Oliver Bonas, an independent British lifestyle brand, is set to enhance its retail presence with a new store in Islington’s Angel Central. This addition to the shopping centre marks a significant step in the brand’s expansion, with the store occupying 2,856 square feet next to notable names like H&M and Flying Tiger. The store is slated for its grand opening on 11th May and promises an enticing range of fashion, homeware, jewellery, and a unique gifting section, a first for the Islington location.
The decision to move to Angel Central comes after Oliver Bonas closed its earlier establishment at 147-148 Upper Street. This strategic relocation underscores Angel Central’s status as a leading retail and leisure destination in the borough, attracting top-tier retailers and offering diverse shopping and entertainment experiences. Oliver Bonas joins an impressive lineup of brands at Angel Central, including UNIQLO, Rituals, MUJI, and various leisure and F&B outlets such as Northwood, Vue, and The O2 Academy.
Louisa Butters, Head of Retail Asset Management UK at CBRE Investment Management, reflected on the significance of this new addition, stating, “Angel Central has observed a very strong first quarter in terms of leasing and performance, and Oliver Bonas’ signing is evidence of this ongoing success. It is a brand which has been on our radar for quite some time and it’s fantastic to have them as part of our retail portfolio and deliver more variety for our visitors.”
Oliver Tress, the founder of Oliver Bonas, also expressed his enthusiasm for the new location: “We’re pleased to announce our latest store offering of style and inspiration in the heart of Islington. This vibrant community is the perfect backdrop for our eclectic products, and we’re excited to share our unique blend of fashion, homeware, and gifts with everyone who walks through our doors.”
This news coincides with Angel Central reporting a strong first quarter in 2024, with like-for-like sales up by 6.4% compared to the first quarter of 2023, and footfall also seeing an increase of 3.7% over the same period. The opening of Oliver Bonas at Angel Central accompanies the arrival of KIKO Milano, enhancing the beauty and skincare offerings within the centre and contributing to the broader appeal of the area.
CBRE and Colliers are representing Angel Central, while Oliver Bonas managed the deal directly.
