Independent menswear retailer Aphrodite in Sunderland is set to close following its acquisition by Frasers Group in April.
- The store, founded by Duncan and Andrew McKenzie in 1994, was known for high-end fashion.
- Currently trading at 7-8 Vine Place, the store will soon cease operations.
- Aphrodite expanded from initial 500 sq ft to 4,284 sq ft over the years.
- Frasers Group’s acquisition pattern continues, impacting multiple premium retailers.
The impending closure of Aphrodite, an independent menswear store in Sunderland, marks the end of an era for the retail outlet, which was known for providing young men with access to limited-edition, high-end fashion pieces. Founded in 1994 by brothers Duncan and Andrew McKenzie, the store originally offered five major brands and eventually expanded its collection to over 50 prestigious labels, including Moncler, Stone Island, Paul Smith, Belstaff, Hugo Boss, and CP Company.
Aphrodite’s journey from a modest 500 sq ft space to a sprawling 4,284 sq ft retail unit speaks to its success and consistent investment over three decades. Despite its current operation, the shop is expected to shut down in the coming weeks. The property at 7-8 Vine Place, located in Sunderland’s city center, is poised to welcome new tenants as it becomes available for rent to other retail and leisure operators. The marketing brief for this prime location highlights its high-end retail history and the significant refurbishment it has undergone, with an annual rent set at £35,000 for a minimum lease term of five years.
In a broader context, the closure of Aphrodite reflects an ongoing trend following Frasers Group’s acquisition strategies. The group, which acquired the store in April, has a track record of closing several branches of premium menswear retailers. Similar actions were seen with the five-store chain John Anthony, where three outlets in Southampton, Swindon, and Bournemouth have been closed post-acquisition, leaving only the Bath and Bristol branches operational. Zee & Co, another premium retailer, also shuttered a branch on London’s Roman Road shortly after being acquired by Frasers Group, leaving only two locations in Loughton, Essex and Islington, London.
This series of closures indicates a strategic consolidation by Frasers Group, aiming perhaps to streamline operations or reposition their retail assets within the competitive high-end fashion market. Nevertheless, the lack of comment from Frasers Group leaves their exact future plans up to speculation.
Frasers Group’s acquisition impacts independent retailers with a strategic consolidation.
