Loake continues store roll-out with new opening in York

Traditional English shoemakers Loake has added another new store to its UK retail portfolio with an opening at 24 Stonegate in York, which follows on from the recent openings in Brighton at the end of May and Salisbury in mid-July.

It’s the brand’s 22nd UK store, with another one planned for later this year at an as yet unconfirmed location.

The new York store, selling over 120 styles of men’s formal and casual shoes as well as Loake leather goods and accessories, is housed in a Grade II listed two-storey building, a short walk from the magnificent York Minster cathedral in the historic city.

The new opening supports the brand’s aim of investing in UK high streets, and Loake Managing Director, Andrew Cory, recently said: “We believe there is a pent-up desire to get out back in to the city centres again.”

Speaking on the new York opening, Loake General Sales Manager, Richard Utting, said: “The decision to open in a specific location is a mixture of many things.

“In the case of York, you start with the population breakdown, ages, income, socio-demographic details, gender and so on, and this is compared to the equivalent details that we have for our existing Loake customers. Add to this the local catchment area and tourist flow, car parks, similar retailers and competitors.

“Then we look at the aesthetics, style of buildings, and whether it is a pleasurable experience to visit. York scores very highly on this. Finally, it is essential to find the right unit at the right price in the right location. Most of this research is done before a suitable location is found. York is the perfect city for Loake across most of these criteria.”