Several high street fashion retailers are expanding despite recent challenges, opening new stores across the UK.
- British brand Charles Tyrwhitt continues its growth, marking its 44th store globally with plans for more openings in 2024.
- Mango unveils new stores as part of its major UK expansion strategy, with 60 locations currently in operation.
- Uniqlo’s European store expansion underscores its growth strategy, adding a new 9,000 sq ft store in Coal Drops Yard.
- Sosandar, Seasalt, and others are also increasing their high street presence, indicating strong retail momentum.
In recent times, a number of fashion retailers have been actively expanding their physical presence on the UK high streets, defying the challenges currently faced by brick-and-mortar stores. This trend is exemplified by several key players who are making significant strides in increasing their store counts and footprints.
British menswear brand Charles Tyrwhitt recently opened its eighth new location in 18 months in Cheltenham. The store, formerly occupied by Superdry, is 2,787 sq ft in size and includes modern omnichannel capabilities like shoppable touch screens. This opening marks Charles Tyrwhitt’s 44th store worldwide, and the brand aims to open six more stores by the end of the year, further solidifying its market presence.
Similarly, Mango, a prominent Spanish fashion retailer, has strategically targeted the UK for its expansion efforts. By the end of 2023, Mango had established 60 locations across the country. The retailer’s ambitious 2024 plan includes the addition of 20 new stores, with the launch of Mango Teen in London, demonstrating their commitment to broadening their reach to younger demographics.
Meanwhile, Uniqlo has reinforced its growth in the UK by opening a new store in the trendy Coal Drops Yard area, furthering its European expansion agenda. Alessandro Dudech, the UK Chief Operating Officer, attributes this growth to the brand’s robust store expansion strategy, with a focus on flagship experiences that provide full brand immersion.
British womenswear brand Sosandar has launched its first physical store in Chelmsford, followed by a new location in Marlow, with plans for a further store in Newcastle’s Metrocentre. The brand targets to establish a presence in 50 locations over the next five years, highlighting a strategic push towards physical retail growth.
Cornish lifestyle brand Seasalt also continues to bolster its presence, with recent store openings in Glasgow and additional sites throughout the UK and Ireland. Their strategic vision includes a foray into the US market, with plans to open locations in North America, marking a significant international expansion milestone.
Go Outdoors has opened the largest outdoor store in Europe at York’s Vangarde Shopping Park, spanning 125,000 sq ft. This expansion raises its number of UK stores to 95, with two more planned openings before the year’s end, showcasing a strong retail growth trajectory.
Similarly, Scamp & Dude and French Connection are expanding their store numbers in the UK, with new openings planned throughout 2024. Brands like Oliver Bonas and Rodd & Gunn are aligning their expansion strategies to increase their footprint across high streets and shopping centres, reinforcing their retail commitment.
This surge in retail expansion highlights the resilience and strategic ingenuity of brands navigating the evolving UK high street landscape.
