Skims, owned by Kim Kardashian, aims to open its first UK store.
- The brand is in talks for a location at 245 Regent Street, London.
- This move follows the closure of Ted Baker’s store at the site.
- Skims is already a presence in high-end UK department stores.
- A successful deal will expand Skims’ international retail influence.
Skims, the shapewear brand founded by Kim Kardashian, has set its sights on a prestigious retail location at 245 Regent Street, London. This location, formerly home to a Ted Baker flagship store, has been vacant since August following the company’s decision to close its remaining UK outlets. If negotiations are successful, this would become the first Skims physical store in the United Kingdom, marking a significant step in the brand’s growth strategy.
The potential opening in London aligns with Skims’ broader expansion plans. Since its debut in 2019, the brand has garnered substantial popularity and recently opened its first permanent store in Washington, DC. With upcoming stores planned across various US states like Florida, Texas, and Georgia, the Regent Street store would further solidify Skims’ presence in the global market.
Already, Skims products enjoy a foothold in the UK retail scene. The brand is available in some of the country’s most prestigious department stores, including Harrods, Selfridges, and End Clothing. Additionally, Skims has made international inroads with stock presence in Europe’s notable retailers such as Galeries Lafayette in Paris and Brown Thomas in Dublin.
Highlighting its exponential growth, Skims has been valued at $4bn following a significant funding round in 2023. Earlier this year, the brand also ventured into menswear through a pop-up at Soho’s End flagship, showcasing its ambition to diversify its product offerings.
The deal for the Regent Street flagship emerges as a pivotal moment for Skims, signifying not just expansion but also the brand’s ambition to establish a strong brick-and-mortar presence globally. With London being a key fashion hub, securing this prime location would undoubtedly enhance Skims’ visibility and accessibility to a broader European audience.
The potential acquisition of the Regent Street location represents a strategic leap in Skims’ global retail ambitions.