Big name brands including Oliver Bonas open in Surrey shopping centre with huge Primark still to come

Shopping centres and retail hubs were hit hard following the pandemic, with multiple lockdowns and various social distancing rules. Shoppers turned to ordering goods right to their doorstep, and as a result in the decline of the high street we saw the closure of many much loved stores across the county including Wilko, The Body Shop, Laura Ashley and Monsoon.

Despite rising energy prices and the ongoing cost of living crisis, two big name brands have decided to open stores in Surrey's Epsom shopping hub, just in time for Christmas. It appears that in person shopping is back in fashion again.

The Ashley Centre in Epsom was opened 20 years ago by Queen Elizabeth II, in October 1984. It's weathered through three recessions and currently has a JD Sports, Sports Direct, Deichmann, Next and Boots.

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However, the retail industry is not yet out of the woods, as UK retailers address Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves issuing warnings that a £7 billion annual cost increase illustrated in last month's budget would lead to job cuts and higher customer prices. A letter with 79 signatures sent by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) warns of difficult times ahead, and has been signed by the likes of Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.

In the first week of November, luxury home and bathing brand Rituals opened doors with goody bags and discounts for the first few shoppers to step through the threshold. It's not the only shop to snap up a space at the Epsom shopping centre.

On November 16, British homeware and fashion chain Oliver Bonas opened in the shopping centre, hosting a big bash for shoppers. The stylish store offers small gifts, beauty products, clothes, home décor and furniture pieces.

Commenting on the opening of Oliver Bonas via Instagram, one shopper wrote: "So impressed with the shopping centres push to get some great quality shops into the shopping centre! Can’t wait to see what comes next!" Another added: "So excited for this!"

In just weeks, a huge brand name is set to take over a unit remodelled by architects. In the first quarter of 2025, a 44,000ft Primark store is set to open.

Furthermore the centre is days away from it's Christmas light switch on, complete with live music and giveaway prizes. On Saturday November 23, Oliver Bonas will have an exclusive celebration to commemorate the festive season and the store opening.

A live DJ will be in the store from 12pm until 4pm, and the first 200 shoppers could receive a scratch card with the chance at winning a prize. In the shopping centre there will be activities for families including face painting, entertainers and Epsom Rock Choir, before the light switch on at 4pm.

Father Christmas will also frequent the shopping centre, for meet and greets with children. He will be at the shopping centre on December 14, 15, 21 and 22 with face painting stations nearby.

The Christmas artisan fair will run from Thursday November 21 until Sunday November 24. It will also return for 10 days just before Christmas, dates to be confirmed.