Kate Spade launches first standalone store outside of London
Kate Spade New York has opened its first full-price standalone store outside of London at the Bluewater shopping destination.
Spanning 1,600 square feet, the store is situated near to Coach and Michael Kors, and stocks the brand’s range of handbags, small leather goods, apparel, footwear, fashion accessories and stationery.
Deborah Lloyd, president and chief creative officer of Kate Spade New York, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be opening our first store outside of London. 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.”
Kate Spade’s store design has been carried out by Househam Henderson. The opening means that the brand now has five shops in the UK with locations including London’s Regent Street, Covent Garden, Sloane Square and Westfield.
To accommodate Kate Spade, Aspinal of London has relocated to a 1,300 square foot unit on the upper Guildhall adjacent to Jo Malone.
Robert Hardie, senior portfolio manager at Landsec, co-owner and asset manager of Bluewater, said: “The premium retail experience provided by Kate Spade New York extends Bluewater’s appeal among affluent guests. This latest opening joins a stellar line-up of aspirational and premium brands within the scheme. The launch clearly shows strong demand from high-end US brands to secure a foothold in Bluewater, following in the footsteps of Michael Kors and Coach.”
The news follows a string of recent signings of international brands at Bluewater including Alex and Ani, 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 fashion retailer, Missguided, launched its first store outside of London at the centre.
