Armani to bring high fashion to Gunwharf Quays

And soon Gunwharf Quays will be able to boast Armani as part of its growing portfolio of designer brands.

The new outlet for the Italian fashion house will be the latest high-profile arrival at Portsmouth’s Gunwharf Quays shopping complex and is scheduled to open later this summer.

Colin Wilding, general manager at Gunwharf, said: ‘We’re always looking to enhance the centre’s offer and we are looking forward to welcoming Armani during the summer for our guests to enjoy.

‘The new addition to the centre will complement our existing stores and strengthen Portsmouth’s growing reputation as a brilliant retail destination.’

Councillor Donna Jones, Tory leader of Portsmouth City Council, said she thought the store’s arrival would benefit the area.

She said: ‘The introduction of the new Armani outlet is great for the city of Portsmouth.

‘It shows we can attract top designer brands.’

The Armani outlet is set to open in August and Cllr Jones believes it will bring more money into the city.

She said: ‘It will have a massive boost on the city’s economy.

‘It will help attract more shoppers to Gunwharf Quays, which is an already thriving shopping network.’

She added: ‘Gunwharf Quays is the second most successful retail outlet in the country and with the introduction of Armani it will only improve – the future is very bright.’

Other new shops are set to be confirmed but cannot be revealed as Gunwharf moves away from high street brands to a more designer-based shopping centre.

Cllr Jones said: ‘Gunwharf Quays has taken the decision to change from a high street outlet to move towards a more upmarket centre, with other brands announced but cannot be disclosed just yet.’

Armani was founded in 1975 by Giorgio Armani and has since gone on to be one of the leading fashion companies in the world, by designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories.