Rituals, the high-end global brand for cosmetics and wellbeing products, has opened a new store at the Westwood Cross shopping centre in Broadstairs, Kent. The company took over the large, prominent space that was previously home to the shoe retailer Clarks.
The opening of this premium brand is a significant event for the Thanet shopping area. It successfully fills a major gap left by Clarks. This move shows that there is still strong retail confidence in the region, bringing a new focus on luxury home and body care to the large out-of-town centre. The store opened in November 2025.
A Major Empty Unit is Now Filled
The new Rituals boutique is situated where shopper traffic is highest in the retail park. This is the large site that Clarks had vacated some time ago.
The unit’s central location had meant a very noticeable space was empty in the centre’s line-up. Management for the shopping centre worked hard to secure an internationally recognised, premium brand like Rituals for the lease. This successful letting is a strategic move. It significantly adds to the commercial appeal and overall stability of Westwood Cross. This reinforces its position as a primary shopping hub for East Kent.
The new shop’s look reflects Rituals’ well-known style. It is designed to be a calm, welcoming, and sensory place for customers. Shoppers can now explore the brand’s wide range of products. These include body, home, and gifting collections. Rituals says its products are designed to turn simple daily actions into ‘meaningful moments’. The store is highly visible because of its large windows and noticeable signage. This visibility helps attract customers looking for its unique self-care items.
Rituals’ Continued Growth in the UK
The launch in Broadstairs is a calculated step in Rituals’ ongoing plan to grow across the United Kingdom.
The brand first began in the Netherlands. It has been specifically targeting popular regional shopping centres and important high street areas to make its products easier to find. By investing in a large space at Westwood Cross, the company is showing its belief in physical stores. It also recognises the spending power of customers in Kent. Retail experts suggest that grouping high-quality, desirable international names together successfully creates a powerful shopping destination.
Thanet Market Confidence
A major global retailer like Rituals choosing this location is seen locally as a strong endorsement. It confirms the economic health of the Thanet area.
This commitment is happening at a time when many retail chains are closing physical locations. Rituals, however, sees the in-store experience as essential to its brand. It gives customers a chance to touch the products and smell the fragrances. They can also understand the brand’s unique philosophy. This cannot be done as effectively when shopping online.
A spokesperson for the shopping centre noted that the brand is an excellent fit for the current selection of stores. Rituals enhances the range of health and beauty options for customers coming from all parts of Kent. The deliberate blend of specialist luxury brands and well-known anchor stores is key. It helps draw high visitor numbers all year round.
New Local Jobs and Business Synergy
The opening of the Rituals store has also created a welcome number of jobs for local residents.
The company hired for several full-time and part-time sales and management roles for the new unit. This job creation is a benefit to the local economy. It provides opportunities for people with retail skills, or those beginning their careers. This is especially helpful as the busy festive trading season approaches. The retail sector remains a vital employer in the Thanet area. New international investments like this are necessary for the area to keep growing.
This store opening is part of a trend at the centre to improve its luxury offerings. The arrival of Rituals happened soon after the jewellery giant Pandora opened a large store nearby. Placing these high-profile brands close together is a deliberate strategy. It helps raise the shopping centre’s status. This makes it more competitive against other shopping destinations in the region. The centre’s owners are using this grouping of aspirational brands to encourage customers to travel further to visit.
Ethical Business Practices
Rituals is known for its products and for its central business ethics. The company has a B Corp certification. This means it must meet strict standards for social and environmental performance. It must also be accountable and transparent in its operations.
The brand’s commitment to ethical production and sustainability is becoming increasingly important to shoppers. The new store will put this philosophy into practice. It will offer refill programmes and promote conscious buying. Rituals takes inspiration from ancient Asian traditions. It aims to weave self-care and wellbeing into daily life. This is done through its unique product range, which includes skincare, scented candles, and shower foams.
What Comes Next
Rituals’ arrival helps Westwood Cross shopping centre continue its evolution. It is moving away from older retail models. Instead, it is focusing on a more quality-driven and carefully chosen selection of tenants.
Securing the prominent former Clarks unit with an international brand shows the retail market’s strength. This is true, especially for companies that can offer a unique and engaging customer experience in a physical store. The shopping centre expects to announce more high-profile tenants soon. This will confirm its reputation as a major retail and leisure hub in the South East. The new Rituals store is expected to be an important anchor in the centre’s luxury offerings. It gives shoppers a strong reason to visit Broadstairs.
