Aquascutum vacates Regent Street. Harvey Nichols in?
The papers report that Aquascutum is seeking buyers for its Regent Street flagship store. In the frame according to The Independent are Abercrombie & Fitch, Hollister, Superdry and Harvey Nichols’ new Beauty Bazaar. Who do we think should be the new occupant? I’m rooting for Harvey Nichols. Great Portland Estates is trying to rebrand Regent Street as a rival to Bond Street, so a luxury beauty retailer looks like the most appropriate fit. Plus there isn’t much in the way of high end beauty in this neck of the woods (nearest competitors are Liberty, Space NK in Broadwick Street and Boots in Piccadilly Circus). As far as I’m concerned, Abercrombie can stay where it is in Savile Row, while Hollister and Superdry *gag* are far more Oxford Street or Bluewater.
Alarmingly, the Independent also mentions that Hollister and Superdry have made unsolicited approaches for the National Geographic Store across from Aquascutum in Regent Street. How very dare they! I wish these pushy purveyors of overpriced, soulless streetwear would leave my beloved retail space well alone.
[Image: Aquascutum AW11/Style.com]
25 April, 2011 @ 2:47 pm
Harvey Nichols pleaaaase!
25 April, 2011 @ 8:38 pm
I completely agree with the comment about Holister and Superdry. Oxford street is far more suited to the brands…or hidden away in department stores!
26 April, 2011 @ 11:06 am
I can’t believe they’re vacating the iconic building? SO confusing as they’ve just relaunched RTW, so I didn’t realize they weren’t doing so well…So sad when an iconic store falls by the wayside. The gorgeous 5th Ave Takashimaya is now a Forever 21. Tragic.
xx
26 April, 2011 @ 11:13 am
Hey Kristin! It is a beautiful store. The Independent says it might be relocating to Bond Street. Chanel is moving to the Nicole Farhi store so maybe Aquascutum could go there (although it’s a LOT smaller than the Regent Street site)? Hopefully it will be the posh end of Bond Street and not the other end!