In Pictures: Joe Browns opens the doors to first-ever franchise store

Fashion and homeware retailer Joe Browns, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, has opened the doors to its first franchise store in Bowness-on-Windemere’s Queen Square in Cumbria.

Partnering with successful retail entrepreneurs Adrian and Julie North, the opening marks the first franchise store for Joe Browns. The retailer confirmed back in March 2023 that it has plans to open 10 new stores across the UK by the end of 2024, though it is not clear how many others with be franchises.

The new 2,500 sq ft store, which features a bright, eclectic and contemporary shop fit with a centrepiece chandelier, will carry “the very best hand-picked edits” across womenswear, menswear and homeware.

Peter Alecock, CEO of Joe Browns, said: “We are excited to be opening our first new store in four years with an amazing franchise partner. Bowness-on-Windemere is a fantastic location for the store.

“The lakes are one of the UK’s most remarkable areas, so where better to open one of the UK’s most remarkable stores? It’s a fantastic location to showcase our exciting, colourful and engaging clothing and homewares. Bowness will stock the very best we have to offer and is the first of our franchise partnerships, so we can’t wait to welcome in all our new shoppers.”

Adrian North, Joe Browns Bowness Franchise Owner, added: “In a time of homogenous high streets we are delighted to be working with a truly adventurous brand that has the vision and courage to step outside convention.

“Using our 33 years retail experience and working closely with Joe Browns wonderful team we have created our most ambitious store ever, full of colourful surprises in keeping with a brand that brings excitement back into fashion and shopping.”