Cath Kidston clarifies store review reports

Cath Kidston has clarified reports that it is to undergo a formal portfolio review and instead said that it is reviewing individual branches as leases come up for renewal.

The fashion retailer, which has 65 stores across the UK, stressed it is looking to move stores where leases are coming to an end to locations with higher footfall on a case-by-case basis.

A branch was recently shut down in Westfield Stratford but will be relocated to a new space at the White City Westfield development. Last year, Cath Kidston’s Edinburgh store on George Street was also moved to a more prime location on Princes Street.

A spokesperson for Cath Kidston told Retail Sector: “Like all smart retailers, we are always reviewing our UK store network to ensure our shops are in the best locations.

“The UK remains our largest market both in terms of sales and store numbers. We are not looking to radically increase or decrease the number of stores we have in the UK, however, we will continue to close and open new stores to ensure we have the best estate possible to meet our customers’ needs and shopping patterns.”

Cath Kidston recently opened a store at London Bridge and will also feature at the soon to be open Icon outlet at the O2 in Greenwich.