NZ menswear brand Rodd & Gunn starts UK expansion via standalone stores

Premium menswear brand Rodd & Gunn has been working with real estate advisor Savills and has opened three new stores, in Edinburgh, Bath and Winchester. 

It comes as the New Zealand-based label says it has “ambitious nationwide [UK} expansion plans, as it looks to secure as many as 40 sites in the next five years”.

The three stores are its first standalones outside London with the brand aiming to expand its presence via regional high streets across the UK. 

Last month, it launched its first store in Scotland at 67 George Street, Edinburgh, occupying 1,504 sq ft of space. New stores in Bath, on New Bond Street, spanning 3,735 sq ft, as well as Winchester, The Square, comprising 3,344 sq ft, have also opened. 

There are plans for further openings this year, as well as sites in the pipeline for 2025.

CEO Mike Beagley said the brand “continues to resonate strongly with UK consumers, presenting us with unparalleled growth opportunities in this market. Over the past two years, we have experienced rapid expansion through our concession model with John Lewis, established a robust online presence, and seen significant growth in our own e-commerce platform. 

“Our strategic move to open further stores across the UK, initiated in late March, has already yielded success, with new locations in Edinburgh, Bath, and Winchester launching within the last two weeks. 

“The early performance of these stores reinforces our confidence in a bright future in the UK market”.

And director in global cross border retail at Savills, Alex Glavas, added: “Rodd & Gunn’s strategic expansion across key regional UK markets highlights the growing demand for premium menswear beyond London, aligning to their ever-growing global presence and also meeting the increasing appetite for quality retail experiences.”