H&M takes over former Topshop store

H&M is taking over the former Topshop unit in Churchill Square.

Other than a brief spell as a covid vaccination centre, the unit has been empty since 2020.

In 2022, Gastropub chain The Botanist planned to open a branch there – but these plans were put on hold when Ikea’s sister company Ingka Centres bought the shopping centre in 2024.

Now, H&M has announced it will be opening a new flagship store there next year – which will also sell the Swedish chain’s homeware range.

This may lead to the closure of the store’s other two units in Churchill Square, but H&M says its plans are not yet finalised.

A spokeswoman said: “This new store may impact our existing locations within Churchill Square. While we’re not yet able to confirm plans, we’ll provide updates as soon as we can.

“The new H&M store in Churchill Square will be an exciting opportunity to reimagine the shopping experience for our Brighton customers.

“It will enable us to better serve the local community, strengthen our presence, and deliver a more elevated and inspiring in-store experience. This flagship will be a key addition to our UK portfolio, in one of the country’s most vibrant retail destinations.”

The new store will include women’s, men’s and children’s fashion as well as H&M’s garment recycling service.

Mark Buchanan-Smith, Ingka’s meeting place manager, said: “We’re so excited for the new H&M store to open at Churchill Square.

“This opening further cements Churchill Square and Brighton as a key destination on the south coast, while bringing innovative retail and sustainable shopping options directly to our community.”