In a surprise move, luxury department store Harrods has announced that it will open its first standalone store outside of London next spring with a specialist beauty unit, located within Intu's Lakeside shopping centre in Essex. The new store will cover 2136sqm and will be called H-Beauty, featuring the upscale product offer for which Harrods is known. Big names (ex. Chanel and Dior) will be available, as well as popular disruptors like Huda Beauty, and brands that are completely new to the retailer. The store will also offer services such as facials and blow-dries. H-Beauty will also house a 'coffee-to-cocktail' bar.

This opening should be closely followed by a second location in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire. H-Beauty will in no way resemble Harrods, even the branding has been redesigned, with Harrods' signature forest green packaging having been ditched in favour of a muted blush pink; this chain is intended to stand as a unique and distinct offer.

Beauty is a key category for Harrods and the company opened its 8360sqm beauty emporium in its flagship in June with a 835sqm skincare space having also opened this month. The space dedicated to beauty in the flagship is growing by more than 50%.