LONDON – Laura Ashley has made its official return to bricks-and-mortar retail with the opening of its first freestanding U.K. store in over five years. The store, which opened last month at Lakeside Retail Park on the outskirts of London, marks a milestone in the brand’s U.K. retail strategy.
The brand, founded in 1953, closed its 150 stores in the U.K. in 2020, after the company fell into administration. Marquee Brands acquired Laura Ashley from Gordon Brothers this January.
The new, nearly 10,000 square-foot space presents Laura Ashley’s home, décor, fashion and girlswear collections within an immersive brand environment. It is operated in partnership with British clothing retailer Next, taking advantage of its advanced retail systems and stock management expertise.
The store features a curated mix of home furnishings, an extensive Sofa Shop experience and the Laura Ashley Interior Design Service. A dedicated Design Hub offers made-to-measure fabrics alongside Laura Ashley wallpaper and paint collections.
The assortment also will include decorative accessories, soft furnishings, lighting and tableware, complemented by an edit of Laura Ashley’s women’s fashion, sleepwear and girlswear collections. It is also planning design and décor events.
“Laura Ashley stores have always been destinations of inspiration, where consumers could explore and immerse themselves in the brand’s world of design,” said Rachel Terrace, chief commercial & growth officer of Marquee Brands. “In partnership with NEXT, a leading retail partner for the brand, we are proud to reintroduce this experience in a refreshed retail concept.”
The launch coincides with what would have been founder Laura Ashley’s 100th birthday.
