British luxury leather brand Mulberry, best known for its handbags and accessories, is to open a store in Liverpool later this year. Tony McDonough reports
British luxury leather brand Mulberry has agreed to open a 979 sq ft store in Liverpool ONE later this year.
Founded in 1971 on a kitchen table in Somerset, Mulberry initially established itself as a British lifestyle brand that was noted for its leather poacher bags, including the binocular bag and dispatch bag.
In recent years the company has become more associated with ladies’ handbags and accessories and its new Liverpool ONE outlet will be in Keys Court, the former TopShop building that fronts onto Church Street and Peter’s Lane.
It will join other premium fashion brands such as ARNE, Monica Vinader and Salomon’s first full-price UK store outside London. Keys Court has been created in a 68,000 sq ft space.
Mulberry has grown to become the UK’s largest manufacturer of luxury leather goods. It is recognised globally for its contemporary interpretation of British heritage and craftsmanship.
Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, which has been hoovering up high end brands including Liverpool’s own Cricket, owns a 37% stake in the business but has been unsuccessful in its attempt to attain a majority shareholding.
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Brendan Hattam, centre director at Landsec-owned Liverpool ONE, said: “Mulberry’s decision to invest at Liverpool ONE reflects the strength of Keys Court and Peter’s Lane as it continues to establish itself as one of the UK’s leading premium retail destinations.
“Liverpool ONE offers the right combination of catchment, footfall and customer experience, making it a natural home for one of Britain’s most iconic luxury lifestyle brands.”