The Kooples pull out of Savile Row deal

French fashion chain The Kooples is no longer opening a flagship on London's Savile Row. The controversial move came after much publicised criticism from the tailors, craftsmen and bespoke association on the "row" who opposed the opening of yet

another high street brand amongst an already dwindling trade.

The Kooples aggressive retail strategy for the UK was to open 23 stores and the company is though to have pulled out of at least four property deals including the Savile Row boutique. The Independent broadsheet reported The Kooples is thought to be reviewing the portfolio due to the difficult trading conditions.

Focusing on its North American store roll-out, a spokeswoman for The Kooples stated: "Our new expansion programme is the US. We will still open shops in the UK when good business opportunities are proposed."

It is thought the deal at 5 Savile Row, which the street's exclusive tailors had opposed due to it being a fashion brand, was scrapped due to rising rents.

The news will be welcoming to Savile Row and its tailors, who are keen to uphold the tradition of British craftsmanship. The bespoke organisation representing Savile Row sets out to protect and promote the practices of bespoke tailoring. A unique British service that is renowned for its quality the world over.

Image: The Kooples SS12