Hunter to open first global flagship

Heritage footwear label Hunter is to open its first global flagship store on Regent Street in London, this autumn, to reflect the “new vision” of the brand. Hunter has signed an agreement with the Crown Estate to take over the former Gilly Hicks store at 83 Regent Street, which closed following Abercrombie & Fitch

Group’s decision in November to shut down all of its UK lingerie stores.

The heritage brand, founded in 1856 and best known for its wellington boots, will offer all of its new product

categories in the new 5,300 square foot store including outerwear, knitwear and accessories, which will be making its debut for Autumn/Winter 2014.

James Seuss, CEO of Hunter, said: “As we continue to expand our business, the opening of the London flagship store will be a key milestone in the development of our brand. Choosing to establish our first retail presence on Regent Street stays true to our heritage as a British brand.

“Alongside our global e-commerce site, it allows us to create an immersive environment, in which to engage directly with our customers and communicate the spirit of the Hunter brand.”

Hunter to open flagship on Regent Street

In January the label announced that it would be launching a lifestyle brand, Hunter Original, which would become the “heart of the Hunter brand” as part of the label’s plans to offer “relevant product” such as outerwear, knitwear, and accessories all year round, as well as footwear such as the iconic ‘Original’ boot.

The new sub-brand Hunter Original made its debut during London Fashion Week in February and marked the first collection under the creative direction of Alasdhair Willis, who joined the British label in February 2013, to focus on expanding the footwear business, while building on the exciting opportunities in other categories to make it into a lifestyle brand.

The brand also has plans to add a specialist performance category to its product line-up with the introduction of Hunter Field, which will launch in late 2014.

Commenting on the news, David Shaw, head of The Crown Estate’s Regent Street Portfolio, said: “Securing the world first flagship store from an iconic British brand like Hunter is great news for all who shop and trade on Regent Street. This is the latest example of a leading brand choosing to open its first store worldwide in Regent Street, further endorsing the area’s position as the UK’s premier location for flagships stores.”

Images: Hunter Original AW14