Hammerson’s Victoria Quarter is steadily becoming one of Leeds’ premier retail destinations, with strong investment into diversification attracting an increasing number of retailers from the luxury end of the market.
This week, the operator has announced that international luxury eyewear brand Cutler and Gross is set to open a new store in the County Arcade area of the centre, marking the brand’s first opening in Leeds.
Cutler and Gross will occupy a 900 sq ft unit in the Grade II listed Victorian building, counting top brands such as Vivienne Westwood, Mulberry and Reiss as close neighbours. Consumers will be able to take advantage of the retailer’s extensive sunglasses and opticals range from this summer, with quality guaranteed by the brand’s own factory in Cadore, Italy.
Chief executive officer at Cutler and Gross, Majid Mohammadi, expressed the retailer’s excitement at introducing its extensive range to the Leeds market.
He says; “2015 is an exciting year for Cutler and Gross – we are proud to announce the opening of our Leeds Store within the Victoria Quarter.
“Our 900 sq ft Leeds branch will carry over 6,000 sunglasses and opticals, offer our latest polarised mirror lenses and our bespoke services from a fully qualified team.
“We’re pleased to be part of the luxury empire that the Victoria Quarter has invested in, welcoming customers who have long asked of us to come here and eager to open our doors this summer.”
The arrival of Cutler and Gross is not the only exciting change for the Victoria Quarter in the pipeline, however, as the arcade is soon to undergo a series of essential repair and restoration works as a means of ensuring customers and tenants continue to enjoy a high standard of retail offer in a prime luxury setting.
Hammerson does not anticipate that these works will disrupt any of its retail tenants, all of whom will continue to trade as normal during the process.
Hammerson’s dedication to quality surroundings has hugely aided in the operator’s drive to diversify and rejuvenate the arcade’s luxury retail offering, with many top designer brands now in residence. However, Hammerson claims it will continue to gather customer feedback and attempt to negotiate lease agreements with highly desirable retailers in order to ensure an unrivalled luxury offering for both local customers and those visiting Leeds for the first time.
Assistant director of retail asset management at Hammerson, Kate Orwin, believes that Cutler and Gross’ arrival will encourage an increasing number of global luxury retailers to consider taking up space at the Victoria Quarter.
She says; “Cutler and Gross is the perfect fit for the Victoria Quarter, sitting alongside a collection of internationally renowned premium brands already present in the arcade.
“This transaction reinforces the Victoria Quarter’s position as the destination of choice for luxury retailers across the globe looking for space in the North’s most luxurious shopping destination.”
