Pockets Opens Georgian Townhouse Flagship in Bath, Featuring Debut Womenswear Collection

Pockets, the distinguished independent menswear and womenswear brand, is poised to open its new flagship store, Pockets Townhouse, in Bath on 10 September. This marks a significant double milestone for the Midlands-based operator: its inaugural venture into the South of England and its first store to launch with a dedicated womenswear collection from day one, signalling an exciting new chapter for the brand as it approaches its 30th year in business.

Pockets Townhouse will be situated on Brock Street, occupying a beautifully restored Grade I listed Georgian building. Its prime location is nestled between two of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, the Circus and the Royal Crescent. Spanning three luxurious floors, the boutique will offer a meticulously curated selection of high-end brands, including international names such as Moncler, Ralph Lauren, Dries Van Noten, Stone Island, and Max Mara, many of which are noted as not being widely available elsewhere in the city.

This opening represents the fifth addition to Pockets' growing store portfolio and underscores a pivotal moment for the brand. In a city that has recently witnessed the closure of its heritage department store, Jolly’s, the arrival of Pockets Townhouse also serves as a compelling testament to the enduring and resurging value of bricks-and-mortar retail, providing a much-needed boost to Bath’s luxury shopping landscape.

The store's unique selling proposition lies in its commitment to "expert tailored styling from a knowledgeable team, with an emphasis on fabric, fit and feel," promising a highly personalised shopping experience. Design-wise, the building’s original Georgian architecture and exquisite interiors have been carefully preserved, maintaining its historic charm. A distinctive feature throughout the space will be a selection of original abstract artworks by the renowned artist Roy Osborne, enhancing the sophisticated ambience.

The decision to launch with a comprehensive womenswear offering in Bath follows the successful expansion of Pockets’ flagship store in Shrewsbury, which introduced a dedicated womenswear section in July. The positive reception and success of this initial offering provided the confidence and cemented the strategy for integrating womenswear from the outset in the new Bath location. Founder Paul Platt expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Bath has the kind of character and independent spirit that we really value. Pockets will fit right in.” He further elaborated on the brand’s enduring philosophy: “Our approach has always been simple: sell exceptional products with exceptional service in an exceptional space which people want to come back to.”

Reflecting on the brand's longevity and the evolving retail landscape, Platt added, “I feel grateful that we're still here after almost 30 years, and I feel very sad a lot of our peers have gone.” He strongly believes in the continued relevance of physical retail, asserting, “There’s still something to be said about the power of physical space. Creating an environment where people can feel the fabrics, speak to experts, and experience truly great service. When done right, physical retail still offers something the internet can’t, and I want to inspire a new generation of people to see that.”