Gola steps into Carnaby Street

Gola will open its first UK standalone store in London's Carnaby Street next month.

The footwear brand, which is owned by the Jacobson Group, has signed a 1,608sq ft unit opposite Diesel on the world-famous retail street.
The store will stock Gola's higher-priced fashion heritage range Gola Classics, priced at between £40 and £60.

Gola is to move into the site on Carnaby Street that was previously occupied by cosmetics retailer Lush.

The opening follows the launch of a standalone Gola retail concept in Tokyo in Japan and Buenos Aires in Argentina. If the UK store proves successful, Gola will explore a further three to four UK locations.

The brand is also mulling opening a store in the US, in New York's fashionable SoHo district, to help elevate its profile in the US market.
Simon Quayle, director of Carnaby Street landlord Shaftesbury, said the brand would make a good fit because of its strong heritage.
"We feel the brand is a great addition to the existing retail mix and the heritage nature of the brand adds to the appeal," he said. 

Gola was founded in 1900, making it one of the oldest sports footwear brands in the UK.