Karen Millen is returning to physical retail for the first time in seven years with the launch of three concession stores across the UK.

The concessions will open inside TFG (The Foschini Group) stores, which are home to brands including Hobbs, Phase Eight, and Whistles.

Debenhams Group, which owns the fashion brand, said the move is part of its efforts to meet growing customer demand for in-store shopping.

The first location opened at Fosse Park in Leicester on 14 August, followed by stores at Aberdeen Union Square and Liverpool ONE on 17 August. The company said additional concession openings are planned.

The concessions will stock a curated range of occasion wear and the brand's bestselling products. The collection also features signature garments developed over the brand's 45-year history since it was founded in 1981.

The retailer said the concessions will allow customers to browse collections in person, try on products before purchasing and access what it described as a premium in-store shopping experience.

Dan Finley, chief executive of Debenhams Group, said the return was driven by customer demand for more ways to shop the brand.

“Karen Millen is a brand with real heritage, recognition and a loyal customer base, so bringing it back to the high street is a significant moment,” said Dan Finley, chief executive of Debenhams Group. “Our customers want great fashion, but they also want to experience brands in different ways, and physical retail gives us another opportunity to do that.

“Working with TFG allows us to bring the Karen Millen signature craftsmanship and occasion wear to a new generation of customers, while building on the strength of a brand that has been part of British fashion for more than four decades.”

Other brands have announced their intentions to open stores on the High Street stores this year, including Asos, which is reportedly looking at sites between 4,000 and 8,000 sq. ft, in locations such as Oxford Street and Regent Street, as well as other high-footfall areas such as Long Acre near Covent Garden and King’s Road, Chelsea.

In February, Topshop announced it was launching concessions in all 32 John Lewis department stores following a successful pop up in Liberty London and a trial in four John Lewis stores.

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