Lands’ End is betting on standalone brick and mortar.
The apparel brand will open a store at The Block, a lifestyle center in Pittsburgh, on April 6. Featuring clothing for women, women and children, the new store is one of 10 to 15 locations the company expects to open in its current fiscal year. Looking more long term, Lands’ End reportedly plans to open between 40 and 60 stores during the next several years years. The company ended its most recent fiscal year with 16 freestanding stores.
Lands’ End’s retail push comes as it continues to break away from former owner Sears, which spun it off in 2014 and where it has operated in-store shops since 2005. The brand has been steadily downsizing its presence in Sears, both through Sears store closures and Lands End’s decision not to renew its leases in Sears. It plans on pulling out of Sears completely by the end of 2019.
The Pittsburgh store is designed to offer a modern take on Lands’ End’s nautical heritage, with the company’s signature colors of true navy and white adding a classic accent. As customers enter, they are greeted by gallery of product, images and streaming video that brings the Lands’ End brand, products and company initiatives to life.
In addition to the merchandise on display, shoppers can browse the full Lands’ End collection of spring and summer products at landsend.com. Store orders come with free shipping and online orders can be returned to the store free of charge.
“We are excited to return to our customers in Pittsburgh and look forward to introducing the community to our first company-owned store in Pennsylvania,” said Claudia Mazo, senior VP of retail, Lands’ End.