Next has signed a deal to take on the former Debenhams store at intu Milton Keynes to open a Beauty, Home and Women’s fashion store.

The new-look shop will open with Beauty, Home and Women’s fashion lifestyle items on offer. The store will opening date to be confirmed.

It was announced in June that Debenhams was going to end its lease on its Milton Keynes store, amid financial problems at the department store chain.

Opening the store is part of Next’s plans to expand it’s fast growing premium beauty offer from online only into bricks and mortar.

The UK health and beauty market is set to grow by 8.8% by 2024 according to Global Data when it will be worth an extra £2 billion.

The deal between intu and Next is welcome news for intu Milton Keynes as the centre sees most of its retailers open and shoppers return with confidence, following the partially closed period due to the covid-19 crisis.

Shelley Peppard, general manager at intu Milton Keynes said: “We are delighted to make this announcement today and show that intu Milton Keynes continues to be a destination that brands want to invest in. This new partnership shows how important flagship destinations are to the future of retail. We are very impressed with Next’s ambition for its new concept.

“There are many positive movements in retail and confidence within the industry that will see further announcements and good news for our shoppers.”

Further details about the new store from Next can be expected soon.