Jimmy fairly to open in Edinburgh

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
May 4, 2023

French fashion eyewear producer and retailer Jimmy Fairly continues its rapid expansion in the UK, with its latest store set to open on George Street, Edinburgh, this summer.

The optician and sunglasses designer has agreed a 10-year lease with Savills for the 979 sq ft retail unit, previously occupied by fashion footwear brand Carl Scarpa, with a new annual rent of £82,500.

Stuart Moncur, head of national retail at Savills, said: “George Street continues to be one of Edinburgh’s premier retail destinations, providing Jimmy Fairly with an excellent location for its growing store portfolio. 

“The fact we were able to secure a new lease, back to back with the departing occupier, is testament to the street’s appeal.”

Jimmy Fairly made a colourful entry into the busy UK eyewear retail market. Debuting in London in 2018, it has since gone on the target sites in both cities and key towns researched as ideal target locations for its young fashion eyewear designs.

Earlier this month, Jimmy Fairly also launched its first collaboration with fellow Paris brand Carel for a summer accessories range, including three tubular bucket bags made from apple leather.

Fashion eyewear retail has been a major growth sector in the UK since the end of the pandemic with many brands opening stores, both domestic and international, the latter including French brands Bloobloom and Izipizi. This year in particular they’ve been expanding into key retail areas including high streets and shopping centres.

London is proving a particularly strong market for the new type of eyewear the French labels are offering. Combining own-brand, affordable/premium, pricing and strong personal service, they’re filling a key gap not necessarily met by the large optician chains already in Britain.