Abercrombie & Fitch coming to Ireland; setting up shop in Dublin
Abercrombie & Fitch will likely confirm it will move into the old Habitat building on College Green next week, according to reports today in The Irish Times.
One of the most popular clothing brands amongst Ireland’s teens and college-going twenty-something’s is set to open its first ever Irish store.
The US fashion retailer is famous for its preppy designs and good-looking models.
Despite not having an Irish outlet and charging substantial prices for its outfits, Abercrombie & Fitch has become massively popular with the youth of Ireland. The retailer’s store on Fifth Avenue in New York often features a queue of Irish shoppers outside.
The Irish Times confirms that the company has signed contracts to rent most of the former Habitat building near the bottom of Grafton Street. The location of the building and its spacious multi-storey layout make it an ideal spot for the brand.
The move to Ireland is one of many throughout Europe. Abercrombie plans to begin trading in Paris, Brussels, Madrid and Dusseldorf this year.
The company’s cheaper brand, Hollister, is also due to set up shop in Dundrum Town Centre this summer.
Although it will create competition for other high-end retailers on Grafton Street, the move will be a massive boost for the Irish retailing sector, particularly the city centre, creating footfall and atmosphere.