UK fashion catalogue and online retailer Damart is expanding its UK business into physical stores. And the “big adventure” begins by building on its four-month association with Associated Independent Stores (AIS).
 

As part of the brand’s retail expansion, Damart is to first open an in-store concession with Sheffield independent department store Atkinsons on 3 March.

But the big news is the retailer has also secured concessions with British Garden Centres, starting with three stores opening in Morpeth (1 March), followed by  Gloucester and Rugby, with “many more locations across the UK… in the pipeline”.

Alison Fisher, trading and merchandise planning director at Damart, said: “This [expansion] is part of a new era for Damart UK and a successful build on our membership of AIS, as we work with members to broaden their offering to the 55+ female customer.”
 
She added: “In addition, working with British Garden Centres taps directly into our customer base, as we know there is perfect synergy with their customer and ours. We’re looking forward to having our customers be able to touch, see and feel our range in store, so they can fully experience the quality and dedication to detail, and try on a range of inspiring looks.”
 
Damart currently has one physical store at its Bingley (Yorkshire) headquarters… “so expanding into physical stores will enable customers to engage with the retailer in a way that is not possible online and in print, significantly reinforcing its brand appeal.”