Radley Spring forward for Summer

Radley – the UK’s leading ladies handbag, luggage and accessories brand – has started 2008 with the continued success experienced by the brand in 2007.

In addition to entering the US market through Bloomingdales and Lord & Taylor this spring, Radley will continue with its UK retail expansion, opening stores in Glasgow and Birmingham, following the opening of two London flagship stores and one in Manchester’s city centre last year.

Launching for spring summer 2008, sunglasses inspired by 50s, 60s and 70s styles use laser cut technology, coloured leather covers and polka dot screen printing on contrasting acetate strips to create a range that is truly representative of the Radley brand – colourful, creative and surprising. As well as being stocked in Radley retail stores and online (www.radley.co.uk), selected John Lewis stores nationwide are carrying the full range of eight styles.

Also new for this season, 100% silk scarves and silk-mix options (with cashmere and linen) combine to expand Radley’s product range, taking the brand further into the accessories market.

With the London Collection – the premium handbag line from Radley – now in its second season, the positioning of the entire handbag range continues to move towards a direction of “honest luxury”.

These developments follow the sale of a majority shareholding to Exponent Private Equity, in a secondary buy-out from Phoenix Equity Partners, valuing the business at £130m in December 2007. Earlier last year, Radley, launched its debut advertising campaign and transactional website.