Debenhams opens debut Latvian store
Debenhams has opened its first department store in Latvia as part of plans to grow its presence in the Baltic region.
Having opened its first Baltics store in Estonia in 2013, the retailer has launched a second store in the Latvian capital Riga to mark its 67th international opening.
Spread over 30,000 sq ft at the high-end Spice shopping centre, the store will offer clothing and accessories for women, men and children as well as homewares and beauty products. Designers at Debenhams ranges available at the store will include Julien Macdonald, John Rocha, Ben de Lisi, Jasper Conran and Jeff Banks.
Debenhams international director Francis McAuley said: “The launch of our first store in Latvia marks an exciting time for Debenhams and our Baltics partner Kolonna, as we continue the international growth of our department store concept.
“Latvia is a vibrant, growing country which is currently under-represented in the department store sector. We will bring our distinctive retailing expertise with our strength in exclusive fashion brands and designer ranges at high street prices.”
The Spice shopping centre holds 21% of all Riga’s shopping malls turnover, with customer flow increasing 3% last year, with total turnover growth of 6%.
McAuley added: “We aim to double the scale of our international business over the next five years. The opening of our second store in the Baltics marks the next step of our business expansion in the territory.
“We regard Spice as the pick of the shopping centres in Latvia, and therefore offers the best place for Debenhams to be represented.”
The store will be officially opened by fashion designer Ben de Lisi who is flying in to help officiate the opening with a fashion show and VIP event.
Debenhams plans to open six stores in the Baltic states and increase the number of its international franchise stores to 150 over the next five years.
