Sep 19, 2017

Kate Spade to launch first UK store outside London

Kate Spade new york, the American global, modern luxury accessory and lifestyle brand, announces plans to launch its first full-price standalone store outside London at Bluewater, Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination. kate spade new york will open a 1,600sq ft boutique on the lower Guildhall this Christmas.

The global lifestyle brand opened its first store in New York in 1996 and is now available in more than 450 doors worldwide. Designed with Househam Henderson, the kate spade new york Bluewater boutique will carry the brand’s iconic collection of handbags, small leather goods, apparel, footwear, fashion accessories, tech and stationery.

To accommodate kate spade, English lifestyle brand, Aspinal of London, has relocated to a 1,300sq ft unit on the upper Guildhall. The new store is positioned next to Jo Malone and opened this month, offering the brand’s luxurious collection of designer leather bags, purses, stationery, travel accessories and handcrafted leather gifts.

Robert Hardie, senior portfolio manager at Landsec, co-owner and asset manager of Bluewater, said: “Kate Spade is the latest high-end brand from the US to select Bluewater to create a statement store, following the announcement of the additions of Coach and Smashbox.

“This very strong level of demand from such aspirational retailers is a reflection of Bluewater’s appeal amongst affluent guests, for whom Bluewater provides a premium offer and experience. Along with other premium brands such as Michael Kors and The White Company, Bluewater offers a genuine alternative to central London.”

“It’s incredibly exciting to be opening our first store outside of London,” continued Deborah Lloyd, president and chief creative officer of Kate Spade new york. “With a reputation as the leading retail and leisure destination in the UK, Bluewater was a clear choice for our first full price store outside London. As an American brand with a global sensibility, we are looking forward to introducing the full breadth of the kate spade new york lifestyle offerings to new and existing brand fans in the region.”

This opening marks the brand’s fifth location in the United Kingdom. The brand already has specialty stores in London on Regent Street, Covent Garden, Sloane Square and Westfield, as well as in Paris, France and Oslo, Norway.

This news follows a string of recent signings of iconic international brands including Coach, Godiva and Neal’s Yard Remedies. Earlier this year, Smashbox, the Los-Angeles based beauty brand, opened its first store in the South East at Bluewater, and global fashion etailer, Missguided, launched their first store outside of London.