The year 2025 proved to be a significant period of change for Birmingham's premier shopping destinations, Bullring and Grand Central. While the latter marked its tenth anniversary, the celebrations were tempered by the departure of several long-standing retailers and eateries from both complexes.
Significant Losses for Grand Central
Grand Central, which opened above New Street Station in 2015, faced a challenging year. Neal's Yard Remedies, one of the original 2015 tenants, closed its doors for the final time in August after a decade of trading. Another founding business, the elegant Caffe Concerto, also exited its space after ten years, leaving a prominent empty unit.
Further losses included The Perfume Shop, which shut its Grand Central branch by mid-November, though it remains open in the Bullring. The family-friendly restaurant Giraffe closed at the tail end of the year to make way for the new ramen bar, Tonkotsu. In a major move, Costa Coffee confirmed it would no longer trade from its large unit near the Link Street passage after a ten-year tenure, relocating staff to other branches.
Changes in the Bullring
Over in the Bullring, the year began with the immediate closure of fashion retailer Police in January. This was followed in July by the departure of Italian denim brand Diesel, which closed its upper-level store after a decade. The independent newsagent Newspoint also shut unexpectedly in July, with a handwritten sign remaining in the window.
The food offering saw shifts too. Muffin Break closed in late 2025 to be replaced by the popular chain SushiDog, scheduled to open in January 2026. Japanese sando specialist Shokupan entered a state of 'temporary closure' in September, described by owner Wasi Taj as 'hitting pause' while exploring franchise options. Its original site in the Society street food hall near Snow Hill remains operational.
A Mixed Picture with New Openings
Despite these closures, there were positive developments. Grand Central welcomed new arrivals including Scandinavian homeware store Sostrene Grene, pizza restaurant Pizza Pilgrims, and the aforementioned Tonkotsu. The Bullring also continued to see regular new openings, helping to counterbalance the losses.
The year 2025 ultimately highlighted the ongoing evolution of Birmingham's retail heart. As empty units appear, there is hope within the community that 2026 will bring a fresh wave of exciting brands to fill the gaps, ensuring the city centre remains a dynamic and attractive destination for shoppers.
