Amsterdam-based chain Scotch & Soda has opened a flagship store in Milan’s major shopping artery Via Alessandro Manzoni, a testament to the brand’s renewed ambitions.
Important milestone in European development
The fashion brand has opened the doors of its first directly operated shop in Italy, a 185 sqm shop spread over two floors. “The opening marks an important step in our European and global growth strategy,” says CEO Frederick Lukoff. Scotch & Soda already has four franchise shops in the country, and aims to expand its wholesale network in the second half of 2022 with nine corners in the La Rinascente department chain, including in Milan, Turin, Cagliari and Palermo.
The free spirit of Amsterdam
“The opening of our flagship shop in Milan strengthens our presence in Italy, an important market that we consider to be full of potential. It is an excellent opportunity to reach new local and international customers in a prestigious location and to introduce them to our brand, which is inspired by the free spirit of Amsterdam”, Lukoff added.
The shop concept is called “Free Spirit” and was introduced in March last year. Warm colours are featured alongside minimalist furniture and design, as well as sustainable elements such as LED lighting, FSC herringbone wood floors and hangers made from recycled materials. The brand’s current collections are displayed on a digital screen.
In the second half of 2022, Scotch & Soda will open another flagship shop in London’s Covent Garden, as well as brand-owned shops in the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Sweden and Denmark. At the same time, the brand is turning its attention to omnichannel retailing with a new 27,500 square metre warehouse in Hoofddorp and the integration of RFID technology to track inventory everywhere.
