SHAFTESBURY PLC PRESS RELEASE
Longmartin Properties, a joint venture between Shaftesbury & The Mercers Company are thrilled to welcome and announce the first European store for Australia's leading activewear and sportswear brand, Lorna Jane.
With 190 stores positioned in Australia and the US, the 1,700 sq. ft. London store spanning 2 floors will open in February 2016 into the prominent and thriving shopping and dining destination, St Martin's Courtyard in the heart of Covent Garden.
Situated in Slingsby Place alongside remonowned brands including The White Company, Eileen Fisher and Blow LTD, the unique store fit will comprise of ultra modern and tailor-‐made furniture to compliment the clean lines and open surroundings of the store and will use the latest Apple payment technology. The 920 sq ft basement will house a bespoke active lounge available for shoppers who wish to reserve a place on a free fitness course including Ballet, Yoga and Pilates, and a series of health talks, all bookable through mounted I-‐pads throughout the store.
First in fitness and fashion, Lorna Jane is Australia's leading active and sportswear brand inspiring women to stay fit and healthy through a lifestyle that transcends the walls of the gym.
Combining industry-‐leading technology, expert craftsmanship and hi-‐tech performance fabrics, the bespoke collections will be available for the first time in the UK this year. With 70-‐100 styles released each month, Lorna Jane provides fast fashion synonymous with high-‐street fashion brands in London.
Lorna Jane Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Lorna Jane Clarkson said she is excited to further the business's global expansion by opening its first UK store in 2016.
"We are thrilled to be opening our first Lorna Jane store in London after huge demand for our Brand Philosophy and activewear from UK customers,"
"The Covent Garden Active Living Room will bring my Active Living philosophy to life with Move, Nourish and Believe experiences available in one inspiring location." she said.
St Martin's Courtyard is a true leisure and shopping destination, which is home to 6 renowned restaurants and cafes in addition to having a female focused retail mix with an additional emphasis towards wellbeing and fitness. Lorna Jane will further strengthen the offering and sits perfectly within our curation strategy.
Charles Owen, Executive Portfolio Manager at Shaftesbury comments;
"We are delighted that Lorna Jane has chosen St Martin's Courtyard as the platform to launch their brand in London and Europe. They are a perfect fit for the courtyard and will complement the existing strong line up of brands."
Lorna Jane will open during the first week of February 2016
-‐ ENDS -‐
For further information and image requests please contact:
SISTER: Sophia Amos / Sophia.amos@sisterlondon.com / 0207 287 9601 www.StMartinsCourtyard.co.uk / @SMCCoventGarden
Notes to editors
Shaftesbury focuses on retail, restaurants and leisure in the liveliest parts of the West End. The portfolio comprises of 583 shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs, extending to 1 million sq.ft.,422,000 sq. ft. of offices and 509 apartments.
Its proven long-‐term management strategy is to create and foster distinctive, attractive and prosperous locations. Its holdings are concentrated in Seven Dials, Carnaby, Covent Garden, Chinatown, Soho and Charlotte Street.
Lorna JaneThe Lorna Jane story began 26 years ago when founder and Chief Creative Officer, Lorna Jane Clarkson, single-‐handedly revolutionised women's fitness clothing and began building the Active Living category. There are now more than 190 stores worldwide, with the brand inspiring a global online movement with millions of followers.
Shaftesbury plc issued this content on 2016-01-12 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 2016-01-20 20:13:09 UTC
Original Document: http://www.shaftesbury.co.uk/press-releases/137/Lorna%20Jane%20Opening%20Press%20Release%20-%20TRADE.pdf
