Global retailer becomes Chamber patron ahead of Sutton Coldfield store launch

Multi-national retail chain Harvey Norman, which is opening a new store in Sutton Coldfield this week, has become a patron of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

The store specialises in furniture, bedding, computers, electrical goods and home appliances and is opening in the Gracechurch Centre following a major refurbishment of the former BHS building.

Founded in 1982 in Auburn, Sydney, by Gerry Harvey and Ian Norman, Harvey Norman has grown into a global retailer of electronics, furniture, and appliances.

The soft launch of the Sutton Coldfield store is on Thursday (2 April).

It represents another milestone in Harvey Norman’s UK growth strategy and builds on the momentum established by the successful opening of its flagship store at Merry Hill Shopping Centre in 2024.

In addition to offering an extensive range of home and lifestyle products, the Gracechurch location will also serve as the company’s UK headquarters.

Lachlan Roach, managing director for Harvey Norman UK, said: “Joining the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce is a natural step for Harvey Norman as we continue to grow our presence in the region and connect with such a dynamic network of businesses.

“Our flagship store at Merry Hill has already given us a fantastic welcome to the West Midlands, and with our new store launch in Sutton Coldfield, this really feels like just the beginning of our journey here.

“Birmingham has an incredible energy and we’re excited to put down even more roots as we expand with several more stores across Greater Birmingham in the years ahead.”

Raj Kandola, deputy chief executive of the GBCC, said: “We are delighted to welcome a global store with the prestige of Harvey Norman to our family of patrons.

“Their presence in Sutton will give the whole town a boost and we look forward to working with them to ensure they become an important addition to the regional business scene.”

Patronage is the top tier of GBCC membership, offering tailored support and exclusive opportunities to a limited number of organisations.

The patron group includes some of the region’s most high-profile and influential businesses such as Birmingham Airport, Jaguar Land Rover, the NEC Group, Birmingham City FC and HS2, as well as leading universities and professional services firms.

Pictured: Lachlan Roach (centre) with (left to right) Ian Bain (Harvey Norman), Raj Kandola and Russ Ashman (both Greater Birmingham Chambers) and Charlie Elliott, head of Royal Sutton Coldfield and Lichfield & Tamworth Chambers of Commerce