Gabriela Hearst has launched her second pop-up shop in Paris, coinciding with the brand’s 10th anniversary and the hotel’s centennial. The shop aims to solidify Hearst’s presence in the luxury market amid plans for significant growth.
Gabriela Hearst has launched her second pop-up shop at Le Bristol hotel in Paris, marking a significant step in her strategy to establish a permanent presence in the French capital. The boutique opened its doors on Saturday and coincides with the brand’s 10th anniversary and the hotel’s centennial celebration. Hearst, a New York-based designer, described Le Bristol as a personal haven, noting that she prefers to stay there during her visits to Paris, where she is also preparing to unveil her fall collection amid Paris Fashion Week activities.
Speaking with “Women’s Wear Daily,” Hearst mentioned, “There’s nothing better than staying over here and seeing my product downstairs.” The success of Hearst’s previous pop-up shop at Le Bristol, which was initially slated for six weeks but lasted five months, has led to the decision to keep this new venture open until October. It will feature an elevated selection of ready-to-wear items, handbags, and accessories, including the newly introduced Leonora bag.
In an interview with the publication, Thierry Colin, the brand’s chief executive officer, outlined ambitious plans for growth, including doubling the global store network within three years and enhancing the e-commerce experience. The brand is poised to branch out into new categories, notably with the upcoming launch of its first sneaker line.
Colin reported that since emerging from the pandemic, Gabriela Hearst has significantly increased its retail revenues, achieving a remarkable compound annual growth rate of 30 percent from 2021 to 2024. “We have had another record year in terms of turnover,” he stated, although he refrained from disclosing specific revenue figures for the privately held company.
With existing flagship stores in New York City, Los Angeles, and London, plans are underway for additional freestanding locations in the United States as well as expansions into Europe and Asia. Colin shared, “We want to double our store network over the next three years.” Potential locations include a dedicated menswear store in New York, along with prospects in Madrid and Tokyo, where the brand introduced its first shop-in-shop last year at Isetan department store.
The brand is also strategically focusing on retail experiences adjacent to luxury hotels, having previously opened boutiques near The Carlyle in New York and Claridge’s in London. Hearst expressed confidence in her chosen location near Le Bristol, citing the unique service element that luxury hotels provide. “When we are talking about true luxury, that’s when a hotel and us associate, because it’s about service,” she explained.
Despite a global downturn in luxury spending, Gabriela Hearst’s business remains strong. Hearst noted, “We’ve had a very strong end of the year and a very strong beginning of the year,” emphasizing that the brand is less vulnerable to the broader market conflicts affecting competitors.
The brand’s offerings feature a high sell-through rate for its suiting line, and it has noticed substantial year-on-year growth in its sweater range. The brand is diversifying its product line with upcoming launches of the Ohio sneaker and a denim collection made from 100 percent recycled cotton. Additionally, the company has cultivated a strong market presence through its high-profile handbags, which have drawn attention from celebrities including Meghan Markle and Angelina Jolie.
Colin revealed plans to transform the brand’s e-commerce platform, aiming to replicate the in-store experience online and enhance customer engagement through storytelling. “We want to be sure that our new platform continues to allow us to increase the quality of the contents,” he said. The brand’s retail strategy relies heavily on building meaningful customer relationships, with Hearst personally involved in training her sales associates to create a welcoming atmosphere in each store.
The latest developments from Gabriela Hearst illustrate the brand’s commitment to growth and innovation within the luxury fashion landscape, as it seeks to solidify its unique identity and expand its global reach.
Source: Noah Wire Services
