Thor Equities, a global leader in urban real estate development, leasing and management and Meyer Bergman, the co-owners of London’s iconic Burlington Arcade, are pleased to announce the opening of a new Manolo Blahnik boutique in London’s most exclusive retail destination.
The arrival of Manolo Blahnik reaffirms the Landlord’s vision for the Arcade as London’s premier luxury shopping experience, an incubator for new up-and-coming design talent and retail concepts, which forms part of the strategy for attracting long-term occupiers.
The new arrival follows hard on the heels of perfumers Roja Dove and Frederic Malle, their first stand-alone retail stores in the UK.
Manolo Blahnik’s double fronted unit, located at the Burlington Gardens entrance close to Bond Street, is set to open in early 2016.
Since acquiring the Burlington Arcade in 2010, Meyer Bergman and Thor Equities have undertaken a significant restoration of the property, overseen by leading British architect Jamie Fobert. The refurbishment included a new floor made from British stone and a remodelling of the roof, restoring the clear unobstructed view down the Arcade not seen for over 100 years. The upper arches were repainted in ecru white, the colour used in 1819 when the Arcade was first opened, and discreet up-lighting installed in place of the obtrusive hanging globes.
The owners reintroduced the traditional gate opening ceremony, discontinued by the previous owner, and commissioned new Regency style uniforms for the Burlington Arcade’s famous private police force, affectionately known as the Beadles.
Markus Meijer, chief executive of Meyer Bergman, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Manolo Blahnik. The luxury retail market is a competitive space and it is important that the Burlington Arcade evolves to ensure it maintains its prominent position in the sector. It’s a careful balancing act of maintaining individual and stand-alone stores and also introducing new retailers that complement our vision.”
Melissa Gliatta, executive vice president of Thor Equities, said:
“Our goal is to achieve an interesting tenant mix, which we believe is the key to attracting more shoppers to the Arcade. We encourage an element of diversity that reflects London’s unique DNA– an international city known for multiculturalism, style and trend setting fashion.”
Thor Equities and Meyer Bergman encourage global brands that will give the Burlington Arcade a unique and diverse luxury retail offering that attracts the most discerning clientele. The renovation of the arcade has delivered an attractive environment that also appeals to the best retail tenants.
The above signings follow recent store openings including Chanel and several of their stable brands: French swimwear and lingerie brand, Eres; Watchmakers Bell & Ross; cashmere knitwear manufacturer Barrie; milliner Maison Michel, as well as La Perla and Kwanpen, the luxury handbags and accessories retailer.
Bruno Pavlovsky CEO of Chanel stated “Choosing to open the store in Burlington Arcade was deliberate, because this arcade is a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow. It is a good place for this brand to be.”
Source: Thor Equities
