French Connection has made a significant comeback in Manchester, signaling a pivotal moment that may shape the premium fashion and home retailer’s expansion strategy for the year 2024.
The brand-new 2,189 sq ft store in the bustling Manchester Arndale center showcases an extensive collection for both men and women, featuring clothing, accessories, footwear, and a carefully curated selection of homeware. This move aligns seamlessly with French Connection’s ambitious plan to expand its physical stores in the UK, targeting growth from the current 30 to a range between 40 and 50 in the coming years. The envisioned formats include both outlet and full-price stores strategically positioned in high streets and bustling shopping centers, according to Simon Donoghue, French Connection’s Managing Director of Direct to Consumer.
French Connection kickstarted its store expansion initiative earlier in the summer with the debut of its outlet store at Icon Outlet at The O2 in southeast London, marking its first venture into the outlet space in six years.
As part of this growth strategy, potential full-price stores are being contemplated in various locations, including Edinburgh, Milton Keynes, and smaller towns such as Guildford, Windsor, and Solihull, alongside prominent university hubs like Oxford and Cambridge.
The opening at Manchester Arndale follows a trend of recent lettings to prominent fashion brands, including Dune, The North Face, Oseyo, Nike, Moss, and Sunglasses Hut. Noteworthy is the upsizing of River Island, highlighting the center’s prowess in attracting diverse top-tier operators. Steve Gray, Head of European Retail Asset Management at operator Global Mutual, expressed unwavering confidence in consistently delivering a premier retail experience, with Manchester Arndale being over 95% let.
Positioning itself as the North West’s premier retail destination, Manchester Arndale anticipates welcoming more exciting brands in the upcoming months, solidifying its standing in the dynamic retail landscape of the region.
