Mulberry Arrives at Gunwharf Quays for Golden Quarter Push

Luxury British brand Mulberry is set to open an exclusive pop-up store at Gunwharf Quays, the prominent outlet destination in Portsmouth, this month. This strategic launch is perfectly timed to capitalize on the lucrative Golden Quarter, a critical period for retail sales.

Scheduled to debut on October 16th, the new pop-up will occupy a substantial 1,466 sq ft space. Positioned on The Avenues, directly opposite Oliver Bonas, the store will feature a curated selection of gifting products alongside Mulberry's beloved regular offerings, catering to a diverse range of customers.

Pablo Sueiras, Head of Retail and Hospitality Leasing at Gunwharf Quays, expressed his enthusiasm for the arrival. He stated, “We’re focused on elevating Gunwharf Quays as a destination for prime retail, and introducing Mulberry to The Avenues is a testament to its growing appeal as a platform for luxury brands.” Sueiras also highlighted a current surge in consumer demand for luxury items, making Mulberry's presence particularly timely.

Yvonne Clay, Centre Director at the Landsec-owned-and-operated centre, echoed this sentiment, describing the opening as a "landmark moment." She emphasized, “As one of Britain’s most iconic luxury brands, Mulberry represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship, heritage and timeless style. Its arrival underscores our commitment to offering guests exceptional retail experiences and this pop-up will bring something truly special to Portsmouth.”

Mulberry's appearance at Gunwharf Quays comes amidst a period of significant strategic adjustment for the brand. The company has navigated several challenging years and is currently in the midst of a comprehensive turnaround program. This summer, it undertook a £20 million fundraise as part of its efforts to stabilize finances following a period of declining sales.

Despite these challenges, Mulberry has recently enjoyed some positive developments. Last month saw the successful renewal of its long-standing eyewear deal with De Rigo, reinforcing a key product category. Additionally, the brand celebrated the relaunch of its iconic Roxanne bag family, a move expected to reinvigorate interest in one of its most recognizable designs.