The fashion industry is witnessing a significant surge in store openings as brands expand globally.
- AllSaints leads with openings across the UK, US, Europe, and Asia, signalling strong growth.
- JD Sports targets becoming a top global sports-fashion leader, planning hundreds of new stores annually.
- Primark innovates with small format stores, aiming for sustainable growth in Europe and the US.
- Mango, Sosandar, Lounge Underwear, Charles Tyrwhitt, Castore, and Mountain Warehouse aggressively pursue expansion.
In recent months, numerous fashion retailers have embarked on ambitious store opening sprees, showcasing a trend towards global expansion. Among these is AllSaints, which has revealed plans to establish new outlets in key markets including the UK, US, Europe, and Asia. A notable opening on Brompton Road, London, aims to capture peak Christmas trading, further emphasising the brand’s growth strategy.
JD Sports, under the leadership of CEO Régis Schultz, aims to transform into a “leading global sports-fashion powerhouse.” The retailer is investing heavily in expansion across underpenetrated markets, with plans to open between 250 to 350 stores annually. Significant openings this year include its revamped Westfield Stratford store and an upcoming flagship location at Manchester’s Trafford Centre.
Primark is also exploring new avenues of growth. The brand is expanding its footprint via small format stores in Europe and the US, where CEO George Weston identifies “significant white space” for new locations. A recent opening in Montijo, Portugal, marks Primark’s venture into smaller regional markets, with plans for further expansion in Bolton, Greater Manchester.
Spanish retailer Mango has set its sights on the UK, planning to enhance its presence with over 20 new stores. This includes expanding into areas previously untapped, such as Northern Ireland and parts of England. Mango’s new store in Gateshead’s Metrocentre stands out as its largest in the region, alongside a unique store dedicated to teenagers on Carnaby Street, London.
Sosandar, traditionally an online brand, is making significant strides into physical retailing, aiming to open up to 50 stores within three to five years. With initial openings in Chelmsford, Marlow, Gateshead, and Cardiff, Sosandar is capitalising on a successful collaboration with a major supermarket chain, which has increased its market presence.
Lounge Underwear, transitioning from online operations, is on track to open eight new stores within 12 months. This follows their first physical store launch at Westfield White City, London, last year. New locations include Manchester, Leeds, and Bristol, reflecting the brand’s ambitious retail strategy.
Known for its quality shirts, Charles Tyrwhitt is expanding its retail presence significantly, having opened its eighth store on Regent Street, London, recently. The brand is planning 10 more openings over the next 18 months, underscoring its commitment to growing its footprint in the UK.
Sportswear leader Castore, which has expanded to over 30 stores since 2016, recognises the value of physical retail as both a revenue and brand-building channel. Recent store launches in Milton Keynes, Derby, and beyond align with its mission to establish a strong international presence.
Outdoor brand Mountain Warehouse is also investing in brick-and-mortar stores. After opening 28 outlets in its last financial year, the company has continued its growth with 20 more stores, including expansions into Australia. Larger store formats are being developed in various retail parks, highlighting its dynamic growth strategy.
These expansions underline a vigorous retail strategy across the fashion sector, aiming for robust global growth.
