Australian designer Rachel Gilbert will today open her first flagship boutique at Sydney shopping precinct The Intersection, in Paddington.
Gilbert said the store, which will stock both ready-to-wear and mainline collections, is the first step in a larger strategy to build her retail presence in Australia.
“The Rachel Gilbert flagship store will be a one-stop shop focused on satisfying consumer demand across all the categories the brand offers,” she said.
“We have a very strong commitment to maintaining our wholesale distribution network. But outside of this wholesale program, we are also investing a lot of energy into our first store in hope of being in a position to be able to open more stores around Australia in the future.”
Gilbert will also provide a point of difference for customers by offering exclusive bridal and bridesmaid styling appointments in-store.
“This is an opportunity for a bride and her maids to work one-on-one with me as I recommend the perfect wedding dress or bridesmaid dresses to complement the overall style of their wedding,” she said.
“Brides who book these appointments will also be offered the chance to purchase exclusive gowns and dresses that will not be available to purchase anywhere else outside of these appointments.”
The brand, which currently currently supplies 85 stockists nationally, is also looking to expand overseas, with plans already in place to launch the label in London.
“Apart from all the excitement taking shape in Australia, we are really focused on expanding the brand internationally,” Gilbert said.
“We have aligned with some major international department stores, including Harrods, and will be devoting a lot of energy into building the brand awareness overseas. We have also appointed a highly regarded PR agency in London to officially launch the brand in line with the autumn/winter 12 collection.”