French Connection is significantly expanding its physical and online presence in the UK, with new store openings and a partnership with Very Group.
- A new deal has been secured with The Very Group to stock French Connection’s Autumn/Winter 2024 womenswear, including tailored occasionwear and dresses.
- The partnership will extend to include French Connection’s menswear in the Spring/Summer 2025 season.
- French Connection plans to open an additional “four to five” stores across the UK by the end of 2024, surpassing its initial expansion target.
- Newly opened locations and strategic concessions reflect French Connection’s commitment to enhancing its market footprint.
French Connection is taking significant steps to increase its presence in the United Kingdom, leveraging both physical and digital channels for growth. The announcement of a new partnership with The Very Group marks a pivotal shift, as the retailer prepares to stock French Connection’s Autumn/Winter 2024 womenswear line. This collection is set to feature sophisticated tailoring and striking dresses tailored for the party season, which is expected to attract a wide range of customers.
This strategic agreement with The Very Group will further expand in the next year to include French Connection’s menswear offerings, commencing with their Spring/Summer 2025 collection. This move highlights a comprehensive approach to reach diverse customer segments and strengthen brand recognition.
Complementing its online expansion, French Connection is actively enhancing its physical retail footprint. The brand operates 19 direct-to-consumer stores in the UK, including nine outlet locations, and aims to open an additional “four to five” stores by the end of 2024. This goal exceeds the initial plan set out in December 2023, which underscores the company’s proactive retail strategy. According to Simon Donoghue, Managing Director of DTC, these openings will include both full-price and outlet stores, strategically placed in high street and shopping centre locales.
The recent reopening of French Connection stores in Guildford and Livingston Designer Outlet, alongside a new establishment in Clarks Village, Somerset, exemplifies the brand’s commitment to strengthening its presence in key areas. Furthermore, new concessions have been launched in three John Lewis locations and two Brown Thomas stores in Ireland, highlighting a robust expansion policy in major retail hubs.
Overall, these comprehensive initiatives reflect French Connection’s dynamic approach to adapting to the evolving retail landscape, ensuring accessibility and visibility both online and in-store, thereby reaching a diverse consumer base effectively.
French Connection’s strategic expansions and partnerships are poised to enhance its market presence, diversifying customer reach across various retail channels.
