The retailer opened its first standalone accessories store at Hampstead in northwest London this week. The shop stocks jewellery, shoes and handbags. Reiss wants the accessories arm of its business to climb to 20 per cent of its overall revenue as it rolls out the format.
Founder David Reiss said: “We see accessories as our biggest growth area and it is set to account for 15 per cent of the business by the end of this year.”
Reiss said there is potential for about 10 more fashion stores in the UK, but that it is “close to where we want to be” in this country.
Further expansion in fashion will focus on international markets, with countries such as South Korea and Australia being mooted as possible options. The retailer wants to have 250 stores outside the UK within three and a half years. It has about 100 international shops at present.
Reiss also launched its transactional web site last month, with a soft launch in the UK for this season. It will launch in time for the spring season in the US, where it has 10 stores.
Reiss said the privately owned company was approached last year by a major US fashion owner to buy the business and, while he considered the offer, he decided the timing was not right. He said he wants to “remain focused on what we are doing at the moment”. He did not, however, rule out considering any future bids.
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