Impressive portfolio
What started as six shops, a boat and a pub has grown into a retail buy tiffany empire and this week the Canary Wharf malls added Tiffany & Co and Jaeger to their impressive portfolio.
Vice-president, retail Camille Waxer celebrated 20 years at the helm in May.
Camille said: “We are thrilled with Tiffany being here. We were close to exchanging in 2008 but the timing wasn’t right to have a luxury brand.
“They actually have a lot of lower priced items, fashion jewellery and corporate gifts as well as the engagement rings which is why we looked at Tiffany & Co. They offer so much.
“Tiffany & Co is world renowned and we are very pleased.”
Since Cabot Place East opened in 1991, the malls have expanded enormously.
Camille said: “The tenant mix reflects the needs of those who work here and who shop here. We carry out surveys every year and we encourage people to call up and suggest shops they would like to see here. We welcome feedback.”
Jaeger was – like the majority of the stores – hand-picked to meet the market’s requirements.
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Camille said: “We have been interested in Jaeger London for some time. We do get requests for clothing that is more conservative and not so young and trendy and we were responding to that. We felt Jaeger London was the brand that would work well with Canary Wharf and so did they.
“Aquascutum, who came in this year are part of the same company, provides the menswear.”
With almost 100 per cent of the shops filled by tenants, the job of introducing new retailers is something a juggling act.
With Tiffany and Jaegar, Camille said the group was lucky to be able to move Gap Kids into the main Gap store. Upmarket jeweller Pandora has just taken over the space vacated by Oi Bagel.
Camille said: “We are looking at more premium shops and we will have more to add to the mix. There are always talks going on behind the scenes.
“We’re always a mid-market retailer then with Jubilee Place we moved up and introduced more premium brands.
“We are continually looking to improve our tenant mix on offer here but we don’t want to lose anybody.”
The Creperie in Reuters Plaza will be joined by three new independent units offering falafel, sausages and Italian food next year.
Camille credits the arts and events aspect of the malls with part of their success.
There are more fashion shows scheduled this year and an event aimed specifically at men is taking place from November 26-29. Sporting celebrities Phil Tufnell, Joe Calzaghe and Steve Davis will be on hand to join the gents on Formula One simulators – and maybe in the stylist’s chair.
What would Camille like to see next? She said: “We would like a sporting store we are in discussion with two at the moment. I would like to see an Apple Store, Superdry and Banana Republic. Also a department store. There are smaller city versions that would suit here.”
What’s in store?
Tiffany & Co is one of the most recognisable brands on the planet, while chic designer store Jaeger offers cutting edge fashion. Here the Jaeger’s chief executive Belinda Earl answers our questions:
Why has Jaeger opened up a new store in Canary Wharf?
“Canary Wharf has been a priority target location for Jaeger for a number of years. As the brand has continued to evolve we see this as a great time to open here. We believe the Wharf has the right profile of retailers and footfall for us.
“We have watched the Wharf grow in retail stature over recent years to become a major shopping destination and we are extremely pleased to now be here.”
“Established in 1884, Jaeger is an iconic, global, British fashion brand, renowned for designing contemporary, innovative and stylish womenswear, menswear and accessories.”
Who shops in Jaeger?
“Our customers are style-aware women and men aged 25 and over.
“All collections are designed by Jaeger’s skilled in-house design team and Jaeger’s entry price points position the brand as affordable luxury.”
What are your big selling lines this season?
“Autumn/winter is always a strong season for Jaeger as the brand is renowned for its desirable, luxurious coats and knitwear.
“Our statement dresses and handbags are also selling incredibly well at the moment.”
Prince William popped the question this week and if any Wharf gents have the urge to follow suit they now have engagement ring expert Tiffany & Co on their doorstep.
The store opened on Friday and the collections available include diamonds in platinum and 18-carat gold settings.
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The six-prong Tiffany setting, above, was introduced in 1886 and holds the diamond away from the band to allow the light to show it off.
Tiffany diamond engagement rings start at just over ￡650 all the way up to ￡649,500.
You can schedule an instore consultation online and there is even an iphone App that allows you to find your ring size, browse the selection and view the actual carat size.
Melvyn Kirtley, Tiffany & Co. President Europe, said: “Canary Wharf is one of the most highly concentrated financial centres in the world, with a large residential population in the vicinity. We are delighted to offer our customers the added convenience of another Tiffany location in London, providing them with the quality, craftsmanship and outstanding service for which we are renowned.
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More info: http://www.tiffanyuk-jewellery.com
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