Gymshark will officially open its second UK store at the Westfield Stratford City shopping centre this weekend. This continues the activewear giant’s expansion following the successful launch of its flagship store on London’s Regent Street in October 2022. The new store occupies a substantial 7,000 sq ft retail unit, making it one of the larger spaces within Westfield Stratford City, though smaller than the expansive 18,000 sq ft Regent Street location.
The Westfield Stratford store reflects Gymshark’s commitment to a product-focused shopping experience. The interior design prominently features neatly organized shelves and rails lined with high-quality gym wear and accessories arranged by their specific uses. Notable sections include dedicated displays for items such as leggings and sports bras, sorted meticulously by size and support level. This layout embodies Gymshark’s “self-serve” approach, encouraging customers to independently interact with and explore the products.
Founder and CEO Ben Francis, who started Gymshark from his garage in Birmingham in 2012, shared his vision for the new store, emphasizing the brand’s dedication to showcasing its products in the best possible light. Despite initial nervousness about opening in a shopping centre-focused environment, Francis is confident that the location will enhance Gymshark’s retail presence and customer engagement.
In addition to product displays, the Westfield Stratford store also uses strategic lighting and monochrome tones to highlight occasional splashes of vibrant color in the collections. This aesthetic design further sets it apart from the more experience-driven flagship on Regent Street, which boasts additional amenities such as a gym and a café.
The new Stratford location, set to create over 75 jobs, signals Gymshark’s robust growth and ambition to establish a stronger physical retail footprint. Gymshark plans to open additional stores in Westfield, Stratford City, and Manhattan, New York City, USA, further cementing its presence in prime retail locations worldwide.
