Kenji and Rituals set to open at Merry Hill

Sovereign Centros has announced that Kenji, the design-led homeware retailer, and Rituals, the luxury beauty and wellbeing brand, have signed at Merry Hill. Set to open later this year, Kenji and Rituals will occupy over 6,850 sq ft of retail space, joining a series of recently opened leading retailers and bolstering Merry Hill’s status as one of the UK’s top 10 retail and leisure destinations. Kenji Merry Hill joins nine other locations across the UK, with the emerging brand set to open adjacent to Schuh on the Lower Mall, close to the recently opened stores for Nike Unite and Schuh Kids. Infusing Asian culture with a British twist, the 4,833 sq ft space will stock a wide range of Eastern-inspired products including homeware, stationery, gifts, and its signature character-based plushie collections. Dutch retailer Rituals has taken the 2,022 sq ft space formerly occupied by Phase Eight on the Upper Mall, following its relocation into an upsized unit with sister brand Hobbs. Dedicated to helping their customers navigate a journey of personal wellbeing and growth, Rituals’ Merry Hill store will offer a wide assortment, from the best-selling The Ritual of Sakura collection, home items and gift sets, to a range of luxurious bath and body products. Visitors will also be able to experience a selection of newly launched products from The Ritual of Hammam collection, perfect for a premium home spa experience. Alistair Winning, asset manager at Sovereign Centros, said: “Having brands like Kenji and Rituals joining the retail line-up here at Merry Hill adds to the ever-increasing range of retailers, products, and experiences. This is a perfect example of the continuous progress we’re making, with leading retailers selecting the destination and upholding our position as one of the top 10 destinations in the UK. We look forward to welcoming them to Merry Hill later this year.” Stacey Lynch, head of operations at Kenji, said: “We are so excited to announce that we will be opening at Merry Hill, it’s a sign of Kenji’s continued growth that we’re setting up shop at another top UK retail destination. Bridging the gap between the virtual and real universe is part of our mission, to appeal to modern trends and create an interconnected future. “Operating a store at such a prominent and dynamic location is instrumental to accomplishing this, so we are thrilled to be opening at Merry Hill later this year.” Penny Grivea, managing director for UK and Ireland at Rituals, said: “We are so excited to be opening this stand-alone store at Merry Hill. Living during these ever-changing, fast-paced times, we understand more than ever the need for creating moments of joy and feeling balanced during our everyday life. “The new Rituals store will help customers to achieve a sense of wellbeing by finding the perfect products that will help them to balance the body, mind, and soul. This opening marks an exciting time for the brand in growing our retail presence across the UK.”