// New Zealand retailer Rodd & Gunn picks London’s Mayfair for debut European store
// The store is located on Conduit Street
// Rodd & Gunn trades from 53 standalone stores worldwide, in NZ, Australia, and the US
New Zealand retailer Rodd & Gunn has opened its first-ever European store in London’s posh Mayfair district.
The store, which opened late last month, is located on Conduit Street and stocks the upmarket brand’s full range of clothing, footwear and accessories.
While Rodd & Gunn was already previously available in the UK, the new store marks the Kiwi retailer’s first step in its expansion strategy across Europe.
In New Zealand, Rodd & Gunn trades through 20 stores, one concession and three outlets.
Across the Tasman in Australia, it trades from another 24 stores, 63 concessions and seven outlets.
Rodd & Gunn opened its first non-antipodean store in the US in 2016.
It now trades from eight standalone stores across North America.
Speaking to Inside Retail, Rodd & Gunn chief executive Mike Beagley said it would take time to raise brand awareness in the UK.
“We believe having a flagship store in the centre of London will give us huge visibility and establish our brand,” he said.
“However, like we have experienced in the US, it takes a long time to build a brand, so it will be a case of telling our stories and building our brand awareness over a long period of time.”
Rodd & Gunn also has plans to grow its UK wholesale business, and has reportedly found space for an office and fulfilment centre for online orders.
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