Habitat to open two new standalone stores this autumn
Habitat is to open new standalone stores at the Westfield London shopping centre and in Brighton this autumn.
Having acquired Habitat in September 2016, Sainsbury’s is investing £1.5 million in the new shops which will mark the first major investment in Habitat’s store portfolio for a decade.
The 4,700 square foot store at Westfield London will housed in the shopping centre’s newly expanded area that is bringing together a number of furniture and home brands to create a destination ‘Home’ hub for shoppers.
Meanwhile, the Brighton store will form part of the Hanningtons Estate redevelopment of the Brighton Lanes shopping area. Spanning two floors, the 6,500 square foot store will showcase around 3,000 Habitat products and feature room settings and an innovative workshop and events space.
Clare Askem, managing director of Habitat, said: “It’s a really exciting time for Habitat as we launch our first major stand-alone stores in ten years. Stores are an important part of our growth strategy as we know that our customers love to be inspired by our furniture and furnishings in immersive store settings, so we’re thrilled that these launches will bring us to key locations in Brighton and Westfield London where we have a lot of Habitat fans.”
Habitat currently has two flagship standalone stores, a 2,000 square foot mini store in Leeds and 11 mini Habitats in Sainsbury’s supermarkets. The business also operates an online store that currently accounts for 65% of its turnover.
Askem added: “As our digital business has grown, there has also been a real desire from customers to see Habitat on the high street. By investing for the future of the brand in this way, as well as continuing to differentiate ourselves with modern, statement design from our in-house Habitat Design Studio, we’re well-placed to continue our heritage of bringing well designed, inventive and affordable products to people’s homes.”
