US Luxury Brand To Focus On Male Shoppers
Coach plans to launch its first full men’s footwear collection as part of an overall move to pay more attention to its male shoppers, bosses have announced. The luxury US brand has said it will roll out the 15-piece range of trainers, boots and monk straps, all produced using materials such as suede and Italian leather, at its London flagship next month. Coach, which also sells clothing, bags, sunglasses and fragrances, has previously sold men’s shoes but a steady climb in sales over the last four years lead to the decision to make the department a permanent fixture. Senior vice president Greg Unis believes the collection is the “natural next step,” in an overall strategy to reposition as a lifestyle brand, which kicked off with the expansion into men’s watches in 2013. Despite the push, Coach has denied any plans to follow the likes of Aquascutum and J.Crew with menswear-only stores. Instead it will seek to improve the presence of men’s attire in existing locations. Coach launched in the UK via a deal with Hackett in 2011. Its first London store opened in the Westfield shopping centre in the east of the capital with a separate entrance for each gender. Unis hinted a similar layout could be carried over to other outlets. “We’re now seeing that couples shop together and that men like their own shop as well. It’s all about creating the overall Coach lifestyle.” Coach’s first men’s footwear collection will be available to buy at the New Bond Street flagship from 1st September. The brand’s Regent Street and Westfield stores have also been lined up to stock select styles, with prices ranging from £165 and £420.
Coach Debut Men’s Footwear Collection
