Matthew Williamson to close London store, launch new website

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Apr 24, 2015

Change is in the air at Matthew Williamson, with the label closing its Bruton Street flagship store in London to focus more on online retail. The brand today confirmed a WWD report stating that the store will close this summer.

The store is relocating to another London space that will function as a showroom and an appointment-only store for online customers. A new website will launch early next year, offering free shipping worldwide and same-day delivery in London. Matthew Williamson's e-commerce sales "almost quadrupled in 2014 versus the previous year," the company said.

According to chairman Joseph Velosa, the brand is in "ongoing" discussions with wholesale clients about how they'll work together in the future. It declined to comment on job losses.

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In the future, Matthew Williamson will create six collections per year, which will be shown to consumers at small events. The brand turns 18 this year. "Over the years, the industry and consumers have changed and we're keen to address and respond to that....The aim is to refresh what's there, and to create a lifestyle brand that we're truly proud of both creatively and commercially," Williamson and Velosa said in a joint statement.

Rosanna Falconer has been promoted to business director and George Macintyre to senior creative consultant.