store includes a lounge area specifically for shoes and handbags, complete with comfortable seating for customers to relax while trying on different styles.

Innovative Payment and Customer Experience

The new Zara store introduces a significant change in its payment system, operating without traditional checkouts. Instead, it features futuristic desks with computers that serve as checkout points, emphasizing an “assisted checkout” experience. According to store management, customers will be guided by staff during the payment process, which is designed to minimize queues that have been typical at the Trafford Centre location. There are around 20 checkout desks available, and cash payments are still accepted in a dedicated area of the store.

Additional innovations include dedicated spaces for both in-store returns and online returns, streamlining the shopping experience. Behind the scenes, a new automated system for handling changing rooms will take care of garments that customers decide against, allowing staff to focus more on delivering exceptional service.

Sustainability Initiatives and Job Opportunities

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the store has implemented a cardboard collection point for recycling online packaging and a container for used clothing donations to charity. This aligns with Zara’s broader initiatives to promote environmental responsibility.

The launch of the new Zara store has created 75 new jobs, contributing to a total of approximately 270 staff employed across the Trafford Centre site. Since Zara’s UK debut in 1998 with a store on London’s Regent Street, the brand has steadily expanded its presence, now operating 57 locations across the country and employing around 4,500 people.

Zara is part of the Inditex Group, a global fashion conglomerate founded by Amancio Ortega in May 1975. The opening of this new store at Trafford Centre reflects a significant investment by Inditex in the UK market, coinciding with the launch of a new Bershka store, now the largest in the UK, and a revamped PullandBear set to open later this year.

With its modern design and commitment to customer experience, the new Zara at Trafford Centre represents a notable step forward for the brand in the competitive retail landscape.