Puma’s first ever European flagship store needs a big city and a big address. So the German sportswear giant has chosen London’s Oxford Street for the location of its highly anticipated autumn opening.
Bringing yet further kudos to a slowly revitalising Oxford Street, there’s no news yet of the exact location but it will be “just seconds from Selfridges and Bond Street Tube Station”, so in close proximity to other sports stores from Adidas and JD Sports.
It will measure 24,000 sq ft to offer an “immersive, interactive experience that blends sports performance and technology with cutting-edge streetwear designs”.
The move comes as part of Puma’s “brand elevation strategy” (yes, that popular phrase of recent years) aimed at strengthening its presence globally, “delivering a shopping experience that reflects the brand’s innovation, sports performance, and deep connection to global street culture”.
So it promises an “unparalleled experience, blending sport, performance, and fashion, where customers can immerse themselves in a range of unique experiences, including personalisation opportunities”.
Arne Freundt, CEO at Puma, said:“After unveiling our flagship store in Las Vegas last year, we’re incredibly excited to announce that our first flagship store in Europe.
“Our London flagship store is an important part of our brand elevation strategy. It brings the best of the Puma brand to life for our consumers and showcases our latest innovations and design newness as part of an immersive experience.” Lucynda Davies, Puma managing director for the UK & Ireland, added: “London is a key city for the brand, and this prestigious location on Oxford Street reflects our commitment to delivering a unique, consumer-led experience.
She added: “While our Carnaby Street store has served us well since 2002, this flagship store will extend our product offering and bring Puma’s performance and sportstyle categories to life in a flagship store setting”.
Fashion and homewares brand La Redoute has launched its latest UK collaboration with the brand’s newest ambassador, author, podcaster and columnist Louise Thompson.
The reality show star (she originally appeared in Made In Chelsea) has become a popular lifestyle influencer in recent years.
The range brings together Thompson’s “unique aesthetic to life through an exclusive edit, blending effortless elegance with her distinct personal touch”.
And for an edit, it’s extensive, featuring 100 pieces across fashion and interiors offering both wardrobe essentials and homewares pieces.
Of the spring/summer fashion edit, there are 26 curated pieces “that transition through the seasons”. From pastel knit jumpers to blazers and ballet-style flats, and we’re told “each item reflects Louise’s effortless yet refined approach to dressing”.
The interiors edit comprises of over 70 homewares pieces, with staple wooden furniture, soft furnishings and decorative accents.
Sarah Link, marketing director at La Redoute, said: “Louise’s passion for style and clean-cut aesthetic is something which aligns perfectly with La Redoute’s ethos, which makes this collaboration such an idealistic one.”
The La Redoute x Louise Thompson edit is available online, with prices starting from £14.99.
Returning for a sixth consecutive year, both Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City malls become the capital’s leading destination for the annual London Eid Festival.
Europe’s largest Eid al-Fitr celebration, it’s taking place until 6 April at Westfield London, followed by Westfield Stratford City (11-13 April), with the events expected to draw over 300,000 visitors across both weekends – “rivalling the footfall typically seen on Boxing Day at the centres”, operator Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield said.
Organised by Westfield Rise, its in-house media, brand partnerships, and experiential agency, the events span 4.2 million sq ft across indoor and outdoor event spaces. The festival features a mix of live entertainment, immersive brand activations, food markets, and international retailers from Turkey, Malaysia, Dubai, and beyond.
Westfield Square will host a main entertainment stage, showcasing appearances from community celebrities and VIPs. Inside, visitors can explore over 80 international concession stands across The Atrium at Westfield London and The Arena at Westfield Stratford City, offering everything from modest fashion and boutique gifts to children’s books and homeware.
Melanie Lalou, director of Westfield Rise, Northern Europe, said: “The London Eid Festival is a prime example of how Westfield Rise connects brands with communities through immersive activations. Our event spaces host everything from interactive pop-ups to large-scale cultural celebrations, with live entertainment, vibrant food markets, and striking creative displays across our digital OOH network. This festival highlights the power of experiential engagement, bringing brands and diverse audiences together in a meaningful way.”
Fasahion/lifestyle retail group Matalan has launched a 27-piece collection in collaboration with fashion brand Little Mistress and TV personality Vicky Pattison.
She’s only the latest in a series of reality TV show stars to link up with a retailer on a signature collection. She rose to prominence originally on the Geordie Shore show.
We’re told it’s a collection that brings together “the best of on-trend designs with Matalan’s signature commitment to great quality fashion at affordable prices”.
From dresses and tailored jumpsuits to casual blouses and statement skirts, the collection covers a variety of day-to-night styles, “reflecting Pattison’s personal style”. It comes in “bold hot pink, fiery red, and playful florals”.
With prices starting from just £18 and in sizes from 8-22 the collection is now available in-store and online.
Matalan’s buying director, Laura Wiard said: “The collection reflects the latest trends, while ensuring we stay true to Matalan’s mission of providing stylish fashion at accessible prices.”
Mark Ashton, founder and MD at Little Mistress, added: “We’ve worked hard to create a collection that’s not only fashionable and versatile but also accessible for everyone. It’s all about empowering women to feel their best, no matter the occasion. We’re confident that this collection will resonate with customers and help them express their own unique style.”