Lucy Choi to open first standalone store

Luxury shoe designer Lucy Choi is set to open her first standalone boutique this autumn on London’s Connaught Street.

Located in the retail and restaurant quarter of the Church Commissioners’ Hyde Park Estate, the shoe designer has taken a store that was one occupied by her uncle, shoe designer Jimmy Choo.

The opening is part of Choi’s brand expansion plans to meet the increasing demand from customers, who have been asking for a boutique where they can browse, try on and purchase from the full collection. The label has ambitious goals to open five outlets by the end of 2016. Until now, the brand has only been available from stores such as Fenwicks.

Commenting on her debut store, Choi said: "Our first boutique represents an exciting new landmark and is the culmination of my vision to have my own store. Connaught Village is one of the most special places in London for me and I spent a considerable amount of time seeking just the right location, as I wanted to create a beautiful, calming environment and an inspiring space for our customers to shop in.”

Rosemarie Jones, deputy surveyor at the Church Commissioners, added: “We are building something really special at Connaught Village. The latest signings show the success of our targeted tenant strategy in attracting leading independent brands with unique offers in the fashion, design and food and beverage sectors.”

The Lucy Choi store is expected to open on September 18 and will launch with the label’s autumn/winter 2015 collection.