Retail News…
19-11-2007
Hardy Amies Launches Their First Ready to Wear Store
Located in the heart of Edinburgh, at 80 George St, the 1500sqft shop houses the Hardy Amies London Collection, the effortlessly cool contemporary range of casual and formal menswear.
As befits Sir Hardy’s outlook the store has a modern yet welcoming feel, blending familiar reclaimed items with a clean contemporary look reminiscent of a bachelor’s modern warehouse apartment.
The shop features a reclaimed oak floor laid in narrow strips which together with two rows of pendant black lights immediately draw the customer’s focal point to a large 1960s Hardy Amies image at the back of the store. The front of the store features wire cable suspended rails set in front of polished plaster panels, in turn layered over a more industrial concrete backdrop. The back of the store has a more intimate feel with a focus on formal tailoring. The key highlight here is a number of oversized old fashioned steamer trunks cum folding wardrobes which display all the garments by replicating a man’s wardrobe – jackets and trousers, suits, shirts, ties, belts and other accessories. In addition to the collection, the store boasts a seating area where customers are welcome to relax and enjoy a tea or coffee whilst perusing the collection.
Reiss Opens London Flagship & Design HQ
UK retail chain Reiss has opened a new London flagship and design HQ "that epitomises where we've taken the brand now" its founder David Reiss told WGSN. The company also plans to head a 250 global store empire within five years.
Opening the 11,000sq ft store plus showroom and design offices on Barrett Street, behind Oxford Street, David Reiss told WGSN: "Barrett Street is now the epitomy of the brand. It shows how far we've come – it's all about purity of design at a luxury level. It was designed to be a beautiful clean space, to show off the collections in a very slick, modern environment. It represents the new identity for the brand… we're launching new packaging there, too."
In the States, Reiss will have notched up 10 US stores by the end of the year with two due to open in Miami in the next few weeks. The company will also open a retail space at the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow airport next March 08.
Reiss also revealed its Spring/Summer 08 collection to press and international franchise partners at Victoria House, London, last week. The show included more separates and daywear pieces alongside the brands signature clean tailoring and special occasion designs.
