SWEET SCENT OF SUCCESS AS JO MALONE OPENS ABERDEEN STORE ON HISTORIC SITE

The Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centres today (Friday, January 22) announced that luxury retailer Jo Malone is to open its first Aberdeen boutique on the historic site of the former Aberdeen Soup Kitchen.

The British lifestyle brand, known for its unique fragrance portfolio and luxury products for the home, will open next spring in the historic old building next to John Lewis on Loch Street.

“Jo Malone were looking for a location that reflected their brand’s distinctive style and have chosen this lovely, quirky old building that has a long history within the city. It’s wonderful that this landmark will now be revitalised instead of lying empty,” said Cheryl Baer, marketing manager for the Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centres.

“It is a fantastic coup for us. Jo Malone is one of the UK’s chicest, contemporary retailers and their image perfectly complements the upmarket brands which have recently come to the Bon Accord Centre.”

The Public Aberdeen Soup Kitchen was first established as a charity in 1800 in St Mary’s Chapel in St Nicholas Church. The Soup Kitchen moved to the premises in Loch Street in 1838, where it remained until 1987. More recently the building housed a Costa Coffee.

The new store is the latest of a string of prestigious openings for the Bon Accord and St Nicholas Centres, the North-east’s premier retail destination.

Luxury shoe retailer Kurt Geiger, and fashion stores Karen Millen, Phase Eight, Next, Top Shop, Coast, Oasis and River Island have all recently opened new or enlarged stores in the Bon Accord Centre, while glamorous crystal jewellery and gift store Swarovski will open its doors in February.

Jill Whitwell, National Sales Director for Jo Malone, said: “We have always received great support from Scotland and we are very excited to be opening within the heart of Aberdeen. Both the city development and retail activity is buzzing at the moment and we are looking forward to establishing and growing the brand here.”

According to the Jo Malone Design Studio, the building has been transformed.

“Primarily, we wanted our contemporary store design to complement this historic site, therefore attention to detail was paramount,” said a spokesperson. “This unique building, a former soup kitchen, has been transformed with cool surfaces and lighting effects which allow the beautiful Jo Malone product displays to sparkle.

“The inviting flow of the store ultimately leads you to the Tasting Bar™ where customers are invited to experience a host of pampering treatments and exciting activity.”

Established in London in 1994, Jo Malone now has more than 200 boutiques globally and The World of Jo Malone™ continues to inspire a loyal following. Whether it is creating a personal scent through Fragrance Combining™, delighting loved ones with The Art of Gift Giving™, or creating a welcoming home ambiance through Scent Surround™, every product, concept and philosophy is designed as a unique sensory experience.

The Aberdeen boutique will allow customers to enter The World of Jo Malone™ a unique and interactive retail environment all with the latest technology and hands on approach, designed to educate and fascinate men and women.

Experiences include Hand & Arm Massage, Fragrance Combining™, Scent Surround™, Skin Care Combining™ and The Art of Gift Giving™. The Aberdeen boutique will also boast a luxurious treatment room for signature Jo Malone face and body treatments.