French Connection to create 20 jobs with new Royal Exchange Manchester store

Fashion brand French Connection is creating employment opportunities in Manchester with a new concept store.

Set to be the first of its kind to launch in the UK, the 2,885 sq ft space at the Royal Exchange Manchester will feature a new look and feel to other French Connection locations.

The store, which is creating 20 jobs when it opens this Autumn at 7-9 Exchange Street, will also boast integrated technology designed to enhance the customer experience.

French Connection signed a 10-year lease on the space with international real estate firm Hines, which acquired the Royal Exchange Manchester last year on behalf of German pension scheme group Bayerische Versorgungskammer (BVK).

Hines UK’s director of retail asset management, Sharon Bloodworth, said: “This letting is a significant demonstration of our move to enhance the quality of retail brands offered within this landmark building.

“We are delighted to provide French Connection with a bespoke unit in our building and to welcome them back to this desirable location in Manchester.”

A French Connection spokesperson commented: “We are very excited to be returning to Manchester and the Royal Exchange location provides us with a prime retail space in the city.

“We already know the demand for French Connection amongst local customers, which has continued over the past two years via our ecommerce and local concession channels, and we are looking forward to having a physical brand presence in such an important city for retail once again.”

French Connection will launch at the Royal Exchange Manchester in early November.