Hunter’s new global flagship will serve as model for future stores
London -Hunter, the British footwear and outdoor brand, opened its first global flagship, on London’s high-profile Regent Street. The 5,300-sq.-ft. store presents the retailer’s full collection, from its signature Wellington boots to outwear and accessories.
“Our global flagship store delivers a retail concept that will form the basis of future retail opportunities in key cities such as Tokyo and New York, “ stated James Seuss, CEO, Hunter, which was founded in 1856. “It was important to establish our first retail presence on London’s Regent Street, one of the most iconic shopping streets in the world, staying true to our heritage as a British brand."
Designed in collaboration by Hunter creative director Alasdhair Willis in collaboration with U.K. design firm Checkland Kindleysides, the store offers a modern take on British countryside icons. It features a barn-like structure that carries through from the street windows to the inside of the store, or the ground floor. Featuring Hunter barn doors in the brand’s iconic red, the gates form the backdrop of the windows and open to unveil the inside of the space. A gabion dry stone wall creates a backdrop displaying Hunter’s Original Wellington boots, first introduced in 1956.
The first floor offers a surreal take on an enclosed English garden, with the collection displayed against a backdrop of topiary hedges, which pop as illuminated pieces of art. The hand-made green ceramic floor tiles hint at an archetypal well-kept British lawn.
Seating areas, fashioned to reference a rural boot room, are positioned in key locations on the ground and first floors. Each features headphones for customers to listen to curated soundtracks that evoke experiences associated with product within the space.
The kid's retail space, in the basement has a distinctly different feel. The playful space is a contrast of Hunter red and white, and is designed to feel as if the basement has been part dipped in red rubber.