Kate Spade opens first non-London standalone at Bluewater

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Nov 24, 2017

Kate Spade has opened its first full-price standalone UK store outside of central London with its Bluewater debut. The Tapestry-owned brand has opened close to sister label Coach’s still-new location.

The 1,600 sq ft boutique is located on the Lower Guildhall and as well as being near its new owner’s star brand, it’s also opposite major rival Michael Kors, which had wanted to buy the brand itself.

The area is actually turning into something of a high-end/premium accessories hub with Aspinal of London having relocated 1,300 sq ft unit on the upper Guildhall. And all of these stores are close to House of Fraser’s accessories department that sells brands including Paul Smith, Lulu Guinness and Mulberry.

Unlike the new Coach store, which is bag-focused, as well as the quirky and classic bags for which Kate Spade is known, its new store also stocks the label’s apparel, footwear and stationery.

Landsec’s Robert Hardie, Senior Portfolio Manager at the co-owner and asset manager of Bluewater, said: “The premium retail experience provided by Kate Spade New York extends Bluewater’s appeal among affluent guests. This latest opening joins a line-up of aspirational and premium brands within the scheme.  The launch clearly shows strong demand from high-end US brands to secure a foothold in Bluewater, following in the footsteps of Michael Kors and Coach.” 

The opening is the brand’s fifth location in the UK, in addition to stores in London on Regent Street, Covent Garden, Sloane Square and Westfield.