Hawes & Curtis Returns to Bluewater with Enhanced Retail Experience

In a significant move that underscores the enduring value of physical retail, British menswear brand Hawes & Curtis has returned to Kent's Bluewater Shopping Centre with a completely redesigned store. This strategic opening represents more than just another retail location—it demonstrates the brand's deep commitment to physical shopping experiences and its confidence in traditional retail destinations.

Reimagining the Retail Experience

The new Hawes & Curtis store at Bluewater represents what the brand describes as a "fresh interpretation of its already renowned retail experience." This approach combines the company's rich heritage with contemporary retail sensibilities, creating a space that honors tradition while embracing modern consumer expectations. The store design carefully balances the brand's 150 years of London's Jermyn Street heritage with current retail trends.

Heritage Meets Modernity

At the heart of the new store concept is the integration of luxury services within a contemporary setting. Customers can access in-store tailoring and alterations—services that have been central to the Hawes & Curtis brand identity for generations. This combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern retail design creates what the brand calls "a one-stop menswear destination for every lifestyle and occasion." The approach acknowledges that while shopping habits evolve, the fundamental desire for quality, service, and personal attention remains constant.

Strategic Commitment to Physical Retail

Hawes & Curtis owner and chairman Touker Suleyman emphasized the strategic thinking behind this retail expansion. "Retail is all about understanding the customer, giving them what they want at the best possible value," Suleyman stated. He further explained that "people want to be back in stores, feeling the product, getting items fitted and enjoying the experience… Hawes & Curtis has evolved with that mindset." This perspective reflects a broader industry recognition that physical retail continues to play a vital role in the overall shopping ecosystem.

Confidence in British Retail

The Bluewater opening represents a significant vote of confidence in the British retail sector. Suleyman specifically noted that "the new Bluewater store reaffirms our commitment to British retail, our confidence in the high street and in the future of physical shopping." This commitment comes at a time when many retailers are reevaluating their physical footprint, making Hawes & Curtis's investment in a premium shopping destination particularly noteworthy.

Supporting Market Trends

The timing of Hawes & Curtis's return to Bluewater aligns with positive retail performance indicators at the shopping centre. According to recent data from Bluewater owner and operator Landsec, fashion sales at the destination rose as much as 15.7% year on year during the April to June quarter. This growth pattern suggests that shoppers are showing strong demand for brands that offer not only trend-led apparel but also compelling in-store experiences.

The success of Hawes & Curtis's retail strategy will depend on its ability to deliver the quality, service, and experience that modern consumers expect. By combining its rich heritage with contemporary retail practices, the brand appears well-positioned to capitalize on the renewed interest in physical shopping experiences that offer both product excellence and memorable service interactions.