Fenwick: The Largest, Family-Owned Group of Luxury Department Stores in the UK

Fenwick is an entry in our Great British Brands 2024 book. 

Fenwick: Great British Brand 2024

‘Style pioneers since 1882, Fenwick has a curated edit of luxury across lifestyle, fashion and beauty in its stores and digital. In beauty, we collaborate with our brand partners to create experiences that engage customers. This can be anything from talking to an expert salesperson at a counter to professional make-up artist events or forums with brand founders. Hospitality is hugely important so we heavily invest in people in our beauty halls; having a human touch point is something we feel extremely strongly about. Beauty can be bought anywhere but our customers want trusted advice from an authority.

Our Newcastle flagship, where the beauty hall is having a complete overhaul as part of a wider investment programme, has the biggest footprint in the northeast. It covers all beauty needs from make-up to fragrance and skincare, and stocks names such as Chanel alongside niche hard-to-find, founder-led brands like Cellcosmet and Maison Francis Kurkdjian. The latter creates a point of difference for customers and a sense of exploration. Visiting any of our stores should feel both exciting and welcoming, like coming over the threshold of a Fenwick family home.

AI is at the forefront of many beauty brands. Some are investing in smart tech – whether it’s for facial scanning to understand skincare needs, or a scalp diagnostics tool – but it needs to be backed up with a knowledgeable team member who acts like a concierge, going out of their way to source whatever a customer desires. Nothing is too much trouble: we strive for a level of personal service and hospitality that is often only seen in the most exclusive environments. We’re at the heart of community in each of our locations and we always focus on creating an exciting offering with an unmatched in-store experience.’

Hazel Ayers, Beauty Buying and Merchandising Director

Photo: Andrew Meredith

Five Proudest Moments

1. Launching our first ever ad campaign, in September 2023, with the tagline ‘Quiet No More’, reaching out to a new generation who want to engage with authentic brands.

2. Having her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II open Fenwick Bracknell in 2018.

3. In 2022 the brand marked 140 years of Fenwick – it was a year of celebration.

4. John James Fenwick opening the first store in Newcastle in 1882. Since the beginning the department store has had a commitment to luxury and quality that continues to this day.

5. Launching a multi-year partnership with Newcastle United FC in December 2023, which will celebrate the community of Newcastle, its creativity, talent and passion.

What I’ve Learnt

• I now know to trust my intuition when it comes to both people and taking on a new brand partner.
• The importance of taking time to pause, and be inspired by the world around me.
• You are only as good as your team.

FENWICK

fenwick.co.uk

@fenwickofficial