Chinese fashion brand targets UK
Just days after US retailer American Eagle confirmed it is to fly out of the UK, Chinese clothing brand Urban Revivo has announced that it has chosen the UK to open its first store outside Asia, early next year, as the “fast fashion” label continues its ambitious expansion. Founded in 2006 by Leo Li, Urban Revivo currently has 160 stores in China and one in Singapore.
Speaking to media outlet China Daily this week, Visual Thinking founder Karl McKeever said: “London, specifically, is one of those places where all international brands want to be established.” But he was quick to point out that the retailer will need to differentiate itself from similar brands in London’s crowded fashion market.
Urban Revivo will open a branch in West London Westfield in March 2018, and then plans stores in Japan, France, the US and the Middle East as part of a £600 million international expansion.
London is a strategic priority for building UR’s fashion empire
According to China Daily, a spokeswoman for Urban Revivo said: “London is going to be UR’s first step to expand into the European market and is a strategic priority for building UR’s fashion empire.”
The decision comes off the back of a number of other high-profile announcements from international retailer relating to investment in the UK. Earlier in the week, Retail Week revealed that Australian homewares retailer House was plotting its own overseas push that will soon see it land on UK shores. With the stated aim of launching 75 stores in the next three years, it will surely heighten the competitive landscape for retailers such as Lakeland.
The announcements by both House and Urban Revivo demonstrate that, while UK retailers may still view the impact of the Brexit vote will concern, a growing number of overseas retailers are clearly eyeing the UK and seeing opportunities.
