Autry, the US sneaker model based by Jim Autry in Texas in 1982 which first got here to prominence for its ‘Medalist’ tennis shoe, has opened a 2,600 sq ft retailer at 61-63 Beak Road in London’s Soho – its first-ever retailer within the UK.
Autry was as soon as one of many main sportswear manufacturers in North America, famous for its sneakers being adorned with a small US flag alongside the model’s brand. It primarily centered on designing sneakers for tennis, working and aerobics, and had its prime years from the early 80s to early 90s.
It had been mothballed for nearly 20 years, however was revived in 2019 by Italian entrepreneurs together with Marco Doro, Alberto Raengo and Gino Zarrelli.
Then, in 2021 it was taken over by the Made in Italy Fund, managed by Italian asset administration group Quadrivio, together with style consultancy, Pambianco.
One other twist within the model’s possession got here in March 2024, when Autry was acquired by Fashion Capital, an Italian personal fairness fund based by Roberta Benaglia.
Benaglia, who can be the CEO of Fashion Capital, mentioned: “The opening of Autry’s first flagship retailer in London marks a pivotal second within the model’s journey. It’s greater than a retail milestone, it brings Autry’s iconic values to life by means of an area that displays our id.
“London, with its cultural vibrancy and international spirit, was the pure first stage for this step. This boutique represents a brand new chapter in our technique to construct a powerful worldwide presence and join with our international group, combining authenticity, high quality, and a daring imaginative and prescient for the longer term.”
Will Oliver, Retail and Restaurant Director at London landlord Shaftesbury Capital, added: “Autry’s debut UK retailer continues to highlight the unparalleled enchantment of Soho.
“Its repute for firsts and our emphasis on making a world class surroundings for shoppers is why Soho is so typically a major goal for worldwide manufacturers trying to make their mark within the UK.”
Autry joins a sequence of names on Soho’s Beak Road, together with Grown Alchemist with its first UK retailer, in addition to Ganni and Samsøe & Samsøe. In the meantime, “digitally native” activewear model Tala this week introduced the opening of its 2,000 sq ft retailer at 3-4 Carnaby Road might be on 24 Could.
