SouthPark Mall is expanding its retail offerings with the addition of ZARA, a global clothing retailer known for its on-trend designs and accessible prices, slated to open in 2026. This will be the brand's first foray into North Carolina, filling the space between Belk and Fink's Jewelers, a prime spot previously occupied by Gap and J.Crew. Fans of the brand in Charlotte and the surrounding regions have long anticipated a local presence, sparing them the trek to the nearest store in Atlanta.

Holly Roberson Van Cleave, Director of Marketing and Business Development at SouthPark, expressed enthusiasm about the new addition saying, "Charlotteans have long awaited the arrival of ZARA, and the buzz surrounding its opening at SouthPark Mall is palpable," according to a statement obtained by WBTV. The planned store is a part of ZARA's larger strategy to reinforce its U.S. presence, which includes opening or refreshing as many as 30 stores in different states including the brand's significant presence in California, where it operates a quarter of its 100 U.S.-based locations.

ZARA, part of the Spanish multinational corporation Inditex, is recognized for quickly transforming runway trends into consumer-ready merchandise, a business model that has earned them a global following. In keeping with this model, the SouthPark Mall location aims to offer a full range of men's, women's, and children's clothing, alongside home and beauty goods, further enhancing the mall's appeal as a premier shopping destination in the region.

The introduction of ZARA is part of a calculated expansion that was anticipated to occur in 2025, but will now become a reality in 2026; the SouthPark Mall has confirmed that the store will indeed open its doors in 2026, while "The local expansion is part of the retailer's larger plan to open or revamp 30 stores in the U.S.," as detailed by Axios. Roberson Van Cleave reiterated the community's excitement and the store's potential impact on the mall's status, "Our selection of retailers is already renowned, and the addition of ZARA further solidifies its status as the ultimate destination for fashion-forward individuals in the region," told QC News.