Laura Ashley is set to return to brick-and-mortar retailing this month with the opening of its first standalone store in over five years.
The British heritage brand said it plans to create a “comprehensive lifestyle destination under one roof” with its new 10,000 sq ft flagship in Lakeside shopping centre in Thurrock, Essex.
Opening on September 26, the store will stock the retailer’s homeware and décor ranges alongside a curated edit of its women’s fashion, sleepwear and girlswear collections.
The space will feature a dedicated design hub, where visitors can browse and shop the brand’s made-to-measure fabrics alongside its wallpaper and paint collections – paying homage to Laura Ashley’s heritage of shaping home design.
The flagship will also host brand activations, product launches, and design and décor events.
Laura Ashley said the Lakeside opening marks a “significant milestone” in the brand’s retail strategy following its acquisition by Ben Sherman owner Marquee Brands in January.
The store will be operated in partnership with Next and leverage the high street giant’s advanced retail systems and stock management expertise.
Marquee Brands chief commercial and growth officer Rachel Terrace said: “Laura Ashley stores have always been destinations of inspiration, where consumers could explore and immerse themselves in the brand’s world of design.
“In partnership with Next, a leading retail partner for the brand, we are proud to reintroduce this experience in a refreshed retail concept.
“This opening represents a significant milestone in Laura Ashley’s return to the UK retail market and signals the next phase of growth for the brand.”
A spokesperson for Next added: “We’re excited to be partnering with Marquee Brands to reintroduce Laura Ashley’s physical store presence in the UK.
“This new space offers customers the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the world of Laura Ashley, discovering the wide range of collections available from interiors to womenswear and childrenswear, all within a fresh and inspiring environment, in one of the UK’s best retail locations.”
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