Fashion label Kate Spade is to open a 2000 sqft flagship store in the heart of Paris this summer.
The move is described as a bid to expand its brand awareness and sales in greater Europe as the US brand looks offshore for growth.
The Kate Spade flagship will be located on the Rue Saint-Honore. Besides core lines of handbags, ready-to-wear, accessories, watches, jewellery, shoes and eyewear, the store will feature furniture from Kate Spade’s home decor range in its fit-out.
Until now the brand has only been sold in France through a concession at Galeries Lafayette and online.
The store will follow the opening of a flagship on London’s Regent Street last year.
Kate Spade is currently for sale with rival US brand Coach said to be the frontrunner. Retail commentators suggest the expansion into Europe will make the brand a more attractive target for investors.
“As Coach takes more of a focus towards millennials, Kate Spade would be a welcome addition to their company given their popularity among that demographic,” comments Kristopher Fraser of Fashion United. “Coach has also proven they know how to turn a brand around and generate a profit.”
Fraser says that several years ago Kate Spade was struggling and facing store closures.
“Now they are considered one of New York’s coolest brands, in part due to their creative director Stuart Vevers, who helped grow their ready-to-wear business. After acquiring Stuart Weitzman, Kate Spade would be a smart next project for {Coach}.”
