Cubitts eyewear expands to Leeds, embraces local businesses

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Oct 21, 2021

Contemporary eyewear maker Cubitts is to open of its third store outside of London, with Leeds the latest target. Located in the Yorkshire city’s Victoria Arcade and opening on 1 November, the launch marks 11 stores nationwide.

Designed by London-based Child Studio, the store draws influence from early 20th century retail spaces, “creating a utilitarian yet elegant, understated approach to displaying the spectacles”, said Cubitts.

Floor patterns take influence from 1940s design Ceramique De La Lys, using colour accents and abstract geometric patterns. The store also uses warm, muted colour tones throughout such as pink and green, showcased in marble and terrazzo tiles. 

Leeds is a major destination for higher-end fashion shoppers and the company has actually been looking for a location there for over five years.

As part of the new launch, Cubitts is introducing an exclusive micro-collection of three frames “inspired by the city’s most revered artists, designers and architects”. 

These include a square and bold design with an inner-lens that takes inspiration from Barbara Hepworth’s sculptures; a classic rectangular shape with geometrical details that takes inspiration from Leeds’ modernist architecture, such as Bank House which bears resemblance to an inverted ziggurat; and a modern cat-eyei design with temples inspired by the Neo-Gothic arches of  Thornton’s Arcade and its sky-coloured features.

The collection will be available to purchase exclusively in the Leeds store.  

The launch also marks the continuation of the retailer’s support of local businesses. As a way of championing local businesses, Cubitts is partnering with independent Leeds brewer Northern Monk to create a one-of-a-kind ‘Cubitts Beer’ to celebrate the launch, and to be sold online. 

Meanwhile, the city’s Village Books retailer is also curating a collection of literature that celebrates the city, which will be available to view in the Leeds store, while local ethical roastery, North Star Coffee, will also provide complimentary speciality grade coffee to customers in store. 

Tom Broughton, founder and CEO at Cubitts, said: “We've been searching for our perfect site in Leeds since 2016. So five years on, and after a tumultuous two years, it is an honour to be opening our doors within the beautiful faience tile clad County Arcade.”

He added: “Each of our Cubitts stores take influence from their local environment, bringing in elements of art, design, architecture and literature. Our new store in Leeds is no different. We've drawn on the rich cultural tapestry of the city over the past century as well as Frank Matcham's magnificent marbles and mosaics.

"The new opening gives us the chance to work with some of the city's most brilliant brands, and hopefully make our contribution to Leeds' exciting future.”