New Zealand born menswear label Rodd & Gunn will open its first experiential retail store in London's Mayfair retail district.
Opening in time for the Northern Hemisphere's Autumn season, the flagship store will span across two floors and will offer an expansive street-level retail experience, while a sub-street floor will be fitted out to serve the brand's wholesale clients.
The sub-street floor will also serve as a fulfilment centre during the early development of the online business.
Rodd & Gunn CEO Mike Beagley said that despite being so far away from the brand's roots, he believes the Mayfair store will be well received.
Rodd & Gunn Greenwich
"Even at the exploratory stage, my sense of connection with the London retail scene proved surprising.
"Geographically, it’s a very long way from our roots in the deep south of New Zealand, literally half a world, yet it’s immediately familiar.
"There’s something exceptional about this opportunity. The reverence New Zealand carries with it in the United Kingdom suggests a considerable headstart for us in establishing our story; it’s alluring, engaged conversations are organic.
"The time is right for Rodd & Gunn to establish a foothold in Europe, and to start with a beautiful location within metres of Regent Street, often regarded as the epicentre of London retail, puts concrete beneath its promise," he said.
The store will serve as a hub for further expansion across Europe and will open on August 23.