Kocktail, the acclaimed independent ready-to-drink cocktail brand, has recently inaugurated its first-ever concessions in three John Lewis stores, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. This development is not just a first for Kocktail but also a unique initiative in the department store setting.
The chosen locations for these concessions – John Lewis Cheadle, Cribbs Causeway, and Newcastle – are strategic. The Newcastle store holds special significance as Kocktail’s hometown, offering a local touch to the brand’s expansion. Customers visiting these stores are treated to a sleek and sophisticated shopping experience, a testament to Kocktail’s commitment to quality and style.
Emil Stickland, co-founder of Kocktail, expressed his vision for this project: “We wanted to do something truly unique for our first instore pop-ups with John Lewis. Building on the visual language we’ve developed over the last three years, incorporating our signature blue and fluted texture, we created a shopping space that’s designed to encapsulate shoppers in the Kocktail experience.”
What sets these concessions apart is the personal touch offered to customers. A personalisation service is available during weekend hours, allowing customers to create bespoke labels for their selected Kocktail, making it an ideal gift option, especially for the upcoming Christmas season.
The collaboration between Kocktail and John Lewis also sees the introduction of an exclusive Christmas 2023 cocktail – the Candy Cane Martini. This novelty item is part of Kocktail’s efforts to continually innovate and cater to evolving customer preferences.
The relationship between Kocktail and John Lewis began in autumn 2022, with the introduction of Kocktail’s premium collection of ready-to-drink bottled cocktails and gift sets in John Lewis stores. The success of this collaboration paved the way for the establishment of the in-store concessions, reflecting the brand’s growing popularity and its ability to attract a wider customer base across the UK.
Kocktail’s journey since its inception during the lockdown in 2020 is noteworthy. With a focus on bar-quality mixes crafted by professional bartenders, Kocktail has quickly become a force to reckon with in the ready-to-drink bottled cocktail category. Their commitment to quality was further affirmed by winning their second Great Taste Award this year.