Wilmslow-based fashion firm Sosandar plc — run by former magazine publishers Ali Hall and Julie Lavington — announced that it has launched in-store with Arnotts, the oldest and largest department store in Ireland.
Sosandar initially started selling online with Arnotts and will now be sold in Arnotts’ store in central Dublin, alongside other brands including Longchamp, AllSaints, Jigsaw and Barbour.
“Sosandar has seen strong demand from customers in Ireland since its inception and this well-established customer base will now be able to interact with the brand through an additional physical channel,” said the Wilmslow firm.
“The Arnotts store is located on Henry Street, on the north side of central Dublin. Together with the Brown Thomas chain of department stores, it is owned by the UK-based The Selfridges Group.”
Sosandar also announced that its own first two stores are now open in Chelmsford and Marlow.
“Chelmsford is a vibrant and affluent city within the London commuter belt with a population of nearly 200,000 people and was a natural choice for a Sosandar store,” said the firm.
“Marlow is a thriving riverside town, where Sosandar customers over-index. Marlow attracts footfall from both London and the Home Counties, with 32,000 visitors daily, making it a varied hive of activity and the perfect spot for the Sosandar brand.”
Hall and Lavington, Co-CEOs, said in a statement: “Arnotts is a well-established and upmarket department store in Dublin, well suited to Sosandar’s high quality product range, and we’re excited for the opportunity the partnership presents.
“Our products were well received online with Arnotts and we’re delighted to now be able to offer our Irish customers a more personalised in-store shopping experience.
“The launch with Arnotts comes amidst the opening of our first two stores, in the vibrant and affluent towns of Chelmsford and Marlow.
“The reception since opening has been nothing short of fantastic and we are grateful to the people of Chelmsford and Marlow for giving us such a wonderfully warm welcome.”