Abercrombie & Fitch fined for defacing Savile Row building

US teen retailer Abercrombie & Fitch has been accused of defacing its Grade II-listed Kids store at 3 Savile Row. The fashion chain must pay a fine for painting the interior of the store brown without permission. Westminster Magistrates' Court found the retailer guilty of breaching the conditions of a Grade II status building, which means any color scheme on either the main floor or first floor must first be agreed upon with the Westminster City council beforehand.

The operating company behind Abercrombie & Fitch, AFH Stores UK and co-defendant the Dorset based Castletech Construction were fined close to 16,000 pounds by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 3 for breaching the conditional listed building consent at the store. The court ruled that the two acted in full knowledge that they were breaching the rules. The teen retailer was fined 3,000 pounds and ordered to pay 120 pounds in victim surcharges, as well as 5,323 pounds in costs. Castletech was fined 3,000 pounds, and ordered to pay a 120 pound victim surcharge in addition to paying 4,139 pounds in costs.

The court ruling comes after Savile Row tailors protest against Abercrombie & Fitch's plan to open the store in the icon street, known for British tailors.