The Fragrance Shop appoints agent to sniff out 100 sites

The Fragrance Shop has instructed CBRE and Hynes Illingworth to hunt for an additional 100 store locations in the UK and Ireland over the next three years, as it seeks to expand its estate. The retailer has more than 220 stores, stocking over 150 fragrance brands and 100 beauty labels. Its store expansion programme includes a rollout of beauty stores and shops dedicated to niche fragrances in addition to its traditional fragrance format. Prime town centre locations, retail parks and outlet centres are on the retailer’s wishlist, with a preferred area of circa 650 sq ft with prominent store frontage. Kam Birk, property director at The Fragrance Shop, said: “Consumers still love the experience of shopping in-store for fragrance. “Stores remain a priority within our innovation and growth strategy both domestically and internationally. As we widen our reach to include independent beauty stores and stores dedicated to niche fragrance, working in partnership with CBRE will accelerate our plans.” Nik McCarthy, director, UK retail at CBRE, said: “The Fragrance Shop’s commitment to physical retail comes at a time of much-needed confidence for the sector and solidifies just how important the store is to the overall retail strategy.” To send feedback, e-mail pui-guan.man@eg.co.uk or tweet @PuiGuanM or @EGPropertyNews