Amsterdam-based fashion brand Scotch & Soda has acquired its first two stores in London as the capital continues to attract brands from all over the world. The 1,000 sq ft stores are located opposite each other at 170 and 181 Westbourne Grove and are expected to open in Autumn 2012. One will trade as Scotch & Soda menswear and the other as Maison Scotch womenswear.
Scotch & Soda was founded in 1985. It currently operates six stores in the Netherlands with two franchise stores in Belgium and two in France.
Duncan Gilliard and Matt Hyland in the Central London retail team at Cushman & Wakefield acquired the stores. Duncan Gilliard said, “Scotch & Soda is a fantastic brand and one we are delighted to have assisted in acquiring its first two stand-alone stores. We are excited about working with the retailer on its expansion in the UK, with London as its focus for further stores. The eastern section of Westbourne Grove, close to Ledbury Road, has seen a surge in demand with new brands including Aubade and Sandro Homme – Cushman & Wakefield was involved in both transactions.”
Scotch & Soda is another example of the Central London retail team securing stores for a new entry brand in the face of tough competition from rivals. Others the firm has advised in the past year include: Tara Jarmon, The Kooples, Aubade, Eileen Fisher, Jack Wolfskin, Rabeanco, Calzedonia, Carlo Pazolini and Lotus Originals.
The landlord of 170 Westbourne Grove was represented by Christopher Chaplin Associates and the landlord of 181 Westbourne Grove was represented by Orme Retail. Cushman & Wakefield advised Scotch & Soda.