Aphrodite, a premium menswear independent store in Sunderland, is closing after 30 years.
- The closure follows the acquisition of Aphrodite by Frasers Group in April.
- Aphrodite was founded by Duncan and Andrew McKenzie in 1994.
- The store grew from offering five brands to over fifty high-end labels.
- Other stores acquired by Frasers Group have also faced closures.
The premium menswear store Aphrodite, based in Sunderland, is set to close down after 30 years of operation. This move comes after its acquisition in April by the Frasers Group, a prominent player in the retail sector.
Originally established in 1994 by brothers Duncan and Andrew McKenzie, Aphrodite aimed to provide limited-edition high-end fashion to young men. The store began its journey with just five labels, including Blanc Bleu and Amanda Basi, eventually expanding to feature over fifty prestigious brands such as Moncler and Stone Island.
Aphrodite’s retail space has undergone significant growth, expanding from a modest 500 square feet in 1994 to an impressive 4,284 square feet. This development was driven by continuous investment, reflecting the store’s robust business performance over the years.
Reports indicate that Aphrodite is still conducting business for the time being but will shutter in the upcoming weeks. The store’s site, located at 7-8 Vine Place in Sunderland’s city centre, is now available for lease to interested retail and leisure operators.
The closure of Aphrodite is not an isolated incident within the Frasers Group’s recent acquisitions. John Anthony, a five-store premium menswear chain also acquired by Frasers in December, has already closed three of its branches. Similarly, Zee & Co, another menswear retailer, has shut one of its locations following Frasers Group’s takeover.
The pattern of store closures following the Frasers Group’s acquisitions suggests a strategic consolidation of its retail assets.
