Kate Spade chooses Bluewater for first shop outside of London
Kate Spade New York is to launch its first full-price standalone store outside London at the Bluewater retail and leisure destination.
The luxury accessories brand will open a 1,600 square foot boutique on the centre’s lower Guildhall this Christmas.
Designed with Househam Henderson, the store will carry the brand’s collection of handbags, small leather goods, apparel, footwear, fashion accessories, tech and stationery.
Deborah Lloyd, president and chief creative officer of Kate Spade New York, said: “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.”
To accommodate Kate Spade, Aspinal of London has relocated to a 1,300 square foot unit on the upper Guildhall. The new store, which is positioned next to Jo Malone, offers the brand’s 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.”
The Kate Spade opening means the brand now has five locations in the UK with stores at London’s Regent Street, Covent Garden, Sloane Square and Westfield. Other European locations include Paris and Oslo.
This news follows a string of recent signings for Bluewater 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 fashion retailer Missguided launched its first store outside of London at the centre.
