GERMAN fashion brand Gerry Weber has chosen a family-run firm in Co Down as its sole UK and Ireland franchise.
The German company announced in August that it will shut its entire UK store estate by October.
But Jonzara (www.jonzara.com), which last year took over the Gerry Weber store in Newtownards, will continue to offer the popular brand to shoppers and thus secure the future of the Gerry Weber name in Britain and Ireland.
The independent retailer, which began trading in 2008, specialises in contemporary women’s clothing and remains steadfast despite the ongoing high street closures.
Along with its Gerry Weber store, Jonzara has two stores in Newtownards and Lisburn.
The business invested £150,000 in its 3,300 sq ft Lisburn premises in 2017 with further development plans in the pipeline.
It currently employs 26 people across all three stores, with more recruitment under way.
Jonzara director Jonathan McCann says: “This is fantastic news and recognition of our proactive approach to growing Gerry Weber’s loyal customer base.
“Growth in store and online is equally matched. Now that we are going to be the sole Gerry Weber store in the UK and Ireland, this makes our offering even more exclusive for our customers.
“By showcasing a variety of designer brands in a range of sizes to suit any occasion and combining this with exceptional service, we have had the opportunity to grow.”
Director Sarah McCann added: “We have seen a lot of additional growth online, not just for the Gerry Weber range. Our website exports Jonzara brands to over 50 countries worldwide including USA, Canada and Australia.
“The great news for our customers is that our online expansion has enabled us to offer an ever-increasing range of products both instore and online.”
