By guest author Ava Szajna-Hopgood from Retail Gazette
- Cath Kidston re-opens Piccadilly flagship
- Store will now operate an “experiential” service for shoppers, showcasing Cath Kidston products
- Re-launch comes after retro-inspired brand announced digital focus following administration
Cath Kidston returned to the high street on Wednesday with the re-opening of its flagship store in London’s Piccadilly.
The store is the only physical branch left trading for the retro-inspired retailer, who fell into administration earlier this year, closing all 60 of its UK stores in April.
The closures resulted in the loss of 900 jobs, although Cath Kidston continued to trade online, with 85 % of sales now made through ecommerce.
Cath Kidston said on Wednesday that the 7040 sq ft central London store would be “experiential” and had been designed to fit alongside its digital-first strategy of showcasing a selection of products.
In October the company announced a new core focus on digital acceleration and global growth, after completing an administration process earlier this year.
With renewed support and investment from parent company Baring Private Equity Asia, Cath Kidston said it had realigned its cost base and structure to create an “economically viable operating model” as a brand-led, digital first retailer.