US fashion retailer Urban Outfitters is poised to bring its sister brand Anthropologie to London’s Regent Street, sending a clear signal that the UK remains an important European launch pad despite the slowdown in the economy.

Sources close to the deal said a signing on Regent Street was just “weeks” away for Anthropologie. It is understood that the retailer has been approaching Regent Street retailers with offers for their sites. It wants a store between 10,000 and 20,000 sq ft.

The fashion and homewares retailer has also been eyeing sites on Bond Street, but is thought to prefer Regent Street, where rival US fashion brand Banana Republic has enjoyed success since opening in March. US competitor Abercrombie & Fitch also had a successful launch just off Regent Street.

Planet Retail global research director Bryan Roberts said that Anthropologie’s distinct and well-designed store formats could be very successful in the UK.

“Even though the fashion market is very crowded, if a new store can offer something different, it will do well,” he said. “Anthropologie targets a more mature and affluent market than Urban Outfitters, which will serve it better than if it was a mid-market player going headlong into the market.”

Anthropologie has 115 stores in the US and has a direct business that ships to 34 countries worldwide. Like-for-like sales at the chain increased 7 per cent in the three months to July 31.

Anthropologie declined to comment.

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