Patagonia heads to King Street

The US clothing brand, which specialises in technical wear for climbers and hikers, is to open its first standalone UK store in Manchester.

The Californian business has signed for the 3,300 sq ft 51 King Street unit at the junction with Cross Street, formerly home to Tommy Hilfiger.

The shop is expected to be open for the Christmas trading period. The landlord is Beech Holdings, which also owns 10 apartments on the building’s upper floors.

Stephen Beech, founder and owner of Beech Holdings, told Place North West: “It’s amazing to see such a prestigious brand opening its doors in Manchester.

“We are proud to facilitate Patagonia’s move to the city and equally proud to play a role in bringing King Street back to life and restoring its most prominent corner.”

Patagonia’s move follows that of fellow outdoor brand Fjallraven, the Swedish label having also selected Manchester as the location for its first UK store. The brand has agreed a deal with Hines to take a 2,129 sq ft unit on the Old Bank Street side of the Royal Exchange, and is due to open on 16 November. Hines was advised by Metis.

Ralph White, managing director for Fjallraven in the UK, said: “We feel that the impressive and vibrant location of Old Bank Street at the Royal Exchange is the perfect setting for our first brand store.

“We hope that opening this new shop will provide a huge boost to our ongoing efforts to build Fjallraven’s brand presence here in the UK, benefiting our existing retailers and also the loyal following of both urban and outdoor consumers we feel very lucky to have cheering us on.”