US upmarket shoes and accessories retailer Michael Kors is to open its second UK store on Regent Street in the shop formerly occupied by opticians Dollond & Aitchison.
Michael Kors - which operates about 90 shops plus concession outlets predominantly in the US but also in Europe, Asia and the Middle East - will open the 2,500 sq ft store in February, it is understood.
Its other UK store opened last year on London’s New Bond Street.
A source close to the situation said Michael Kors has “not yet signed” but is “likely to” soon.
Other retailers had been vying for the Regent Street store, which Dollond & Aitchison exited this year. While the UK has been hit with rising shop vacancy levels, there is little available space for retailers to open shops in central London, and particularly the West End.
All Saints this year moved into the former Nokia store on Regent Street when it became available. Victoria’s Secret last week confirmed it would open its first UK store on New Bond Street, as first revealed by Retail Week last month.
Michael Kors says it sells “polished, sleek, sophisticated American sportswear with a jet-set attitude”. Lines include women’s ready to wear, swimwear and accessories - including handbags, small leather goods, belts and shoes - with price points varying from under $100 (£66) to more than $1,000 (£664) in the category. It also sells menswear.
It is thought the Regent Street store will be modelled on the retailer’s Munich lifestyle store. The retailer has laid out plans for an international push, including a “major expansion” in Japan.
Landlord The Crown Estate, which owns most of Regent Street, has been remodelling the famous shopping destination in recent years in an attempt to make it more attractive to popular, international brands. Recent additions to the street include US brand Anthropologie, which opened its doors last year.
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