A well-loved British retailer has made a comeback to Oxford’s Westgate shopping centre, delighting shoppers with the opening of a brand-new store. The major UK brand has made its return to the popular shopping centre a couple of months after closing earlier this year to make way for an expanded Superdrug. Its return adds another big name to the centre’s retail mix, joining other big brands like Primark, TK Maxx, JD Sports, Uniqlo and Next.
Menkind, known for its quirky gifts, gadgets, and novelty items, originally opened at Westgate in November 2021 on the middle level following the centre’s renovation. The store has now reopened in a new unit on the lower ground floor.
Menkind relaunched in September and has already seen a warm reception from visitors, the Oxford Mail reported.
The store continues to offer its signature collection of fun products from remote control toys and pop culture collectibles to light-up gadgets and unique games, making it a popular stop for both everyday shoppers and those preparing for birthdays or even Christmas.
A spokesperson from Westgate Oxford said: “We can confirm that Menkind reopened on our lower ground floor in September following a relocation in the centre, and has been popular with guests in its new space.”
The gift and gadget store has 57 stores across the UK. It was founded in 2001 as a small gift shop in Uxbridge, and has since grown into a go-to destination for presents aimed at men from dads and boyfriends to brothers and friends.
Westgate Oxford is a major shopping and leisure destination, featuring over 100 stores and 25 restaurants, bars, and cafés.
The centre also includes a rooftop dining terrace with panoramic views of Oxford’s skyline and a five-screen Curzon cinema.
Originally built between 1970 and 1972, the centre was designed by Douglas Murray and constructed by Taylor Woodrow. It closed in 2016 for a £440 million redevelopment and officially reopened on 24 October 2017.
The revamped Westgate now spans nearly 800,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space, anchored by a large John Lewis. It also offers 1,000 parking spaces across two underground levels beneath the southern end of the complex.