This article explores the resurgence of UK high streets as fashion retailers embark on significant expansion plans.
- British menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt has opened its eighth store in 18 months, enhancing its global presence.
- Spanish retailer Mango has accelerated its UK footprint with multiple new store openings, including a teen-centric outlet.
- Japanese brand Uniqlo continues its strategic expansion across Europe, further solidifying its place in the UK market.
- Several brands, including Sosandar and Oliver Bonas, are actively pursuing new locations despite challenges in the retail sector.
In a notable move within the UK retail landscape, Charles Tyrwhitt expanded its presence by opening its eighth store in Cheltenham in August. The new 2,787 sq ft location, previously occupied by Superdry, features advanced omnichannel capabilities like shoppable touch screens. This addition marks the brand’s 44th global store, including its flagship on Regent Street, with plans to open six more by year-end.
Spanish retailer Mango has been proactive in increasing its UK presence, launching new branches in cities such as Glasgow, Sheffield, Plymouth, Windsor, and Norwich. Highlighting its strategic focus, Mango introduced its first international store for teenagers, Mango Teen, in London. The company plans to open 20 UK stores within the year, complementing its existing 60 locations and various shop-in-shops.
Uniqlo, the renowned Japanese retailer, opened a prominent 9,000 sq ft store in Coal Drops Yard, following another significant location on Tottenham Court Road. With intentions to unveil 10 more stores across Europe in 2024, including further UK sites, Uniqlo’s growth underscores its successful flagship-focused strategy. According to UK COO Alessandro Dudech, this approach has significantly driven growth in Europe.
British womenswear brand Sosandar has initiated physical retail ventures, opening stores in Chelmsford and Marlow this year. These ventures mark Sosandar’s debut in brick-and-mortar retail, with a planned opening in Newcastle’s Metrocentre, targeting 50 locations over five years. Similarly, Seasalt introduced its fourth Scottish store, expanding its 70-strong presence in the UK and Ireland, with additional plans to penetrate the U.S. market.
Other notable expansions include Go Outdoors, which has launched Europe’s largest outdoor store in York’s Vangarde Shopping Park, and Scamp & Dude’s largest outlet in Manchester’s St Ann’s Square. Meanwhile, Rodd & Gunn and French Connection are balancing their UK expansions between full-price and outlet stores, with strategies to increase their footprint across high streets and shopping centres.
Oliver Bonas has amplified its retail space in Brighton and Islington, increasing its sites to over 80 across the UK and Ireland. Such strategic leasing reflects a broader trend where fashion brands are investing heavily in physical stores, leveraging new retail spaces despite prevailing economic challenges.
These expansions illustrate the enduring vitality and ambition within the UK fashion retail sector, with brands reinvigorating high street presence.
