British retailer Topshop wants to crack the Hong Kong market, confirming its first store will open there next year.

The shop will be at Asia Standard Tower on Queens Rd in Central, trading over 12,000 sqft across two floors. The first floor will feature two distinct rooms – one showcasing the brand’s fashion lines, the other accessories and make up.

Upstairs will feature a dedicated shoe lounge with custom glass fixtures and mirrored ceiling. A by-appointment personal shopping area will offer full VIP treatment in a dedicated suite off the main floor.

Lab Concept, a subsidiary of department store Lane Crawford, will manage the operation, providing the retail space and operational expertise, including staff and logistics support; Topshop will manage the merchandising.

“This is certainly a very exciting step in the continued growth of Topshop as a global, yet uniquely British brand. I am confident that the fashion-loving Hong Kong customers will enjoy the retail experience and fantastic product offer that Topshop will deliver for them,” said Topshop owner Philip Green.

Topshop is renowned for its distinctly British fashion theme. Last week it was announced Leonard Green and Partners had taken a 25 per cent equity stake in Topshop/Topman – valuing the joint business at £2 billion (US$3.23 billion).

The retailer has 472 stores, 324 of them in the UK, the balance in 38 other countries. Apart from three fully owned flagship stores in the US, the international business is either franchise or wholesale led.

Recent international openings include Australia, Brazil and South Africa, and significant expansion in the Far East is a key priority, with 27 stores trading in the region and five having been opened over the last year.

“The timing for market entry couldn’t be better – we are seeing dramatic growth in our own contemporary businesses in Lane Crawford and Lab Concept and we believe there will be great customer anticipation for the launch of Topshop next year,” said Lane Crawford president Andrew Keith.

GB