If you’ve spent the past year embracing wide-leg jeans, baby tees and all things early noughties, here’s some good news: Y2k fashion retailer Hollister is heading to Leicester.
The cult American fashion firm is set to open its first-ever Leicestershire store at Highcross Leicester this winter, taking over the former Topshop unit in what is shaping up to be one of the city’s biggest retail arrivals of the year.
The new shop will showcase Hollister’s latest store concept, packing in the brand’s signature laid-back California-inspired clothing, along with accessories and fragrances.
For anyone who grew up in the 2000s, Hollister needs little introduction. Founded in Ohio in 2000 and owned by Abercrombie & Fitch, the retailer became a high street phenomenon thanks to its surf-inspired aesthetic, casual basics and unmistakable cool-kid appeal.
Now, with Y2K fashion enjoying a huge revival thanks to TikTok and Gen Z trendsetters, the brand’s arrival feels perfectly timed. Leicester shoppers are once again embracing the styles that defined the early noughties, and Hollister’s return to the spotlight is riding that nostalgic wave.
The opening is the latest move in Highcross Leicester’s efforts to bring sought-after brands to the city. Recent additions have included Korean beauty favourite PURESEOUL, with more names expected to be announced in the coming months.
Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross, said Hollister had long been one of the brands shoppers wanted to see arrive in Leicester.
“Hollister has always been one of those brands that our shoppers have wanted at Highcross, and with the demand for early noughties fashion making a huge comeback, now is the right time to welcome this icon of high-street fashion to the centre,” she said.
Once the doors open, Hollister will join an impressive line-up of fashion heavyweights already trading at Highcross, including Zara, Levi’s, Mango, H&M, River Island, Next and Urban Outfitters.
For Y2K fashion fans across the East Midlands, winter can’t come soon enough.
