Harvey Nichols opens debut store in Azerbaijan

"We are delighted to be opening a store in Azerbaijan, our first in the region," commented Stacey Cartwright, group Chief Executive of luxury British department store group Harvey Nichols on the opening of its debut store in Baku.

"This market is fast becoming one of the top luxury retail destinations in the world and we are excited to offer the ultimate in luxury shopping and hospitality to the discerning customer in Baku." Located within the Globus Plaza shopping center, in the middle of the Nasimi district the newest addition to Harvey Nichols store portfolio spans 110,000 square feet, spread over seven floors.

The store offers over 500 international designer labels and features Harvey Nichols edit of womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, bridal, perfumery and cosmetics as well as its updated hospitality offer which is designed to appeal to the Baku customer.The debut store, which was designed by London-based interior company Four IV, brings together modern and traditional aspects which were designed to reflect the energy of the city.

“Baku has become very fashion forward in the past years and the opening of Harvey Nichols Baku will help to snap the most stylish brands straight from the catwalks," added Akshin Abdilov, the Director of Perfomans, who holds the exclusive licensee for Azerbaijan. "Along with the inimitable collections we will be offering our customers personalised VIP services like personal shopping and style advising services which will be peerless in terms of unique shopping experience.”

According to the Economist, Azerbaijan is considered to have the second fastest growing economy of any country between 2000 and 2010 based on gross domestic product (GDP) and over the past five years the number of affluent people in Azerbaijan has more than quadrupled, making it an ideal location for the luxury department store group to expand into. In addition to tapping into the new growing market, the new Harvey Nichols Baku store has also created steady employment for 500 permanent and full-time employees.

“I am thrilled to be part of this very unique project which I believe will change the way customers shop in Baku," said David Cairnduff, Store Director of Harvey Nichols Baku. "Our aim is to entertain and delight our customers in a unique way as well delivering an authentic Harvey Nichols experience to the city, allowing our customers to enjoy many hours discovering the areas of our store, from our exclusive and exciting fashion offer, pampering spaces and vibrant food and hospitality areas."