First Ferrari Store in the UK Opens

First Ferrari store in UK

By Zack Newmark
May 6, 2009 8:18 PM
Filed Under: European, Ferrari, Lifestyle

Ferrari F1 driver Kimi Räikkönen and Ferrari exec Dany Bahar cut the ribbon today, officially starting operations at the UK's first Ferrari Store. Located on famed London West End shopping district Regent Street, the 530 square meter store pays homage to the automaker's heritage, while selling the company's wide range of lifestyle accessories.

The store opening was only attended by a small group, who witnessed Räikkönen putting his autograph on the countertop. Fans of the driver should be able to catch a glimpse of the signed piece for years to come. Unfortunately, the new and classic Ferraris parked near the store's entrance will not be a permanent fixture.

Interior design work was conducted by Studio Iosa Ghini, which got their hands on the entire two-story space. Of course, Ferrari does not actually manage the space. Those duties have been passed on to luxe Italian retailer Percassi Group, which also runs he Milan Ferrari Store. Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and America should see more than 40 new Ferrari Store openings over the next three years.

Source: Ferrari

Press Release (Click to expand)

OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING OF FIRST UK FERRARI STORE

Ferrari Formula One driver Kimi Räikkönen today officially opened the UK's first Ferrari Store at 193-197 Regent Street in the very heart of London. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by Räikkönen and Dany Bahar, Ferrari Senior Vice President, Direzione Commerciale & Brand. The Ferrari driver then performed the now-traditional signing of the store counter after which there was a special reception for a select group of guests and Ferrari Owners. The day also featured a spectacular display of both new and classic Ferraris which, having first called to the Store, parked on Conduit Street for all to admire.

The design of the two-storey 530 square metre London Ferrari Store is entirely the work of the Studio Iosa Ghini. The design concept sees the Store as much as a homage to the history and spirit of Ferrari's twin souls of racing and luxury as a straightforward retail outlet. Each area of the Store has thus been carefully designed as a unique, special space in which shoppers can truly embrace the Ferrari experience. Needless to say, the Regent Street Store offers a wide selection of products from the Prancing Horse ranges for GT car clients, Formula 1 tifosi, and Ferrari enthusiasts.

The Regent Street Store joins the other prestige Ferrari Store locations worldwide, including those in Rome and Venice (Italy), Barcelona (Spain), San Francisco and Miami (USA), Macao (China), Abu Dhabi (UAE), to mention but a few. It was created and will be managed by the Percassi Group, a high profile Italian and international retail company that also owns the Ferrari Store in Milan which opened its doors in September 2005. The Ferrari Store development programme includes plans to bring the number of openings to more than 40 over the next three years in Europe, America and the Middle and Far East.