Australian retailer Harvey Norman picks West Midlands shopping centre for new store and HQ

Australian homewares retailer Harvey Norman is set to expand its UK presence with the opening of a new store and headquarters at The Gracechurch Centre in Royal Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham.

This comes after the retailer opened its debut store in England at Merry Hill in October 2024. The opening represents the first in a number of planned investments across the West Midlands, as part of the business’ wider UK and global expansion drive.

Founded in 1982, Harvey Norman has since expanded its global presence and now has over 300 stores worldwide across Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Slovenia, Croatia, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Katie Page, CEO at Harvey Norman, said: “The West Midlands’ high grade retail space and exceptional connectivity are two key reasons why we’ve chosen Sutton Coldfield as the home of our new UK headquarters and to launch our next store here. Gracechurch will provide an excellent hub for our growing UK team and I look forward to returning to the region soon as we progress our expansion plans.”

The opening forms part of a wider effort by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which is backing plans to breathe new life into the shopping centre through a multimillion pound investment. This investment will see the creation of new homes, alongside leisure, retail, and commercial space.

Richard Parker, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Harvey Norman’s investment is a big win for Sutton Coldfield. It’s proof that our high streets can thrive again, creating jobs and giving people more reasons to visit, shop, and socialise.

“With new jobs and homes on the way, we’re delivering real opportunities and making this town a great place to live and work.”