Inside Westgate Shopping Center, Oxford — image credit: Westgate Shopping Center
Reports suggest that Apple may be opening a store in Oxford, England, with potential location at the Westgate Shopping Center. This move would bring the first Apple Store closer to residents, as the nearest one currently is 25 miles away.
The Westgate Shopping Center has a prominent spot available after clothing retailer Superdry vacated in May 2024. The spot, which Superdry occupied with a 5,000 square feet store, is now being considered by Apple for its new store.
Oxford City Council has approved a planning permission for changes to the ex-Superdry shopfront, although the client is unnamed in the public documentation. The proposed alterations appear to align with Apple’s design principles of enhancing existing architecture while reflecting their brand image.
This move mirrors Apple’s approach with other flagship stores like Apple Brompton Road in London, where they preserve and enhance the original design elements.