Swiss Army retailer plans expansion

New York City -- Victorinox Swiss Army said Thursday it will open five stores in 2011, the first of which opened July 1 in The Westchester in White Plains, NY.



According to Joachim Beer, president of global fashion and retail for the chain, future store openings include Boston, Short Hills, N.J., and Los Angeles, all slated to open prior to year end.



Included in this expansion is an updated store location in the SoHo district of New York City. Previously located on Prince Street, the store is moving to 114 Wooster Street in a 3,100-sq.-ft. space.



“We look forward to bringing the brand to these locations with this innovative new design concept,” said Beer. “The retail expansion will continue into 2012 and beyond with plans to open additional stores in the U.S. and Canada in key markets.”



The knife stores are designed by Blocher Blocher Partners, which launched the first prototype of the design in January 2011 at the retailers’ Düsseldorf flagship.



The company operates flagship stores in London, Geneva and Düsseldorf and brand stores in New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Paris and Basel.