Ralph Lauren gives space to homewares

Ralph Lauren will upgrade its home offer by dedicating a 3,800 sq ft (350 sq m) floor in its New Bond Street shop entirely to its furniture and housewares collection.

The home floor, which replaces previous fashion retail space and due to open on September 20, will become the biggest Ralph Lauren Home presentation in Europe.

Retail Knowledge Bank research director Robert Clark said the decision signals an important shift and shows that London is still an innovative place for fashion retailers.

'Fashion (clothing) brands have been around for a while. Now fashion retailers are extending into home fashion. The fact that a brand like Ralph Lauren is making such a definitive move is the ultimate example,' he said.

Marks & Spencer recently hired Selfridges' Vittorio Radice to develop a new home furnishings business.