Harrys of London plots international expansion

13 July 2015 | By Jill Geoghegan

Luxury footwear retailer Harrys of London is planning to open new stores in the UK, New York and the Middle East following its Burlington Arcade relaunch last week.

The 600 sq ft store in London’s Burlington Arcade was given an overhaul by architectural designer Christian Lahoude, who has previously worked with Alexander Wang, Jimmy Choo and Gucci, to echo the style of some of London’s historic libraries.

It now features a second floor of retail space, allowing the brand to display its full collection for the first time, and includes a ‘care bar’ where customers can have their shoes mended and polished.

Chief executive Steven Newey told Drapers: “It’s our biggest store to date and carries everything in the one place for the first time. It’s a great opportunity to show off the product and we will roll this out.”

Newey, who joined the business in June from Mulberry where he was group commercial director, said Harrys was now focusing on opening “as many own stores as possible”, including in London’s Knightsbridge, New York and Saudi Arabia within the next year.

Harrys has signed Mr Porter as its first wholesale account in the UK for autumn 15, but will continue to focus on retailing here in the short to medium term.

It has nine wholesale accounts in the US, where it has been wholesaling for the last two years, and will go into department stores Barneys and Neiman Marcus in September. It is also planning a wholesale launch in Asia for autumn 16.

Harrys has two other stores in London: South Audley Street in Mayfair and The Royal Exchange in the City.

http://www.drapersonline.com/news/harrys-of-london-plots-international-expansion/5076994.article#.VaU5TOlLi00