Skinnydip rolls out standalone stores at intu centres

Growing retailer Skinnydip has rolled out standalone stores at five intu centres to promote its brand and take advantage of their high customer footfall.

The new stores at intu Trafford Centre, intu Lakeside, intu Watford, intu Victoria Centre and intu Chapelfield are among 12 openings for Skinnydip since 2017.

The accessories business was set up in 2011 up by brothers James and Richard Gold and friend Lewis Blitz selling colourful phone cases online and through concessions, and has since expanded into beauty, stationery, jewellery and fashion, with its own-brand clothing range due to launch later this year.

It is the latest in a line of retailers to work with intu to expand brand presence. River Island launched its first standalone kidswear store in the UK at intu Braehead in February and bed manufacturer Silent Night has signed up for a second bricks-and-mortar store at intu Lakeside, following a successful launch at intu Trafford Centre last year.

Julian Wilkinson, asset management director at intu, said: “Skinnydip is the latest brand to take advantage of all that intu has to offer, from our high footfall to our ability to create more reasons for customers to visit and stay longer.”

Richard Gold, Skinnydip co-founder, said: “As Skinnydip continues to rapidly grow, bricks and mortar stores are a key part of our strategy. Our stores help to bring the brand to life, and bridge the gap between what the customers sees online and the overall experience we create in store.

“Skinnydip is delighted to be a part of intu’s portfolio and it’s been fantastic to bring our brand to their centres.”