Banana Republic will open its first UK store today (March 20) in one of the units created from the former Dickins & Jones site on Regent Street.

Retail Week got a sneak preview of the 17,000 sq ft three-floor European flagship store, which houses women’s and men’s ready-to-wear collections and accessories.

Parent company Gap said the retailer will bring “affordable luxury” and “modern working wardrobe solutions” to the capital city.

The store sits alongside other high-profile international retailers including Cos and H&M’s new flagship store on Regent Street.

The retailer is pitched to compete alongside department stores and retailers such as Max Mara, Reiss and Jigsaw.

See Thursday’s fashion newsletter and next week’s Retail Week magazine for more on the opening.