A new fashion retailer is opening at Lakeside Shopping Centre within days, with free matcha and coffee for shoppers.
Lefties, part of the Inditex Group and a sister brand to Zara and Bershka, will launch its second UK store in West Thurrock on October 29, offering clothing, footwear, accessories and homeware for women, men, teenagers, children and babies.
Often compared with Primark because of its low prices, Lefties opened its first UK shop in Liverpool in August and plans a third in Gateshead later this year.
Lakeside’s Look Again campaign initially listed October 8 as the opening date, then changed it to autumn/winter 2026 before Lefties confirmed October 29.
The store will mark its opening weekend with a free coffee and matcha pop-up.
Fashion and fitness influencer Robin Jansen appears in a Lefties advert promoting the opening.
She said: "Is it just me or does getting dressed in the UK mean planning for four different ways of weather forecast?
"Sunshine when you leave, rain by lunchtime, and somehow you still need an outfit for later.
"When I heard Lefties is opening at Lakeside Shopping Centre on October 29, I thought, okay this makes sense.
"Think new season pieces, everyday staples and collections for women, men, teens and kids, plus Lefties Home.
"So basically, plenty of options for whatever the weather or your plans decide to do.
"And for opening weekend, they're also doing a free coffee and matcha pop-up, which, considering the weather, feels very necessary.
"So who's coming?
"I already know where I'll be on October 29."
Lefties began in 1999 as an outlet for unsold Zara stock but has since grown into a standalone brand selling its own clothing, footwear and homeware.
Drapers reports that Lefties’ UK expansion is expected to create more than 400 locally recruited jobs.
The launch forms part of a wider period of investment and new store openings at Lakeside.
A Lefties spokesman added: "Hello Lakeside. British weather: sunshine, rain, outfit changes and repeat.
"@robinejansen is ready for the new Lefties store at Lakeside, opening October 29 with free coffee and matcha throughout the weekend.
"Can’t make it?
"You can still shop online anywhere in the UK."
The Lakeside store will be a 58,000 sq ft flagship, part of a £100 million investment programme at the shopping centre over the past three years.
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