Today marks the reopening of Scotch & Soda’s Carnaby Street store, re-emerging after a year-long closure due to the brand’s financial challenges and transition of ownership.
- Scotch & Soda, acquired by Bluestar Alliance in March 2023, has resumed operations at its iconic 590 sq ft Carnaby Street location.
- The store was among several UK locations closed following the brand’s bankruptcy and subsequent rescue.
- New York-based Bluestar Alliance now oversees the brand, aiming to revitalise its presence in the UK market.
- Victor Barbosa, CEO of Scotch & Soda South Africa, highlighted the renewed shopping experience offered to UK customers.
The Amsterdam-based fashion label Scotch & Soda has reopened its Carnaby Street store as of 26 June, following its acquisition by Bluestar Alliance. This reopening marks a significant step in re-establishing the brand’s presence in the UK after its stores were closed during a financial restructuring period.
Scotch & Soda had initially closed all four of its UK outlets, including its flagship in Covent Garden and additional locations in Spitalfields and Westfield London, due to financial difficulties. The closures were a consequence of the brand’s bankruptcy proceedings, which concluded with its purchase by Bluestar Alliance, a New York brand management company, in March 2023.
Before entering bankruptcy, Scotch & Soda operated 224 stores globally with a notable presence in markets such as the United States, China, Israel, Germany, Egypt, and South Africa. Additionally, it maintained a robust online distribution network, servicing over 70 countries worldwide. The reopening of its Carnaby Street store signifies a deliberate effort to reinvigorate the brand’s UK operations under new management.
Victor Barbosa, CEO of Scotch & Soda South Africa, played a pivotal role in the Carnaby Street store’s reopening. He expressed enthusiasm about bringing Scotch & Soda back to this renowned London location, stating, “Bringing Scotch & Soda back to Carnaby Street has been an exciting journey. We are thrilled to offer our UK customers a fresh and inviting shopping experience that truly captures the essence of the brand.”
The reopening of Scotch & Soda’s Carnaby Street store symbolises the brand’s renewed commitment to the UK market, facilitated by its new ownership.
