The 20,000 sq ft (1,860 sq m), three-level store at the Piccadilly end of Regent Street has proved more expensive than originally anticipated, according to ex-Habitat boss Mark Hislop, who has been heading the project.
He said that he has been working closely with London-based architect Lewis & Hickey and there is a blueprint for the store interior now, but costs have run considerably over budget.
He added that the contract to create the store will be re-tendered and that work will begin at the start of next year, when shopfitters may be less busy and able to provide their services at a lower rate.
The decision to open a National Geographic store is the outcome of a franchise agreement with the US media company, which is most famous for its magazine. It is being financed by Spanish consortium World Wide Network, which has offices in Barcelona and Madrid.
National Geographic operates a transactional web site in the US, as well as a TV channel and a shop at its Washington DC headquarters.
No comments yet