Coach opens at Bluewater as Alex and Ani see UK debut at the supermall

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Oct 30, 2017

Coach has opened its first southeast England store outside of London with its debut at Bluewater, Europe’s largest shopping mall. The move is part of its regional expansion plan that sees its widening distribution of its core leathergoods products.

And another US name has also opened at Bluewater at the same time with Alex and Ani, the symbol-based fashion jewellery brand, marking its UK retail debut with a new store at the supermall. Coach’s Kate Spade New York brand will complete the trio of significant openings when it debuts there before Christmas.

The new Coach location covers 1,750 sq ft and is in a strong position on the Lower Guildhall adjacent to anchor store House of Frasier. It features leather furniture and bespoke fittings that showcase the range of men’s and women’s products.

Coach Europe president Catherine Levesque said the store “has been extremely successful” in its first few days.

Meanwhile the Alex and Ani opening adds to Bluewater’s already-significant jewellery offer and covers an 890 sq ft space next to jewellery peer Pandora on the Lower Thames Walk. Offering the brand’s collection of bangles, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, the store embodies its modern look and feel, featuring elements from its Rhode Island heritage. Store design was carried out by an in-house team.

The ‘ethical’ jeweller is also preparing to launch a UK-dedicated transactional website.

These two openings, along with the Kate Spade one, all add to the premium profile of the mall as well as to its appeal as a major accessories destination. 

Russell Loveland, Portfolio Director at Landsec, co-owner and asset manager of Bluewater, said: “We are always looking to drive our premium offer to appeal to the affluent catchment. [These] openings significantly enhance Bluewater’s overall line-up of leading national and international retailers and further strengthen Bluewater’s position as Europe’s leading retail and leisure destination.”