Fenwick celebrates 140th anniversary with £40 million investment in Newcastle flagship

Department store chain Fenwick is investing £40 million into its Newcastle flagship store as it celebrates its 140th anniversary.

The funding will be used over the next five years to completely renovate the store's beauty and fragrance hall, renovate the accessories department and create new entrances to the building. Renovations started last year with the refurbishing of the store's historic facade.

Brands including Edeline Lee, Fred Perry, Paul Smith, Rixo will also be designing exclusive collections for Fenwick to celebrate its anniversary. As part of a “non-stop parade of covetable collaborations, exclusive events, and thrilling activities”, the store will host a live circus, collaborate with students from Northumbria University to create pieces that reflect on Fenwick's heritage, and open an exhibition featuring items from Fenwick's archive.

Fenwick CEO John Edgar said: “As a business with deep roots in the Newcastle community, we are delighted to be making this major investment in the future of the city. This commitment will see us working closely with the local council to support the regeneration of the city and open up opportunities for new partnerships with the business community.”

Mia Fenwick, Marketing and Digital Director, added: “Today is about all the people who helped us reach 140 years and the future generations we will serve - through our stores and online. Our Newcastle store is the heartland of our business, and this significant investment will enable us to continue serving the city, as well as strengthen the Fenwick purpose for new communities in years to come.”