Footasylum is expanding its footprint in Scotland with a significant new store opening in Aberdeen.
- The new establishment will occupy a 7,000 sq ft space in Union Square shopping centre.
- This strategic move follows a series of successful store launches and expansions across the UK.
- Footasylum’s Aberdeen store is expected to create 30 new job opportunities.
- CEO David Pujolar highlights the importance of this expansion in achieving the brand’s nationwide availability goals.
Footasylum is embarking on a strategic expansion into Scotland with the opening of a 7,000 sq ft store in Aberdeen’s Union Square shopping centre. This move marks a significant development in the brand’s efforts to extend its retail presence across key locations in the UK. The choice of Union Square is strategic, given its status as Aberdeen’s largest retail and leisure destination.
The new store is poised to occupy a prime location on the ground floor of the shopping complex, previously home to USC, and situated adjacent to popular brands such as Superdry and Superdrug. With the opening set for September, it aims to provide an extensive selection of Footasylum’s offerings, including menswear, womenswear, and juniors’ apparel from leading brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour, along with its proprietary brands such as Monterrain and Zavetti Canada.
This expansion is part of a broader trend for Footasylum, which has been proactively increasing its retail footprint. Previously, the brand unveiled a 20,000 sq ft flagship store on Oxford Street and expanded outlets in Birmingham’s Bullring and Leeds’ White Rose shopping centres. Most recently, a 13,000 sq ft store was opened in Gateshead’s Metrocentre earlier this month.
CEO David Pujolar, appointed in March, expressed confidence in the Aberdeen store’s potential, noting, “Union Square shopping centre is the city’s largest retail and leisure destination, and I have no doubt it is the right location for our first-ever Aberdeen store.” He emphasized the brand’s ambition to make its unique streetwear offerings accessible throughout the UK.
The Aberdeen store will not only serve as a retail hub but also as a major employment opportunity in the region. The store opening is anticipated to generate 30 jobs spanning management, full-time, and part-time positions, reinforcing its role as an economic catalyst in Aberdeen’s shopping scene.
Footasylum’s recent financial performance underscores its robust growth strategy. The company reported a 38% increase in EBITDA, reaching £22m for the year ending January 2024, bolstered by strong sales across all channels. Total revenue saw an impressive 7% rise, culminating in a record-breaking year for the brand. Pujolar articulated the strategic vision behind such expansions, stating that stores like the upcoming Aberdeen location are crucial in propelling the company’s brand and market reach forward.
The opening of Footasylum in Aberdeen is a testament to the brand’s strategic expansion efforts and its commitment to broadening market accessibility.
