Luxury retailer confirms opening of new Birmingham store
Leading British interiors and lifestyle brand, Neptune, has confirmed that its new store in Birmingham will begin trading in the autumn.
The company revealed its intention in January of following the example of rival brand OKA and opening a store in Edgbaston.
In an unusual step, the rival retailers will actually be sharing adjoining properties in Harborne Road.
Established in 1996, Neptune has grown rapidly and the opening of the Edgbaston store will increase its UK portfolio to 20 outlets.
The retailer specialises in solid timber kitchens, furniture, lighting and interior decorations. It targeted Edgbaston specifically because of the likely target market.
The new store has retained the original external features of the property with a number of new features added inside, including a bespoke Edwardian oak and iron grand staircase to suit the period of the building and a beam pitched ceiling. Neptune has also added a bespoke lift that has been specially designed.
The store will cover 7,534 sq ft, spread across three floors, with a studio at the rear showcasing the kitchen collections.
Calthorpe Estates said the new lease was indicative of the new breed of retailers looking to move into Edgbaston. The property company estimates around 500 new jobs have been created in the area over the past two years due to new businesses moving in.
Ralph Minott, Director of Development at Calthorpe Estates, said: “Neptune is an important addition and reflects our vision for Edgbaston Village, which we launched in 2011. It complements the exciting mix of restaurants and bars created over the past two years, alongside our high-end retail and services offer that continues to grow.”
Tim Buxton, Head of Property at Neptune, said: “Calthorpe Estates’ sympathetic refurbishment of the Edwardian period building we have selected makes the property the perfect addition to our current portfolio.”
Pictured are: Ralph Minott, Calthorpe Estates, Sarah McDonald, Edgbaston store manager and Lucy Stockton, assistant manager at the new Neptune store, Matt Long, Calthorpe Estates.
