Kate Spade New York is opening at Bluewater Shopping Centre for Christmas

Luxury accessories label Kate Spade New York has announced plans to launch its first ever standalone store just outside London at Bluewater.

The 1,600 sq ft boutique will open on the lower Guildhall for Christmas 2017, and will carry the brand’s popular handbags, small leather goods, footwear, tech and stationery.

The first Kate Spade New York store opened in New York in 1996, and is now available at more than 450 stores worldwide. To accommodate the company, Aspinal of London has also relocated to a 1,300 sq ft unit on the upper Guildhall, which opened this month.

The co-owner and asset manager of Bluewater and senior portfolio manager at Landsec, Robert Hardie, commented: “This very strong level of demand from such aspirational retailers is a reflection of Bluewater’s appeal amongst affluent guests.

“Kate Spade is the latest high-end brand from the US to select Bluewater to create a statement store, following the announcement of the additions of Coach and Smashbox.”

This opening is to mark the company’s fifth location in Britain, with units already in the likes of Regent Street, Sloane Square and Covent Garden.

“Bluewater was a clear choice,” said Deborah Lloyd, Kate Spade’s president and chief creative officer: “As an American brand with a global sensibility, we are looking forward to introducing the full breadth of the Kate Spade New York lifestyle offerings to new and existing brand fans in the region.”

Time Retail Partners and CBRE acted for Bluewater, while Harper Dennis Hobbs represented both Kate Spade and Aspinal of London.