Monsoon unveils new travel boutique concept amid rapid expansion

Just days after announcing the opening of its new Islington store, womenswear retailer Monsoon has announced a new travel boutique opening in London’s Waterloo Station.

The store is the latest addition to the travel retail portfolio of Monsoon’s parent company, Adena Brands, which operates 37 Accessorize travel stores in stations and airports across the UK and Europe.

The new store, which is set to open tomorrow, is situated on the balcony at Waterloo Station. It will serve as an "ideal testing ground" for Monsoon’s travel boutique concept, offering seasonal collections and travel essentials handpicked from its womenswear ranges.

Paul Thomas, Retail Director for Monsoon and Accessorize, said: "Transport hubs such as stations and airports have long been central to the success of the Accessorize brand; now we’re optimistic about bringing that expertise to Accessorize’s sister brand, creating a new travel concept for Monsoon.

"Monsoon customers have always been free-spirited and adventurous by nature, and the brand has always had a strong travel offer. Bringing our new travel boutique concept to the UK’s busiest train station is a great opportunity for us to build on that and serve our customers as they head out for the weekend or on holiday, or when they come into London for an event or occasion.

"We will trial a new product assortment in Waterloo to provide our customers with core travel essentials as well as items for last-minute gifting, and also including our successful beachwear collection and occasionwear items."

This is the third London opening in recent months for the retailer, after the launch of a permanent Islington store and Monsoon Vintage pop-up on Portobello Road.

Monsoon Vintage is running for three months and carries "quintessentially 70s Monsoon pieces", such as quilted and embroidered skirts and top co-ords, bib-front dresses and vintage pieces from the likes of Gucci and Oscar de la Renta.