UK fashion label Sosandar is set to broaden its retail footprint by launching in-store concessions within the prestigious Irish department store Arnotts, as part of a strategic move to foster closer connections with its consumer base.
The Cheshire-headquartered firm, listed on the London Stock Exchange, has been encouraged by the strong demand for its apparel in Ireland, prompting the establishment of its flagship concession in Dublin’s renowned shopping destination, as reported by City AM. Sosandar aims to bolster customer engagement through its physical presence in Ireland.
Arnotts, situated on Henry Street in central Dublin, falls under the umbrella of The Selfridges Group, which also includes the Brown Thomas department stores. This development comes on the heels of Sosandar’s recent expansion into brick-and-mortar retail, following the launch of its first standalone stores in Chelmsford and Marlow, which are projected to attract a combined footfall of around 232,000.
Additionally, last month saw the announcement of a new store set to open in Gateshead’s Metrocentre in October, strategically timed for the crucial Christmas shopping season.
Co-CEOs Ali Hall and Julie Lavington commented: “Arnotts is a well-established and upmarket department store in Dublin, well suited to Sosandar’s high quality product range, and we’re excited for the opportunity the partnership presents.” They added: “Our products were well received online with Arnotts and we’re delighted to now be able to offer our Irish customers a more personalised in-store shopping experience.”
Earlier this year, the company disclosed a nine per cent increase in revenue to £46.3m for the 12 months ending March 30, 2024, up from the preceding year’s £42.5m. In the same period, the company also saw an improvement in its gross margin, which rose to 57.6 per cent, compared to 56.2 per cent during the previous financial year. The business reported a narrowed annual loss of £300,000 after experiencing a robust second-half performance, culminating in a pre-tax profit of £1m.
Overall, Sosandar’s partnership with Arnotts represents a significant step in its strategic expansion, aiming to enhance customer engagement and boost physical retail presence in Ireland.