Fashion and lifestyle retailer to set up shop in rejuvenated building

Retailer Oliver Bonas has confirmed it will be launching a new store in Harrogate.

It will see the rejuvenation of one of the prime flagship buildings on James Street, in the town centre.

Oliver Bonas has agreed a lease for the ground floor area totalling around 3,700 sq ft of space from the owners of the building, Countrylarge.

Countrylarge is also drawing up proposals to convert the upper floors of the building into boutique serviced apartments.

Founded in 1993 by Oliver Tress, Oliver Bonas is an independent British lifestyle brand, offering a range of fashion, jewellery, homeware, furniture, and gifts designed by an in-house design team.

Antony Rosindale from Countrylarge, owners of the property, said: “We’re very excited to be bringing a leading lifestyle brand to the heart of Harrogate town centre and our vision for the building will fully utilise all the existing space.

“It’s a grand building and we want to ensure it is all used in the best way possible.”

Tom Limbert, director of niche property consultants, Central Retail, who acted for Countrylarge, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with Countrylarge and Oliver Bonas is an iconic brand which befits such a majestic building.

“Having acted for various landlord clients over the past 12 months, we have introduced Pret A Manger, Ebru Evrim & Carl Scarpa to the street and have also upsized Hotel Chocolat.

“James Street has been re-invigorated and it’s vibrancy has returned to a pre-pandemic state. There are more outstanding high-end retailers destined for the area. The good news is that all units are now fully occupied.

It is expected the new Oliver Bonas shop will open in September 2022.