Retail giant NEXT has officially returned to Chichester, after a five-year absence, with the opening of a new store.

The new store – at Portfield Retail Park – opened at 10am on Wednesday, July 8. It occupies 17,000 square feet and offer womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and home ranges under one roof.

The opening also brought the first Bath and Body Works concession to Chichester, giving shoppers access to the brand's popular fragrances, lotions, soaps and candles.

A Costa Coffee concession is also available in store.

Next has opened for business at the Portfield Retail Park, alongside an in-store Costa Coffee café. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

placeholder image — Next has opened for business at the Portfield Retail Park, alongside an in-store Costa Coffee café. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

The store has been designed using NEXT's latest concept format, featuring ceramic timber flooring, feature wall finishes and increased natural light through a new shopfront.

Store manager Mark Samuels said: “After a five-year absence, we are so excited to bring NEXT back to Chichester.

"We are returning with a bigger, brighter store that will cater to all of the family, and we can’t wait to welcome all of our customers to shop the impressive collection we have on offer.”

As well as fashion and home departments, the store will offer free parcel collection and returns for online customers.

The new store – at Portfield Retail Park – occupies 17,000 square feet and offer womenswear, menswear, childrenswear and home ranges under one roof. Photo: Gary Shipton

An official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at 10am on the opening day.

To mark the launch, the first 75 customers through the doors received goody bags, while scratch-card discounts will be handed out throughout the opening weekend.

The store's regular opening hours will be: Monday to Saturday: 9am to 8pm; Sunday: 11am to 5pm.

Next closed its former Chichester store, in East Street, in October 2021. This came only a year after the major retailer closed its separate menswear shop, also in East Street, and added the range to its flagship store in the Corn Exchange.

However, some people fear the impact it will have on traffic in the area.

Observer reader David Lainchbury wrote: “Good luck getting out of the car park on a busy weekend – take a packed lunch with you!”

Fabienne Jeanine commented: “I am fortunate enough to be able to walk to this retail park, but for those that have to drive and use the car park, good luck!

"No doubt having a Next will be a great addition, just not sure the positioning will work. It is a very pokey part of the car park and often chaos getting in and out. Hopefully, it will have late opening hours therefore allowing people to go when less busy in the car park.”

Richard Woolston is among those looking forward to seeing the new store open.

He said: “All these negative comments about Next and Costa Coffee opening. We should be celebrating that Next is coming back to Chichester and that it’s creating jobs in the process.”

Sabrina Sabrina agreed. She said: “Exactly! I’m excited about Next.”

Sandra Hebditch also described it as ‘a great addition to the retail park’.

What do you think? Have your say on our Facebook page or email [email protected].