While most new stores were launched at the Westgate Centre in 2017 following a major revamp some brands did not open shops until much later.
This included beauty brand L’Occitane and fashion chain Urban Outfitters.
Blackwell’s Westgate bookshop was opened by celebrity chef Nigella Lawson in 2017 but has not yet reopened after the coronavirus lockdown.
Nigella Lawson
Following the reopening of the chain's art and poster store in Broad Street, the bookseller has said the Westgate branch will be reopening soon although it has not yet given a precise date.
READ AGAIN: Matt Hancock unable to say if pubs will be open this weekend
While Urban Outfitters opened in December 2018, it was not until last summer that French beauty brand switched from Cornmarket to a new spacious unit at the Westgate Centre with an entrance on Queen Street.
Cutting the ribbon at the new L'Occitane store
After six years in Cornmarket, the chain, which specialises in hand creams and other skin care products, now has an eye-catching shop opposite Bonn Square.
The chain's retail property and wholesale director Jamie Taylor was there in July to cut the ribbon and welcome customers.
He said at the time: "Oxford is a key strategic city for us.
"The store's position at the Westgate Centre means we have the best of both worlds - we are part of the centre and on the high street.
READ MORE: Eight people in court for breaking lockdown rules
"Once Westgate opened we starting working towards this opportunity.
"We have messaged all our customers from Cornmarket to let them know we are now open at Westgate."
Inside L'Occitane at the Westgate
Mr Taylor said the store's upper frontage has been designed as a tribute to the city's Botanic Garden.
A Provence in Oxford hand cream was been launched to celebrate the chain's links with the city.
The business began in the markets of Provence.
Jamie Taylor
With nothing but a small truck and a solid knowledge of plants, a 23-year-old named Olivier Baussan began distilling rosemary essential oil to sell locally.
READ MORE: Teachers demand action after Covid testing failures
He expanded his production from oils to soaps to creams, taking inspiration from the region he grew up in.
Join our new nostalgia Facebook group We Grew Up In Oxfordshire.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel