Cain International (‘Cain’), the privately held investment firm, has let 4,500 sq ft in its mixed-use Islington Square development to high-end fashion and homewares brand, Anthropologie.
The American clothing and homeware retailer will be bringing its full range to its new store in the north London destination, which will include clothing, accessories, home and furniture, beauty and wellness, and gifts. It will be Anthropologie’s first European store in 2022.
The store, which is expected to open by early summer, will participate in Islington Square’s enlivenment programme. Islington Square, as a neighbourhood and destination retailing offer a short distance from transport hubs including King’s Cross and St. Pancras stations, hosts around 100 events on average each year, with an active programme of workshops and larger community get-togethers. Anthropologie will be holding an event at Islington Square to mark the opening of the store.
Islington Square is located directly off Islington’s iconic Upper Street, on the site of north London’s former postal sorting office. Retailers taking space at the mixed-use scheme are situated in a London heritage building, located next to notable names such as Borough Kitchen, Arlo & Jacob, APC and Duck & Dry, restaurants including Megan’s, Jiji, Prezzo and Omnom, a Third Space health club and an ODEON Luxe & Dine cinema. Some of the UK’s top creatives have also taken office space at the development, including Fullwell 73, the production company that counts James Corden among its partners, which occupies 25,000 sq ft.
Orme Property and Nash Bond acted on behalf of Cain International and Anthropologie was represented by McDevitt.
Neil Barber, Retail Leasing Director at Cain International, said: “As Islington Square increasingly becomes a destination for people looking for brilliant brands in interesting settings, as well as a neighbourhood space for people to eat, drink and shop, brands like Anthropologie are an important addition to creating a first-class experience for our guests. The brand is an excellent addition to our already premium retail and F&B mix. With bricks-and-mortar increasingly focused on experiences that add value over items to be transacted, retailers like Anthropologie will increasingly stand out – and destinations like Islington Square will continue to attract visitors keen to enjoy a great day out.”
Matt Hilgeman, Managing Director, Anthropologie International, said: “We are excited to open our 18th store in the UK. Our stores are still the beating heart of our brand experience and it’s exciting to be increasing our UK portfolio. Art and creativity are the touchstones of Anthropologie, so it makes sense to unite with the vibrant design-savvy cosmopolitan community of Islington. We are delighted to be joining the neighbourhood.”
