Cornish-inspired fashion favourite Seasalt, and Midlands clothing company Luke 1977 will become the latest designer brands to come to Derbion with the retailers set to open their first stores in the city later this year.
Seasalt has signed a 10-year lease for a 2,400sq ft unit which will be its first store at a major East Midlands shopping destination as it continues its UK expansion.
Meanwhile, Luke 1977 will occupy a 1,200sq ft space with Derbion becoming the menswear retailer’s 15th UK store.
Founded in Penzance in 1981, Seasalt began by selling traditional workwear to local farmers, fishermen and artists. Since then, the brand has grown to include a mix of fashion and textile designers who create items that are inspired by the creative and maritime heritage of Cornwall. Offering a wide range of stylish and comfortable clothing, footwear and accessories, work is set to begin on transforming Seasalt’s space this spring, with the doors to the brand-new store set to open later this year.
Created in 2001 by Midlands-born Luke Roper, Luke 1977 has carved out a niche in the menswear market by offering a blend of streetwear and smart tailoring with the brand’s iconic lion crest becoming an emblem for British style. The brand quickly gained a loyal following, not just among everyday fashion enthusiasts, but also among celebrities, musicians, and athletes. Footballers and other prominent sports figures have also been spotted wearing Luke 1977 designs, further propelling the brand into the limelight.
The arrival of Seasalt and Luke 1977 follows the recent announcement that Victoria’s Secret will be coming to Derbion as the shopping centre continues to expand its fashion line up. Last year Derbion also welcomed popular brands such as Castore, White Stuff and Pavers, whilst also retaining key names such JD and New Look who have invested in enhancing their stores.
The continued introduction of new brands and retention of popular favourites is a prime example of Derbion’s progressive leasing strategy of optimising the offer from its current retailers whilst attracting exciting new brands to the tenant mix.
Beth McDonald, managing director at Derbion, said: “Seasalt and Luke 1977 are fantastic brands with strong and growing customer bases. It is great that Seasalt have selected Derbion for their first store at a major East Midlands shopping destination as we believe their quality products will really appeal to our shoppers. Meanwhile, Luke 1977 is a hugely popular brand in the Midlands, and we expect their new store at Derbion to draw in customers from across the region. With more big brands selecting Derbion for their flagship East Midlands stores it is helping us to maintain our position as the region’s premier retail and leisure destination.”
Richie Edwards, director of retail at Seasalt, added: “We are really excited to be bringing Seasalt’s offering to Derby shoppers. Our new store at Derbion continues our ambitious growth plans and we are thrilled to secure a space at such a well-performing shopping destination. We look forward to welcoming new customers to our brand-new store at Derbion and supplying them with the best that Cornwall has to offer.”
Luke Enston, head of retail for Luke 1977, said: “Our arrival at Derbion continues our expansion across the UK as our brand continues to go from strength to strength. It is great to be opening at Derbion as it will allow us to gain access to a wide catchment of shoppers. We can’t wait to work with the team at Derbion and showcase our offering to Derby shoppers.”
