Deichmann’s new offices galvanise UK expansion plans
Shoe retailer Deichmann Shoes is to move its UK head office in Market Harborough to a new development in the town as it steps up its UK expansion plans.
The company has bought a new office building in the Compass Point development which will complete in April 2016, just as the brand opens its 100th store in the UK.
Having launched in the UK 15 years ago, the retailer has opened over 50% of its 96 UK stores in the last five years. Deichmann’s portfolio now includes flagships in London’s Westfield Stratford and Westfield London. There are also plans to launch a minimum of eight new stores in 2016.
At 1,500 square metres, the new office space will provide more room for staff as well as bespoke range rooms to house the thousands of sample shoes that the brand’s buyers work with each season.
The family-owned company also launched an online store in 2011 which has led to Deichmann expanding its digital and e-commerce departments as well as establishing a new social media team.
Chris Holden, Deichmann finance director, said: “Following 15 years of ‘bedding down’ in the UK we now feel we are at a pivotal point with our brand. By Christmas this year we will have opened eight new stores and we plan to continue to expand at the same rate next year. Added to this, our online offering continues to grow in strength.
“Our relocation not only offers practical benefits, but also befits the size and ambition of our brand in the UK as we look to the future with great confidence.”
At over 100 years old, the German brand has stores in 24 countries across the globe.
